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Friday: Outdoors

Grants awarded to support recycling

HANCOCK — Thirty projects statewide, including two in the Upper Peninsula, have received funding to advance reuse, repair, and recovery of materials and grow markets for recycled materials The projects from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will share $5.6 million in Circular Economy Grants to advance recycling and develop Michigan’s circular supply chains. The Circular Economy Grants are funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energ as part of NextCycle Michigan, an accelerator program advancing innovative business and community solutions to ...

National Invasive Species Awareness Week, Feb. 24-28, a time to learn more, commit to action

MARQUETTE — Invasive species are a growing problem in Michigan and the U.S. During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 24 - 28), Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is joining efforts across all 50 states to encourage everyone to take action to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plants, animals and diseases. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources. The program includes a network of 22 cooperative invasive ...

Predator hunting offers challenges, excitement

MARQUETTE — When deer season ends and before bird season begins there is a way for sportsmen to still enjoy the thrill of hunting in the northern Michigan woods. Predator hunting, the taking of animal predators such as coyotes and foxes, is legal year-round in the state. There is no bag limit on coyotes or foxes, although only two bobcats are allowed during the few months of winter during which the cats are in season. Michigan Department of Natural Resources forest technician Tom Burnis, an avid predator hunter, explained how the act of enticing predators involves posing as their ...

Outdoors North

We stood in the summer sunshine on that thin ribbon of beach sand. Behind us, the beautiful blue of the big lake was rolling, rising and falling as it gasped, rushing toward us, tumbling and crashing into a sputtering foam of white water. The cold drink rushed over our feet giving us that first time shiver. As the wave retreated, it exposed a wide field of beautiful glistening stones worn smooth by the water, dazzling our eyes with numerous shades of browns, oranges and reds, along with countless speckled granites and shiny quartz. The sky was a clear true blue and the warmth was ...

Outdoors North: Coyotes, a long misunderstood creature

“No regrets, Coyote. We just come from such different sets of circumstance. I’m up all night in the studios and you’re up early on your ranch,” – Joni Mitchell I spotted him as he walked slowly toward me down a snow-covered road, the rusty and tawny colors of his coat glowing warmly in the afternoon sun. He briefly lifted his nose to sniff the wind coming from my direction before he jumped over a snowbank in front of him, plunging his front feet into the soft, fresh snow around a stand of balsam firs. He disappeared almost immediately into the woods. I closed my eyes to ...

Winter sowing in upcycled containers creates stronger seedlings in spring

It’s either time -- or nearly time -- to start seeds indoors for the upcoming growing season, depending on where you live. But what about starting them outdoors, despite the frozen ground, whipping winds and, perhaps, snow cover? I’m gearing up to sow tomatoes, beets, herbs and zinnias, ...