Scattered across the state, Michigan’s wetlands provide great year-round recreation opportunities like birding, boating, fishing, hiking, photography and hunting. Now through July 14, the DNR’s Wetland Wonders Challenge offers even more reasons to visit. Stop by one of the 14 Wetland Wonders locations at state game and wildlife areas around Michigan, snap a picture next to the official sign, and you could win a Cabela’s gift card valued at up to $1,000.
But Michigan’s wetlands offer more than amazing recreation and prize opportunities. They’re key to improving and maintaining the state’s environmental health.
“Michigan’s wetlands are beneficial to humans and to wildlife,” said Holly Vaughn, DNR wildlife communications coordinator. “They provide important flood control functions, especially important when communities are experiencing a great deal of rainfall, and help to filter water, making our groundwater cleaner. Wetlands also provide nesting areas and resting spots for migrating birds to stop and refuel for their long migrations.”
Besides serving a vital environmental function, Michigan’s thousands of acres of wetlands are a great way to explore Michigan’s outdoors – wetlands are teeming with a diverse array of species, and opportunities abound for people who want to get involved in nature year-round. Whether that’s by wildlife viewing, kayaking or hunting, wetlands should be every outdoor enthusiast’s next stop.
Learn more about the state’s wetlands, Wetland Wonders locations and the current contest details at Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders. Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn, 313-396-6863.
