Get ready! A rare solar eclipse is set to pass over North America Monday, April 8, and people everywhere are making plans to experience this astronomical phenomenon.

While the path of totality is predicted to touch only the southeastern-most corner of the state, most state parks and wildlife areas offer prime viewing for the partial eclipse due to their open skies and minimal light pollution.

According to NASA’s Eclipse Explorer, incredible coverage is predicted at the following locations (plus viewing events are taking place there):

• Erie State Game Area in Erie – 99.98% totality.
• Sterling State Park in Monroe – 99.8% totality.
• Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton – 99.3% totality. Read more

Spring is pruning season for many tree species, but if you have an oak tree, put down your saw by mid-April.

To stop the spread of oak wilt, a fungal disease that can kill red oak trees within weeks, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging homeowners not to prune any oak trees from April 15 to July 15.

Despite warm days in late winter, the risk of infection through sap-feeding beetles is still very low through April 15. Risk is highest from mid-April to mid-July, and recent research at Michigan State University indicates that in Michigan, oak infection risk peaks in May and June. Read more

On Feb. 29, at approximately 7:30 p.m., two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers conducting nighttime water-based patrol near Sebastian Inlet stopped a 42-foot vessel returning from offshore. Immediately upon stopping the vessel, the officers knew they had intercepted a human smuggling operation. The operator of the vessel was armed and onboard; lying prone on the deck of the boat, they discovered 25 individuals, including five unaccompanied children, illegally entering the country.

In addition to the individuals onboard, officers discovered firearms, night vision gear and drugs. The vessel operator and a passenger, both U.S. citizens, were turned over to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the case was referred to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the BCSO for further investigation.

GW:  More money we have to borrow for ARPA funds.  So, sad we have to burden people yet to be born.  Of course, our hands are extended to accept debt.

Thanks to a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, many critical improvements at Michigan state parks are underway or getting ready to break ground in the coming months.

Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.

“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.” Read more

The Armory Life™ is proud to announce that respected military consultant, actor, director and writer Capt. Dale Dye, USMC (Ret) has authored an article on World War II’s Battle of Iwo Jima, commemorating the 79th anniversary of this pivotal battle that began on February 19th, 1945. In this piece, he recounts one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ most revered, yet costly victories.

Beginning with his first trip as a young Marine in the mid-1960s, Capt. Dye has visited that hallowed ground three times. Over these visits, he was able to climb to the location of the famed flag raising on Mount Suribachi, viewing from that vantage point infamous battle sites such as the Quarry, the Amphitheater, Turkey Knob, Hills 362A, B and C, and the Motoyama airstrips.

During his time there, he explored many of these sites as well as crawled through caves packed with rusty weapons, ammo and little housekeeping items left by the men who fought and died there. On one visit, he was able to find rare porcelain mess tins marked with the anchor and rising sun symbol of the Rikusentai, or Japanese Special Naval Landing Force. Read more

Hillsdale College hosted a Law Enforcement Outreach Conference on Feb. 15 at The Blake Center for Faith and Freedom in Somers, Connecticut. Law enforcement officers from across the country received training to become certified in teaching the Hillsdale College Law Enforcement Constitution Course.

“Hillsdale College is proud to offer a Constitution course designed for law enforcement,” said Jeremiah Regan, director of law enforcement outreach at Hillsdale College. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to defend the Constitution. Hillsdale is teaching officers and agencies what that oath entails and why it is essential.” Read more

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – ALPS OutdoorZ, premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, understands that the “common denominator” for most hunters is the vehicle that supplies the means to adventure. And as every hunter knows, a hunting truck can devolve into a disorganized mess in short order.

To help keep your truck functional and your gear safely and conveniently stowed, ALPS OutdoorZ has developed the Nomad vehicle organizer.

The Nomad is a panel system that hangs from the back of your vehicle’s front seats. Offered in Mossy Oak® Original Bottomland® or stylish two-tone charcoal and black, the Nomad features a universal mounting design that easily secures to the headrest and seat bottom. Both panels (Nomad comes in a set of two) feature two large, zippered pockets across the top — one with an outer mesh pocket and the other featuring a hook-and-loop patch. An expansive open pocket on the bottom third of the panel is suitable for storing large items. Additionally, two magnetic closure pockets integrated onto the outside of the bottom pocket are perfect for stowing small items you need quickly. Three MOLLE webs allow you to further customize storage options. Read more

Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking the public for feedback on a new general management plan for the park via an online survey. Read more