Michigan residents in northern parts of the state are noticing loss of leaves on oak, aspen and maple trees. The prime culprit contributing to this defoliation is the gypsy moth. Department of Natural Resources forest health officials report that, while the most obvious defoliation is currently heaviest in Crawford, Oscoda, Otsego and Montmorency counties, it is likely that gypsy moth caterpillars are causing similar problems on a local scale in other areas of the Lower Peninsula. Read more

Once nearly absent from much of Michigan due to the effects of DDT and other pesticide use, Michigan’s osprey population continues to rebound. In southern Michigan, monitoring efforts track the revitalization of this species.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to place GPS tracking units on several osprey this year,” said Julie Oakes, DNR wildlife biologist. “This will provide the DNR with information on what migration routes the birds take, and also give us insight into what perils they must endure on their migration.” Read more