Deer frolic in the snow.
By Jack Payne
Well, it looks like December 2025 will go down as the worst December for open water fishing in recent memory.
There is a chance of a warming spell, but it is not too likely.
The good news: this December is the best for snowshoeing. As of Dec. 8, we have a good snow base. The forecast is cold weather and light snow showers until Christmas. That suits me.
If this cold snap continues, ice fishing will start earlier. In the last two years, ice fishing lasted about 14 days. I need at least six inches of solid ice before going out. After two mishaps on bad ice, only good ice for me.
I always wear some type of flotation device and carry spikes tethered to my wrist. Some call me overcautious, but safety comes first. Trust me, falling through the ice twice was not fun.
My snowshoes are packed in my truck right after I return from deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula. They are lightweight with great bootstraps. My boots never slip, making walking easy.
Snowshoes provide a good workout and greatly assists when walking over deep snow. The difference using snowshoes or not is amazing.
Cross-country skiing is also a fun activity. Usually, within a 30-minute drive, you can find a place to rent skis. Most rental spots have groomed trails.
If you own a set of cross-country skis, then head out to the public land. The two tracks might not be groomed but they are lots of fun to hike. I love anything to do with the Kalamazoo River area.
Walking along the upper bluffs is amazing. Eagles are spotted, deer, geese, ducks, squirrels and much more are easy to spot. Many of these critters utilize the river bottoms during the winter and staying above them, they stick out much easier.
As I get older, my hands get colder. This winter, I switched to mittens made from a deer I shot. They have a finger slip-out slot, handy when taking photos with my camera or my phone.
At first blush, my fingers seem warmer. The mittens grip well, so hiking with my insulated coffee tumbler is easy. The jury is still out on the gloves versus mittens but I am leaning towards the mittens.
A few years ago, my wife made me a long wool scarf. I tuck the ends into my jacket to block the wind from my neck. I also have a balaclava face/neck gaiter that can be shaped to drink easily or pulled up to expose only my eyes. On the windy blistery days I use the balaclava.
Winter photography is incredible because all of the wild creatures really stand out. Birds, deer, rabbits, turkeys, and more pop against the barren forest and fencelines. It’s yet another way winter changes your perspective on familiar sights.
Fresh snow changes any photo. A building, a tree, or an abandoned object looks totally different in winter. Sometimes, your cell phone is all you need for a great shot.
A few photo tips: keep the sun behind you. Highlight or frame your subject. Ask yourself, what is the photo’s focus? Make sure your subject fills most of the viewfinder.
Take photos from various angles. Sometimes a slight angle improves perspective. Looking down or up can create a new dimension. It’s digital - shoot as many as you like.
Winter is perfect for family gatherings and cold-weather activities. I love sledding. A sled or inner tube works well. My favorite is a disc or saucer, and some padding reduces the bumps. As I get older, those bumps feel harder.
Ice skating is also popular. Though it’s not my favorite, many enjoy it. In some areas, finding good outdoor ice can be tough.
Light shows are popular in December for a good reason. Many can be enjoyed from your vehicle. I prefer walking through the displays to soak in the beauty but both re real enjoyable.
Get out and enjoy winter. Remember, Bob’s Gun and Tackle is ready to help.
Well, it looks like December 2025 will go down as the worst December for open water fishing in recent memory.
There is a chance of a warming spell, but it is not too likely.
The good news: this December is the best for snowshoeing. As of Dec. 8, we have a good snow base. The forecast is cold weather and light snow showers until Christmas. That suits me.
If this cold snap continues, ice fishing will start earlier. In the last two years, ice fishing lasted about 14 days. I need at least six inches of solid ice before going out. After two mishaps on bad ice, only good ice for me.
I always wear some type of flotation device and carry spikes tethered to my wrist. Some call me overcautious, but safety comes first. Trust me, falling through the ice twice was not fun.
My snowshoes are packed in my truck right after I return from deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula. They are lightweight with great bootstraps. My boots never slip, making walking easy.
Snowshoes provide a good workout and greatly assists when walking over deep snow. The difference using snowshoes or not is amazing.
Cross-country skiing is also a fun activity. Usually, within a 30-minute drive, you can find a place to rent skis. Most rental spots have groomed trails.
If you own a set of cross-country skis, then head out to the public land. The two tracks might not be groomed but they are lots of fun to hike. I love anything to do with the Kalamazoo River area.
Walking along the upper bluffs is amazing. Eagles are spotted, deer, geese, ducks, squirrels and much more are easy to spot. Many of these critters utilize the river bottoms during the winter and staying above them, they stick out much easier.
As I get older, my hands get colder. This winter, I switched to mittens made from a deer I shot. They have a finger slip-out slot, handy when taking photos with my camera or my phone.
At first blush, my fingers seem warmer. The mittens grip well, so hiking with my insulated coffee tumbler is easy. The jury is still out on the gloves versus mittens but I am leaning towards the mittens.
A few years ago, my wife made me a long wool scarf. I tuck the ends into my jacket to block the wind from my neck. I also have a balaclava face/neck gaiter that can be shaped to drink easily or pulled up to expose only my eyes. On the windy blistery days I use the balaclava.
Winter photography is incredible because all of the wild creatures really stand out. Birds, deer, rabbits, turkeys, and more pop against the barren forest and fencelines. It’s yet another way winter changes your perspective on familiar sights.
Fresh snow changes any photo. A building, a tree, or an abandoned object looks totally different in winter. Sometimes, your cell phone is all you need for a great shot.
A few photo tips: keep the sun behind you. Highlight or frame your subject. Ask yourself, what is the photo’s focus? Make sure your subject fills most of the viewfinder.
Take photos from various angles. Sometimes a slight angle improves perspective. Looking down or up can create a new dimension. It’s digital - shoot as many as you like.
Winter is perfect for family gatherings and cold-weather activities. I love sledding. A sled or inner tube works well. My favorite is a disc or saucer, and some padding reduces the bumps. As I get older, those bumps feel harder.
Ice skating is also popular. Though it’s not my favorite, many enjoy it. In some areas, finding good outdoor ice can be tough.
Light shows are popular in December for a good reason. Many can be enjoyed from your vehicle. I prefer walking through the displays to soak in the beauty but both re real enjoyable.
Get out and enjoy winter. Remember, Bob’s Gun and Tackle is ready to help.
County Parks Challenge Returns With Scavenger Hunt
Ottawa County Parks is excited to announce the return of the Parks Challenge in 2026, now featuring a brand-new Scavenger Hunt.
Thanks to the creativity and generosity of Kristopher Reinhardt of Edward Jones, park visitors can take part in a year-long adventure designed to highlight Ottawa County’s parks in a fun and interactive way.
The Scavenger Hunt runs throughout 2026 and invites participants to follow clues, explore county parks, and search for hidden tokens. Each season, three clues will lead to one county park, for a total of four mystery parks during the year.
The first participant to find the hidden token at each mystery park will win $250. Participants must be registered to be eligible. If the token has already been found, visitors can still participate by searching for and scanning a QR code at the site to enter a quarterly prize drawing.
“Ottawa County Parks have become a foundational part of who I am. I didn’t know or understand that when I started exploring them,” said Kristopher Reinhardt, sponsor of the 2026 Scavenger Hunt. “I have visited these places during some of the most triumphant and hardest times of my life. Each time, the parks have amplified the highs and softened the lows. Every visit has left me feeling less stressed, happier, and more optimistic. This is the true prize of the Scavenger Hunt. The money is simply an incentive for people to start their journey.”
Clues will be released on social media at the beginning of each month by Kristopher Reinhardt and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Participants may also sign up to receive clues via email.
“The generous contribution from Kris, as well as other sponsors and donors, makes fun, family-friendly adventures like this possible,” County Parks Director Jason Shamblin said. “Funds for the Visit Every Park Challenge and Scavenger Hunt are raised through the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s health and wellness initiative, which supports programs and events in Ottawa County Parks that promote community well-being. We are so excited to celebrate the Foundation’s 10th anniversary by getting more folks outside and exploring our amazing park system.”
You can register for the Scavenger Hunt at ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/scavenger-hunt. The Parks Challenge guide can be downloaded at miottawa.org/parks-challenge.
—————
Rules of the Game
The token will not be:
• Entirely buried underground.
• Located inside a reservable area or within 10 yards of a reservable area or building.
• Placed outside an Ottawa County park.
• Placed more than four feet above ground level.
• Placed in any body of water.
• Located in any closed park area or off-trail
Digging, prying open doors/ windows, or damaging park property is strictly prohibited.
The first clue will be released in January 2026. Whether you join the Scavenger Hunt, the Visit Every Park Challenge, or both, get ready for a year of discovery in your Ottawa County parks.
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation supports and enhances the work of Ottawa County Parks through fundraising and outreach efforts. The Foundation plays a key role in expanding opportunities that connect people to nature, including special projects like the 2026 Parks Challenge Scavenger Hunt.
Thanks to the creativity and generosity of Kristopher Reinhardt of Edward Jones, park visitors can take part in a year-long adventure designed to highlight Ottawa County’s parks in a fun and interactive way.
The Scavenger Hunt runs throughout 2026 and invites participants to follow clues, explore county parks, and search for hidden tokens. Each season, three clues will lead to one county park, for a total of four mystery parks during the year.
The first participant to find the hidden token at each mystery park will win $250. Participants must be registered to be eligible. If the token has already been found, visitors can still participate by searching for and scanning a QR code at the site to enter a quarterly prize drawing.
“Ottawa County Parks have become a foundational part of who I am. I didn’t know or understand that when I started exploring them,” said Kristopher Reinhardt, sponsor of the 2026 Scavenger Hunt. “I have visited these places during some of the most triumphant and hardest times of my life. Each time, the parks have amplified the highs and softened the lows. Every visit has left me feeling less stressed, happier, and more optimistic. This is the true prize of the Scavenger Hunt. The money is simply an incentive for people to start their journey.”
Clues will be released on social media at the beginning of each month by Kristopher Reinhardt and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Participants may also sign up to receive clues via email.
“The generous contribution from Kris, as well as other sponsors and donors, makes fun, family-friendly adventures like this possible,” County Parks Director Jason Shamblin said. “Funds for the Visit Every Park Challenge and Scavenger Hunt are raised through the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s health and wellness initiative, which supports programs and events in Ottawa County Parks that promote community well-being. We are so excited to celebrate the Foundation’s 10th anniversary by getting more folks outside and exploring our amazing park system.”
You can register for the Scavenger Hunt at ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/scavenger-hunt. The Parks Challenge guide can be downloaded at miottawa.org/parks-challenge.
—————
Rules of the Game
The token will not be:
• Entirely buried underground.
• Located inside a reservable area or within 10 yards of a reservable area or building.
• Placed outside an Ottawa County park.
• Placed more than four feet above ground level.
• Placed in any body of water.
• Located in any closed park area or off-trail
Digging, prying open doors/ windows, or damaging park property is strictly prohibited.
The first clue will be released in January 2026. Whether you join the Scavenger Hunt, the Visit Every Park Challenge, or both, get ready for a year of discovery in your Ottawa County parks.
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation supports and enhances the work of Ottawa County Parks through fundraising and outreach efforts. The Foundation plays a key role in expanding opportunities that connect people to nature, including special projects like the 2026 Parks Challenge Scavenger Hunt.
Natural Resources Board Recommends $45M in Projects to Boost Outdoor Recreation
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board has recommended that the Michigan Legislature approve 60 recreation development projects and 15 land acquisitions totaling $45 million to be funded in 2026.
Six of the projects being recommended by the MNRTF board are in Ottawa County.
The board this year considered a total of 100 applications seeking over $56.6 million in funding. In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.
The panel recommends funding to state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions aimed at furthering access to public outdoor recreation.
This year, the board recommended $19.1 million for development project grants and $25.8 million for acquisition grants.
Inside those amounts, there were 55 development grants totaling $17,704,000 and 10 acquisition grants totaling $10,266,000 recommended to be awarded to local units of government. In addition, five development projects totaling $1,430,000 and five acquisition purchases totaling $15,600,000 were recommended for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.”
“The Trust Fund continues to be a tremendous source of funding for important projects and land acquisitions across Michigan,” Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen said. “Since 1976, more than 3,000 projects or acquisitions have been funded with the help of Trust Fund dollars, creating an outstanding legacy spanning nearly half a century.”
Projects in Ottawa County that are being recommended include:
• Spring Lake Township: Petty’s Bayou waterfront acquisition, $840,000
• City of Holland: Van Raalte Farm boardwalk project, $400,000
• City of Hudsonville: Nature center development project, $400,000
• Ottawa County Parks: Rosy Mound Natural Area improvements, $400,000
• Ottawa County Parks: Idema Explorers Trail – Bass River Segment, $400,000
• Village of Spring Lake: Central Park redevelopment, $400,000
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals.
Over the past 49 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.3 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,015 allocations, to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.
“From a Keweenaw Heartlands land acquisition in Keweenaw County to a Salsinger Trailhead land purchase as part of the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit, to dozens of development projects scattered all over our state, the Trust Fund is making substantial progress every single year,” said Dr. Brandy Brown, chairwoman of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board.
The Trust Fund board’s recommendations will go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to the governor for signing.
A list of the final recommendations made by the Trust Fund board is available at Michigan.gov/MNRTF.
Six of the projects being recommended by the MNRTF board are in Ottawa County.
The board this year considered a total of 100 applications seeking over $56.6 million in funding. In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.
The panel recommends funding to state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions aimed at furthering access to public outdoor recreation.
This year, the board recommended $19.1 million for development project grants and $25.8 million for acquisition grants.
Inside those amounts, there were 55 development grants totaling $17,704,000 and 10 acquisition grants totaling $10,266,000 recommended to be awarded to local units of government. In addition, five development projects totaling $1,430,000 and five acquisition purchases totaling $15,600,000 were recommended for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.”
“The Trust Fund continues to be a tremendous source of funding for important projects and land acquisitions across Michigan,” Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen said. “Since 1976, more than 3,000 projects or acquisitions have been funded with the help of Trust Fund dollars, creating an outstanding legacy spanning nearly half a century.”
Projects in Ottawa County that are being recommended include:
• Spring Lake Township: Petty’s Bayou waterfront acquisition, $840,000
• City of Holland: Van Raalte Farm boardwalk project, $400,000
• City of Hudsonville: Nature center development project, $400,000
• Ottawa County Parks: Rosy Mound Natural Area improvements, $400,000
• Ottawa County Parks: Idema Explorers Trail – Bass River Segment, $400,000
• Village of Spring Lake: Central Park redevelopment, $400,000
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals.
Over the past 49 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.3 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,015 allocations, to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.
“From a Keweenaw Heartlands land acquisition in Keweenaw County to a Salsinger Trailhead land purchase as part of the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit, to dozens of development projects scattered all over our state, the Trust Fund is making substantial progress every single year,” said Dr. Brandy Brown, chairwoman of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board.
The Trust Fund board’s recommendations will go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to the governor for signing.
A list of the final recommendations made by the Trust Fund board is available at Michigan.gov/MNRTF.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
If you looked at most of my hunting and fishing trips from the standpoint of harvesting game, you would conclude I was unsuccessful.
Most of the time, I leave home with great expectations, only to return with the reality of an unfilled tag or an empty live well.
I remember a commercial where a man’s wife watched her husband leave each Saturday morning with his fishing rod and Labrador, only to come back home that afternoon, with just his fishing rod and his faithful companion. She wondered why he continued to go.
I can also remember, the days when my children were young, that I would return home from a hunting trip and would be faced by three children with the same question: “Did you get anything?” They got so used to the same answer; they began not to ask. (I’m sure glad that our sustenance was not based on me bringing home the meat.)
But what I found out over the years was that I did not become a better hunter or fisherman on days that the harvest was easy, but I became better, most of the time, on the days I came home empty-handed.
Let’s face it; it doesn’t take much know-how to go out and catch fish when they are biting everything that comes in front of them. Nor is much knowledge gained when that deer meanders by your tree stand 10 minutes after daylight.
Knowledge to become a better outdoorsman is gained through the tough times. It happens when we shoot high on that doe or don’t set the hook on that bass. It’s those times that we come home better than when we left, whether we have something to show for it or not. And even though we want to fill a tag, it’s better to come home better.
This is also the way God works. God is not interested as much in what we do, or what we “harvest” at the expense of what we are becoming. He is interested in us being better. Better husbands or wives, better fathers or mothers, and better followers of Christ. Not because these things make Him love us more, but because they make our lives “better.”
And most of the time, this doesn’t happen during the easy days but during the days when there is nothing in our hands to show for our effort except the calluses of being faithful.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
If you looked at most of my hunting and fishing trips from the standpoint of harvesting game, you would conclude I was unsuccessful.
Most of the time, I leave home with great expectations, only to return with the reality of an unfilled tag or an empty live well.
I remember a commercial where a man’s wife watched her husband leave each Saturday morning with his fishing rod and Labrador, only to come back home that afternoon, with just his fishing rod and his faithful companion. She wondered why he continued to go.
I can also remember, the days when my children were young, that I would return home from a hunting trip and would be faced by three children with the same question: “Did you get anything?” They got so used to the same answer; they began not to ask. (I’m sure glad that our sustenance was not based on me bringing home the meat.)
But what I found out over the years was that I did not become a better hunter or fisherman on days that the harvest was easy, but I became better, most of the time, on the days I came home empty-handed.
Let’s face it; it doesn’t take much know-how to go out and catch fish when they are biting everything that comes in front of them. Nor is much knowledge gained when that deer meanders by your tree stand 10 minutes after daylight.
Knowledge to become a better outdoorsman is gained through the tough times. It happens when we shoot high on that doe or don’t set the hook on that bass. It’s those times that we come home better than when we left, whether we have something to show for it or not. And even though we want to fill a tag, it’s better to come home better.
This is also the way God works. God is not interested as much in what we do, or what we “harvest” at the expense of what we are becoming. He is interested in us being better. Better husbands or wives, better fathers or mothers, and better followers of Christ. Not because these things make Him love us more, but because they make our lives “better.”
And most of the time, this doesn’t happen during the easy days but during the days when there is nothing in our hands to show for our effort except the calluses of being faithful.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Experience the Many Benefits from Time in Nature
Spending time in nature, like in this Milwaukee Domes Conservatory, can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
Take a break in nature from the stresses of everyday life and the hectic holiday season. Research has found spending time in nature, conservatories, botanic gardens and other green spaces can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.
Work, school, and other aspects of daily life may have you suffering from a bit of mental fatigue. Surrounding yourself with plants and spending time in green spaces can serve as a distraction and help reduce this fatigue. Being immersed in nature elevates your mood and helps reduce the risk of developing and experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Scientists also found a strong correlation between green space and illnesses in a community. The more green space that’s available, the lower the level of disease in a community.
Spending time in gardens and nature is also good for the youngsters in our lives. It helps them develop social, emotional and cognitive skills. “Green Time” can also reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children and can act as an effective supplement to traditional medicinal and behavioral treatments.
Finding access to nature can be challenging in some locations and at certain times of the year when harsh weather tends to keep us indoors. Parks, botanic gardens and conservatories help improve access to nature.
Many botanical gardens and parks host year-round events encouraging everyone to get outside, move and enjoy nature. You will find yoga classes, walking groups, gardening classes and nature walks offered at many of these public green spaces. Encourage youngsters in your life to join you in nature and participate in youth-focused activities.
Conservatories provide year-round access no matter the weather. Collections of plants are housed under glass, providing opportunities to immerse yourself in greenery.
The Mitchell Park Domes is a great example of providing the public with green space. In its original charter Milwaukee County stated: “Let us provide for the public the ultimate in experiencing nature in the city. Plant life of many kinds must be sustained throughout all seasons…”.
The Conservatory continues inspiring people through plants with its permanent collection of over 1,800 plant species from around the globe. These are housed in three domes, featuring desert, tropical and temperate zone plants. Visitors not only can immerse themselves in greenery but can experience the climate and vegetation of various locations around the world. This along with the changing displays in the floral dome encourages year-round visits.
Take time now and all year to experience the benefits of green space. Add a few indoor plants to your home. You will enjoy the added greenery while elevating your mood. Walk in a nearby park or botanic garden and if you are near a conservatory, make this a routine part of your schedule.
Make it easy and affordable to visit botanic gardens and conservatories in your community and around the country. Consider becoming a member. You’ll help support their mission and are likely to visit more often and take advantage of all they have to offer.
No matter where you live, becoming a member of the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, provides free access to over 360 other botanical gardens and conservatories across the country, including the Mitchell Park Domes. It’s a great way to save money as you explore other gardens and conservatories across the country.
Take a break today and enjoy the many benefits that connecting with nature provides. Once refreshed you will be better able to tackle the daily demands and handle the stresses of everyday life.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Take a break in nature from the stresses of everyday life and the hectic holiday season. Research has found spending time in nature, conservatories, botanic gardens and other green spaces can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.
Work, school, and other aspects of daily life may have you suffering from a bit of mental fatigue. Surrounding yourself with plants and spending time in green spaces can serve as a distraction and help reduce this fatigue. Being immersed in nature elevates your mood and helps reduce the risk of developing and experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Scientists also found a strong correlation between green space and illnesses in a community. The more green space that’s available, the lower the level of disease in a community.
Spending time in gardens and nature is also good for the youngsters in our lives. It helps them develop social, emotional and cognitive skills. “Green Time” can also reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children and can act as an effective supplement to traditional medicinal and behavioral treatments.
Finding access to nature can be challenging in some locations and at certain times of the year when harsh weather tends to keep us indoors. Parks, botanic gardens and conservatories help improve access to nature.
Many botanical gardens and parks host year-round events encouraging everyone to get outside, move and enjoy nature. You will find yoga classes, walking groups, gardening classes and nature walks offered at many of these public green spaces. Encourage youngsters in your life to join you in nature and participate in youth-focused activities.
Conservatories provide year-round access no matter the weather. Collections of plants are housed under glass, providing opportunities to immerse yourself in greenery.
The Mitchell Park Domes is a great example of providing the public with green space. In its original charter Milwaukee County stated: “Let us provide for the public the ultimate in experiencing nature in the city. Plant life of many kinds must be sustained throughout all seasons…”.
The Conservatory continues inspiring people through plants with its permanent collection of over 1,800 plant species from around the globe. These are housed in three domes, featuring desert, tropical and temperate zone plants. Visitors not only can immerse themselves in greenery but can experience the climate and vegetation of various locations around the world. This along with the changing displays in the floral dome encourages year-round visits.
Take time now and all year to experience the benefits of green space. Add a few indoor plants to your home. You will enjoy the added greenery while elevating your mood. Walk in a nearby park or botanic garden and if you are near a conservatory, make this a routine part of your schedule.
Make it easy and affordable to visit botanic gardens and conservatories in your community and around the country. Consider becoming a member. You’ll help support their mission and are likely to visit more often and take advantage of all they have to offer.
No matter where you live, becoming a member of the Milwaukee Domes Alliance, provides free access to over 360 other botanical gardens and conservatories across the country, including the Mitchell Park Domes. It’s a great way to save money as you explore other gardens and conservatories across the country.
Take a break today and enjoy the many benefits that connecting with nature provides. Once refreshed you will be better able to tackle the daily demands and handle the stresses of everyday life.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Eggs Today, Trout, Salmon Tomorrow: DNR Wraps Up Fish Egg Collections
DNR staff show onlookers a salmon captured for egg collection.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Department of Natural Resources stocks fish in Michigan waters every year, providing fishing opportunities and helping maintain healthy ecosystems. Where do the fish being stocked come from?
It begins with collecting fish eggs, and the DNR has been working hard this fall gathering the necessary eggs to produce fish for stocking. Fall egg collections have been completed for wild Chinook and coho salmon and for captive broodstocks of brown, brook and lake trout. Egg collection for rainbow trout will soon begin.
Chinook salmon eggs were collected Sept. 29 through Oct. 8 at the Little Manistee River Weir. Eggs and milt (sperm) are gathered from fish during the annual salmon run. At the weir, salmon swim up a fish ladder and into holding ponds. From there, fish are brought into the facility, where eggs and milt are collected and the eggs are fertilized.
“We experienced another strong run of wild Chinook salmon this season,” DNR fish production manager Aaron Switzer said. “The run at the Little Manistee was robust enough to provide for all of Michigan’s egg needs. We were also able to provide eggs to Indiana and Illinois state-owned fish hatcheries. Once hatched, reared and stocked, these Chinook salmon support and enhance the Lake Michigan salmon fishery.”
Coho salmon eggs were collected at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Weir from Oct. 16 through Oct. 28.
“We collected nearly 6 million coho salmon eggs at the Platte River weir. This includes approximately 3 million eggs for Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin,” Switzer said. “All four states work together cooperatively each year to ensure Lake Michigan continues to receive Pacific salmon to supplement the fishery.”
In addition to egg collection from wild fish, captive broodstocks (fish kept at a hatchery to produce eggs and milt) provide many of the eggs that will become stocked fish: 880,000 Arctic grayling eggs; 333,500 brook trout eggs; 297,000 lake trout eggs; 2.6 million brown trout eggs and 1.5 million rainbow trout eggs. An additional 357,000 splake eggs (brook trout and lake trout hybrid) also will be collected to support Michigan’s fisheries management objectives.
At Oden State Fish Hatchery, egg collections for brown trout occurred through mid-October. Rainbow trout egg collections at Oden began this month and continue until mid-January. These captive egg collections will occur every one to two weeks over the season.
Captive broodstock egg collections for brook and lake trout at Marquette State Fish Hatchery have already been completed, and Arctic grayling egg collection is planned for early spring 2026.
To learn more about Michigan’s state fish hatcheries or to plan a trip, visit Michigan.gov/ Hatcheries.
It begins with collecting fish eggs, and the DNR has been working hard this fall gathering the necessary eggs to produce fish for stocking. Fall egg collections have been completed for wild Chinook and coho salmon and for captive broodstocks of brown, brook and lake trout. Egg collection for rainbow trout will soon begin.
Chinook salmon eggs were collected Sept. 29 through Oct. 8 at the Little Manistee River Weir. Eggs and milt (sperm) are gathered from fish during the annual salmon run. At the weir, salmon swim up a fish ladder and into holding ponds. From there, fish are brought into the facility, where eggs and milt are collected and the eggs are fertilized.
“We experienced another strong run of wild Chinook salmon this season,” DNR fish production manager Aaron Switzer said. “The run at the Little Manistee was robust enough to provide for all of Michigan’s egg needs. We were also able to provide eggs to Indiana and Illinois state-owned fish hatcheries. Once hatched, reared and stocked, these Chinook salmon support and enhance the Lake Michigan salmon fishery.”
Coho salmon eggs were collected at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery Weir from Oct. 16 through Oct. 28.
“We collected nearly 6 million coho salmon eggs at the Platte River weir. This includes approximately 3 million eggs for Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin,” Switzer said. “All four states work together cooperatively each year to ensure Lake Michigan continues to receive Pacific salmon to supplement the fishery.”
In addition to egg collection from wild fish, captive broodstocks (fish kept at a hatchery to produce eggs and milt) provide many of the eggs that will become stocked fish: 880,000 Arctic grayling eggs; 333,500 brook trout eggs; 297,000 lake trout eggs; 2.6 million brown trout eggs and 1.5 million rainbow trout eggs. An additional 357,000 splake eggs (brook trout and lake trout hybrid) also will be collected to support Michigan’s fisheries management objectives.
At Oden State Fish Hatchery, egg collections for brown trout occurred through mid-October. Rainbow trout egg collections at Oden began this month and continue until mid-January. These captive egg collections will occur every one to two weeks over the season.
Captive broodstock egg collections for brook and lake trout at Marquette State Fish Hatchery have already been completed, and Arctic grayling egg collection is planned for early spring 2026.
To learn more about Michigan’s state fish hatcheries or to plan a trip, visit Michigan.gov/ Hatcheries.
