Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
This winter has lingered longer than I wanted. I’m glad March is just around the corner. While that month is unpredictable, most likely there will be more warmer days than miserable ones. And I’m here for it.
What is also just around the corner is turkey season. No matter what the weather brings, that first week of April will get me back in the woods.
This year, it seems I’ve been more excited about chasing those toms than I have been in the past. I’m actually excited to test my wits against theirs. I’ve hunted these birds for a few decades now and have gotten my fair share of gobblers. I’ve also missed too many to count.
This is really what keeps all turkey hunters going back. It’s the competition. If we always got our game, boredom would keep us home. But it’s the uncertainty of the outcome that keeps us going back. And I love that.
Over those years I have had to learn the art of talking turkey. I have tried to call these birds using just about every type of call. And while I prefer the diaphragm (mouth) call, it is probably the one I’m most insecure with. I really don’t think I’m very good at using it, but I do have success.
I’m one of those guys who knows just enough to call in a few gobblers, but not enough to know every sound that I’m making. And I’m definitely not the person who would ever enter some calling competition. My fairly successful experiences are all I have to offer. But don’t expect me to be able to explain the intricacies of successful calling. You’ll not be convinced.
I think these same truths mark many Christians. It’s the truth about what we feel about our ability to describe God or explain the intricacies of Christianity.
We live in a world that is not only full of skeptics, but is also full of easily attained information. This means that anytime we talk about our faith, there will likely be someone who brings up something like the possibilities of the existence of the prehistoric, prior to the antediluvian period. Or describe the Trinity. Yeah, me too.
What I am saying is this: many times we remain quiet about our faith because we are afraid that questions will be asked for which we have no answers. The good news is this - while we may not be skilled theologians, we do have our own successful and wonderful experiences with God. And no one can debate them.
Remember this. Experience always trumps information. While your friend may argue your views, they can only admire your experiences. So, don’t be afraid to share your faith. Just tell them what God has done for you. Your success will be more effective than your ability to call.
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 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.
This winter has lingered longer than I wanted. I’m glad March is just around the corner. While that month is unpredictable, most likely there will be more warmer days than miserable ones. And I’m here for it.
What is also just around the corner is turkey season. No matter what the weather brings, that first week of April will get me back in the woods.
This year, it seems I’ve been more excited about chasing those toms than I have been in the past. I’m actually excited to test my wits against theirs. I’ve hunted these birds for a few decades now and have gotten my fair share of gobblers. I’ve also missed too many to count.
This is really what keeps all turkey hunters going back. It’s the competition. If we always got our game, boredom would keep us home. But it’s the uncertainty of the outcome that keeps us going back. And I love that.
Over those years I have had to learn the art of talking turkey. I have tried to call these birds using just about every type of call. And while I prefer the diaphragm (mouth) call, it is probably the one I’m most insecure with. I really don’t think I’m very good at using it, but I do have success.
I’m one of those guys who knows just enough to call in a few gobblers, but not enough to know every sound that I’m making. And I’m definitely not the person who would ever enter some calling competition. My fairly successful experiences are all I have to offer. But don’t expect me to be able to explain the intricacies of successful calling. You’ll not be convinced.
I think these same truths mark many Christians. It’s the truth about what we feel about our ability to describe God or explain the intricacies of Christianity.
We live in a world that is not only full of skeptics, but is also full of easily attained information. This means that anytime we talk about our faith, there will likely be someone who brings up something like the possibilities of the existence of the prehistoric, prior to the antediluvian period. Or describe the Trinity. Yeah, me too.
What I am saying is this: many times we remain quiet about our faith because we are afraid that questions will be asked for which we have no answers. The good news is this - while we may not be skilled theologians, we do have our own successful and wonderful experiences with God. And no one can debate them.
Remember this. Experience always trumps information. While your friend may argue your views, they can only admire your experiences. So, don’t be afraid to share your faith. Just tell them what God has done for you. Your success will be more effective than your ability to call.
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 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.
Growing Basil to Enjoy Year Round
By Melinda Myers
Purple basil varieties add color and interest to containers and gardens.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Fresh on your pizza, added to your favorite Italian and Southeastern Asian dishes, or made into pesto, it’s not surprising basil is often called the king of herbs.
Look for opportunities to include basil in gardens, containers, and ornamental plantings. Purple varieties add color and combine nicely with other flowers and vegetables. Everleaf Emerald
Towers is a very tall and productive plant that adds vertical interest to container and in-ground gardens.
Always wait for the air and soil to warm before moving basil into the garden. Cold air and soil can stunt or damage the plants and increase the risk of downy mildew. You may even see blackened leaves and other damage when temperatures drop to 50 degrees.
Protect tender plants in spring and extend the harvest in fall with the help of floating row covers. These spun fabrics trap heat around the plants while allowing air, light, and water through.
Lightweight row covers can be used throughout the summer to protect the plants from Japanese beetles.
Keep plants healthy and help reduce the risk of downy mildew disease by growing basil in sunny locations with plenty of room to reach their mature size. The extra space allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plants, and the added air movement quickly dries the leaves.
Avoid overhead irrigation whenever possible. Instead, use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or a watering wand to apply the water directly to the soil.
Red leaf, Thai, and lemon-flavored basil varieties are less susceptible to downy mildew. Relatively new sweet basil varieties such as Devotion DMR, Obsession DMR, Passion DMR, Thunderstruck DMR, Prospera Compact DMR, and Prospera are downy mildew-resistant.
Watch for slugs that feed at night, eating large, ragged holes in the leaves. Trap them with shallow containers of beer sunk into the ground or use a slug beer trap with a built-in cover. The slugs are attracted to the fermenting yeast, crawl inside, and die.
Unlike slugs, the Japanese beetles feed and mate in broad daylight. They devour large portions of the leaves, leaving only the veins behind.
If you see circular clear or black spots on the leaves, the four-lined plant bug is the culprit. The dead tissue may eventually fall out, resulting in small holes.
Manage Japanese beetles and plant bugs by knocking them into a can of soapy water or treating the plants with an organic insecticide labeled for controlling these pests on basil. Always read and follow all label directions for safe and effective control.
Harvest basil as needed. Regular harvesting will increase productivity and ensure the best flavor. Remove flower buds as soon as they appear to maintain foliage flavor. But don’t worry if a few blossoms appear, these are also edible and a favorite of beneficial insects.
Plan to grow and harvest extra basil to make pesto or flavored vinegar. Make plenty to enjoy throughout the year and share with family and friends.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, Revised Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Look for opportunities to include basil in gardens, containers, and ornamental plantings. Purple varieties add color and combine nicely with other flowers and vegetables. Everleaf Emerald
Towers is a very tall and productive plant that adds vertical interest to container and in-ground gardens.
Always wait for the air and soil to warm before moving basil into the garden. Cold air and soil can stunt or damage the plants and increase the risk of downy mildew. You may even see blackened leaves and other damage when temperatures drop to 50 degrees.
Protect tender plants in spring and extend the harvest in fall with the help of floating row covers. These spun fabrics trap heat around the plants while allowing air, light, and water through.
Lightweight row covers can be used throughout the summer to protect the plants from Japanese beetles.
Keep plants healthy and help reduce the risk of downy mildew disease by growing basil in sunny locations with plenty of room to reach their mature size. The extra space allows sunlight to reach all parts of the plants, and the added air movement quickly dries the leaves.
Avoid overhead irrigation whenever possible. Instead, use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or a watering wand to apply the water directly to the soil.
Red leaf, Thai, and lemon-flavored basil varieties are less susceptible to downy mildew. Relatively new sweet basil varieties such as Devotion DMR, Obsession DMR, Passion DMR, Thunderstruck DMR, Prospera Compact DMR, and Prospera are downy mildew-resistant.
Watch for slugs that feed at night, eating large, ragged holes in the leaves. Trap them with shallow containers of beer sunk into the ground or use a slug beer trap with a built-in cover. The slugs are attracted to the fermenting yeast, crawl inside, and die.
Unlike slugs, the Japanese beetles feed and mate in broad daylight. They devour large portions of the leaves, leaving only the veins behind.
If you see circular clear or black spots on the leaves, the four-lined plant bug is the culprit. The dead tissue may eventually fall out, resulting in small holes.
Manage Japanese beetles and plant bugs by knocking them into a can of soapy water or treating the plants with an organic insecticide labeled for controlling these pests on basil. Always read and follow all label directions for safe and effective control.
Harvest basil as needed. Regular harvesting will increase productivity and ensure the best flavor. Remove flower buds as soon as they appear to maintain foliage flavor. But don’t worry if a few blossoms appear, these are also edible and a favorite of beneficial insects.
Plan to grow and harvest extra basil to make pesto or flavored vinegar. Make plenty to enjoy throughout the year and share with family and friends.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, Revised Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
DNR Seeks Applicants for Trail Advisory Workgroup
If you’re as passionate about trails as we are, and you’d like to help shape state-designated routes and pathways throughout Michigan, apply for one of several volunteer positions now open for two of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ advisory workgroups.
“The DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division, which oversees our statewide trails system, relies on input and guidance from residents to help us maintain, improve and grow the thousands of miles of motorized and nonmotorized trails in communities around the state,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator.
“We're excited to share these workgroup openings and continue the work of providing outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy and explore, efforts that help elevate Michigan's reputation as the Trails State.”
Positions are available on both the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup, or NAW, and the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup, also known as ORVAW. Both groups are subcommittees of the Michigan Trails Advisory Council, assisting with the council’s duties and responsibilities and providing the DNR advice related to the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the state’s designated trails system.
—————
Details on vacancies
NAW: This workgroup meets quarterly, and is seeking to fill two positions with a focus on water trails. Successful candidates should have an interest in paddling sports, the Great Lakes and our inland lakes and rivers. These positions are two-year terms. Learn more about NAW at michigan.gov/dnr/about/boards/mtac/nonmotorized.
ORVAW: Four new positions are available for this workgroup following passage of new bylaws that expanded the committee from seven to 11 members. These four-year-term positions include one ORV safety instructor representative, one full-size vehicle user representative and two at-large representatives. ORVAW also meets on a quarterly basis. Learn more about ORVAW at michigan.gov/ dnr/about/boards/mtac/orv.
Applications will be accepted through March 15. Contact Tim Novak at (517) 388-8347 for more details.
“The DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division, which oversees our statewide trails system, relies on input and guidance from residents to help us maintain, improve and grow the thousands of miles of motorized and nonmotorized trails in communities around the state,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator.
“We're excited to share these workgroup openings and continue the work of providing outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy and explore, efforts that help elevate Michigan's reputation as the Trails State.”
Positions are available on both the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup, or NAW, and the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup, also known as ORVAW. Both groups are subcommittees of the Michigan Trails Advisory Council, assisting with the council’s duties and responsibilities and providing the DNR advice related to the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the state’s designated trails system.
—————
Details on vacancies
NAW: This workgroup meets quarterly, and is seeking to fill two positions with a focus on water trails. Successful candidates should have an interest in paddling sports, the Great Lakes and our inland lakes and rivers. These positions are two-year terms. Learn more about NAW at michigan.gov/dnr/about/boards/mtac/nonmotorized.
ORVAW: Four new positions are available for this workgroup following passage of new bylaws that expanded the committee from seven to 11 members. These four-year-term positions include one ORV safety instructor representative, one full-size vehicle user representative and two at-large representatives. ORVAW also meets on a quarterly basis. Learn more about ORVAW at michigan.gov/ dnr/about/boards/mtac/orv.
Applications will be accepted through March 15. Contact Tim Novak at (517) 388-8347 for more details.
Extended Ice Fishing Season…and More Winter Fun
By Jack Payne
Right now the outdoorsperson has a wide range of options.
For a true winter treat, readers should be going to the Muskegon Winter Complex. This complex has a luge track. It’s pretty rare that the average Joe will have this opportunity.
The luge course is by reservation only. However, the complex offers much more. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and a host of family activities are offered each and every day.
It’s’well worth the drive and the way the past few winters were, now is the time to try it out.
Closer to home, outdoor folks should check out Hemlock Park along the Pigeon Creek and the new Sands Lake Park in northern Ottawa County. Gorgeous hiking trails and the park system offers beginner classes on both cross country skiing and snowshoeing. They also rent out the same items.
Allegan County offers 45,000 acres of public land. I really enjoy snowshoeing along the bluffs of the Kalamazoo River. Hikers will find miles of land bordering the river and it’s really beautiful during the winter.
I find a winter walk to be exhilarating. The scenery is gorgeous and the photography opportunities are nearly overwhelming. Eagle nests are easier to spot just as deer, squirrel and a host of other birds and wildlife.
The Barry State Game Area in Barry County has much to offer. There are many small lakes that are fun to hike into. The Gun Lake area has miles of hiking trails that will take you through hardwood, marshes, new growth and old growth stands.
Ice fishing anglers enjoy the season. It’s been a long time since we’ve had hard water this late into the year and it should last into the first week of March. As always, think safety, and I would bring along some type of foot cleats.
Tip-ups are my favorite tools of the hard water season. I love setting out three tips and walking around, shooting the breeze with other anglers. My favorite location when chasing pike would be a large flat that has some green weeds.
Most often we will set two tip-ups on the flat and one along the drop-off bordering the flat. Most often we start moving the tip-ups around after 30 minutes – well, maybe 45 minutes if we get gabbing.
We use two baits. Sucker minnows, creek chubs and frozen smelt are the favorites. We use a quick strike rig regardless of the bait used. Our goal is to release all pike caught if possible. This is just our preference; it’s the chase more than the kill.
Panfish anglers need to be prepared to move a bunch. The fish could be about anywhere. If the weeds are still partially green they will hold panfish. If the weeds are dying or dead, most often the fish will move to the drop-off.
Depending on the oxygen content and the location of the plankton, the fish could be suspended over the deep basin or near a point. I like fishing points. The easy points are the visual points that extend out from the shoreline.
My favorite points are the points that only a map would show. I like fishing the long underwater points or bars that have some shallow water on a side or two.
The closer that the point extends to the deepest water in the lake, the higher my excitement meter will rise. For the past three decades I have studied topographic maps. I can scout out just about any lake from home if a topo map is available. Most of your graphs come pre-loaded and you can do this from your recliner.
I would suggest reaching out to Midwest Outdoors and see if they still carry Buck Perry’s Spoonplug book or the 13-volume set. Another fine book that they did carry, and still might, is Lunkers Love Nightcrawlers. The drawings will explain what a hump is, a saddle, pinch point, breakline and so on.
Enjoy the last few weeks of winter and check out or try some of the things mentioned while the opportunity presents itself. And check out all of the great deals at Grand Valley Sport Shop.
Right now the outdoorsperson has a wide range of options.
For a true winter treat, readers should be going to the Muskegon Winter Complex. This complex has a luge track. It’s pretty rare that the average Joe will have this opportunity.
The luge course is by reservation only. However, the complex offers much more. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and a host of family activities are offered each and every day.
It’s’well worth the drive and the way the past few winters were, now is the time to try it out.
Closer to home, outdoor folks should check out Hemlock Park along the Pigeon Creek and the new Sands Lake Park in northern Ottawa County. Gorgeous hiking trails and the park system offers beginner classes on both cross country skiing and snowshoeing. They also rent out the same items.
Allegan County offers 45,000 acres of public land. I really enjoy snowshoeing along the bluffs of the Kalamazoo River. Hikers will find miles of land bordering the river and it’s really beautiful during the winter.
I find a winter walk to be exhilarating. The scenery is gorgeous and the photography opportunities are nearly overwhelming. Eagle nests are easier to spot just as deer, squirrel and a host of other birds and wildlife.
The Barry State Game Area in Barry County has much to offer. There are many small lakes that are fun to hike into. The Gun Lake area has miles of hiking trails that will take you through hardwood, marshes, new growth and old growth stands.
Ice fishing anglers enjoy the season. It’s been a long time since we’ve had hard water this late into the year and it should last into the first week of March. As always, think safety, and I would bring along some type of foot cleats.
Tip-ups are my favorite tools of the hard water season. I love setting out three tips and walking around, shooting the breeze with other anglers. My favorite location when chasing pike would be a large flat that has some green weeds.
Most often we will set two tip-ups on the flat and one along the drop-off bordering the flat. Most often we start moving the tip-ups around after 30 minutes – well, maybe 45 minutes if we get gabbing.
We use two baits. Sucker minnows, creek chubs and frozen smelt are the favorites. We use a quick strike rig regardless of the bait used. Our goal is to release all pike caught if possible. This is just our preference; it’s the chase more than the kill.
Panfish anglers need to be prepared to move a bunch. The fish could be about anywhere. If the weeds are still partially green they will hold panfish. If the weeds are dying or dead, most often the fish will move to the drop-off.
Depending on the oxygen content and the location of the plankton, the fish could be suspended over the deep basin or near a point. I like fishing points. The easy points are the visual points that extend out from the shoreline.
My favorite points are the points that only a map would show. I like fishing the long underwater points or bars that have some shallow water on a side or two.
The closer that the point extends to the deepest water in the lake, the higher my excitement meter will rise. For the past three decades I have studied topographic maps. I can scout out just about any lake from home if a topo map is available. Most of your graphs come pre-loaded and you can do this from your recliner.
I would suggest reaching out to Midwest Outdoors and see if they still carry Buck Perry’s Spoonplug book or the 13-volume set. Another fine book that they did carry, and still might, is Lunkers Love Nightcrawlers. The drawings will explain what a hump is, a saddle, pinch point, breakline and so on.
Enjoy the last few weeks of winter and check out or try some of the things mentioned while the opportunity presents itself. And check out all of the great deals at Grand Valley Sport Shop.
MDARD Marks National Invasive Species Awareness Week
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is this week joining the global observance of National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW), from Feb. 24–28, 2025.
This annual event highlights the critical work being done to raise awareness about invasive species, their environmental and economic impact, and the positive steps individuals and communities can take to help protect our natural resources.
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that can disrupt local ecosystems, harm agriculture, and pose risks to human and animal health. They often grow quickly, reproduce prolifically, and face little to no natural predators in their new habitats, enabling them to thrive and spread unchecked.
“Invasive species are responsible for an estimated $26 billion in economic damage and control efforts each year in North America,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said. “As stewards of Michigan’s natural resources, this national awareness week is the perfect time to remind ourselves of ways to help limit the spread of invasive species in our state.”
Through Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, MDARD works in close partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, and community organizations to prevent the spread of invasive species. Through these collaborations, MDARD and its partners identify, manage, and reduce the impact of these species across the state.
Whether exploring the outdoors, traveling, or purchasing goods, Michiganders can make a difference by taking simple, proactive steps to help limit the spread of invasive species:
• Familiarize yourself with Michigan’s invasive species watchlist and be on the lookout.
• Landscape with native plants.
• Purchase heat-treated firewood or buy wood locally to avoid transporting insects or tree diseases on untreated wood.
• Declare food, plants, and agricultural items when returning from international travel to help prevent pests from entering the U.S.
• Avoid purchasing seeds or plants online from unverified sources that may introduce non-native species.
• Inspect and clean your gear, clothing, shoes, and vehicles after outdoor activities to remove seeds, soil, and pests that may hitch a ride.
Explore MDARD’s Buggin’ Out video series to learn more about the invasive pests posing a threat to plants and agriculture in Michigan. Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases by visiting the state’s Michigan Invasive Species website or by calling (800) 292-3939.
This annual event highlights the critical work being done to raise awareness about invasive species, their environmental and economic impact, and the positive steps individuals and communities can take to help protect our natural resources.
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, insects, and pathogens that can disrupt local ecosystems, harm agriculture, and pose risks to human and animal health. They often grow quickly, reproduce prolifically, and face little to no natural predators in their new habitats, enabling them to thrive and spread unchecked.
“Invasive species are responsible for an estimated $26 billion in economic damage and control efforts each year in North America,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said. “As stewards of Michigan’s natural resources, this national awareness week is the perfect time to remind ourselves of ways to help limit the spread of invasive species in our state.”
Through Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, MDARD works in close partnership with local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, and community organizations to prevent the spread of invasive species. Through these collaborations, MDARD and its partners identify, manage, and reduce the impact of these species across the state.
Whether exploring the outdoors, traveling, or purchasing goods, Michiganders can make a difference by taking simple, proactive steps to help limit the spread of invasive species:
• Familiarize yourself with Michigan’s invasive species watchlist and be on the lookout.
• Landscape with native plants.
• Purchase heat-treated firewood or buy wood locally to avoid transporting insects or tree diseases on untreated wood.
• Declare food, plants, and agricultural items when returning from international travel to help prevent pests from entering the U.S.
• Avoid purchasing seeds or plants online from unverified sources that may introduce non-native species.
• Inspect and clean your gear, clothing, shoes, and vehicles after outdoor activities to remove seeds, soil, and pests that may hitch a ride.
Explore MDARD’s Buggin’ Out video series to learn more about the invasive pests posing a threat to plants and agriculture in Michigan. Report signs of invasive plant pests and diseases by visiting the state’s Michigan Invasive Species website or by calling (800) 292-3939.
Support Trees with Happy Little (Virtual) 5K
Run, walk or roll to support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks.
Registration is open for this spring’s Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5k – the popular event that has expanded from Michigan to 13 states, thanks to Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia joining the effort.
“What started six years ago in Michigan as a small but meaningful way to bring people together through running and art has now grown into something truly special,” said Michelle O’Kelly, fund developer for the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division.
“Expanding the Happy Little Trees 5K to 13 states is a testament to the power of community, nature and the lasting inspiration of beloved artist and TV host Bob Ross,” O’Kelly said. “Seeing this program flourish fills me with pride, and I can’t wait for even more people to experience the joy it brings. Join us in celebrating this milestone; lace up, hit the trails and be part of something bigger.”
When registering (recommended by April 1), you can pick your state to represent, creating a sense of pride and friendly competition as states rally together for the cause. Selecting your state is easy; just choose it from the dropdown menu. (Be sure to mention this to your out-of-state family and friends so they can sign up, too.)
As a participant in this virtual event, you pick the pace and place. Do your 5K anytime from April 19 to April 27, the week of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Don't wait to sign up — race packets start shipping March 1. Registration is $36 and includes your keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, finisher’s medal, commemorative bib number and shipping.
Get more race information and register today.
Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at (517) 899-5211.
Registration is open for this spring’s Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5k – the popular event that has expanded from Michigan to 13 states, thanks to Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia joining the effort.
“What started six years ago in Michigan as a small but meaningful way to bring people together through running and art has now grown into something truly special,” said Michelle O’Kelly, fund developer for the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division.
“Expanding the Happy Little Trees 5K to 13 states is a testament to the power of community, nature and the lasting inspiration of beloved artist and TV host Bob Ross,” O’Kelly said. “Seeing this program flourish fills me with pride, and I can’t wait for even more people to experience the joy it brings. Join us in celebrating this milestone; lace up, hit the trails and be part of something bigger.”
When registering (recommended by April 1), you can pick your state to represent, creating a sense of pride and friendly competition as states rally together for the cause. Selecting your state is easy; just choose it from the dropdown menu. (Be sure to mention this to your out-of-state family and friends so they can sign up, too.)
As a participant in this virtual event, you pick the pace and place. Do your 5K anytime from April 19 to April 27, the week of Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Don't wait to sign up — race packets start shipping March 1. Registration is $36 and includes your keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, finisher’s medal, commemorative bib number and shipping.
Get more race information and register today.
Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at (517) 899-5211.
