A shade garden with hostas, Solomon
seal, and coleus grown in pots.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
Those shady spots in the landscape can make it challenging to grow a beautiful garden. Fortunately, there are more plants than you may think that will thrive in low light.
Monitor the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the day, season, and year. You may be surprised that it gets more sunlight than you thought.
Some plants, like spring ephemerals and even sun-loving spring flowering bulbs, receive sufficient sunlight early in the season before most trees leaf out. Other plants need sunlight throughout the growing season and those sun-loving plants growing in hotter regions often benefit from a bit of afternoon sun.
Make a list of plants you have had success with and those that failed in the shady location. Use these to help you select or avoid plants with similar light requirements. For example, if peonies bloom and tomatoes produce fruit this area receives quite a bit of sunlight, enough to grow most full sun plants.
Consider mulching the soil when there is more shade than even shade-loving plants can tolerate. Add a table and chair for relaxing, and a few steppers if needed, to enjoy the cool shade.
When planting under or near trees be careful not to damage them when creating your shade garden. Don’t bury, cut, dig, or shave off surface roots, creating entryways for harmful insects and diseases. Skip adding soil over the roots as even an inch can kill some tree species. Avoid deep cultivation that damages the fine feeder roots critical for water and nutrient absorption. Keep in mind the majority of tree roots grow within the top 18 inches of soil with 50 percent of these in the top six inches.
Instead, carefully dig relatively small planting holes between major roots, mulch, and spot water new plantings to minimize root damage. It may take transplants a little longer to fill in, but your tree will be healthier and live longer.
Add a splash of color with a few potted annuals set among the perennials. Or permanently sink a few pots in the ground and set potted flowering plants inside them. It’s easier on the tree roots and your back.
Check soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs need more frequent watering, especially in the first two years until they become established.
The dense canopy of many trees and impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb much of the rainfall that does make it through.
Avoid high nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers that promote lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects and diseases. And with limited light as a potential plant stressor, this can increase the risk of problems. Use a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer that promotes steady above and below-ground growth.
Protect new plantings, especially hostas, impatiens, caladiums, coleus, turtleheads, wax begonias, Solomon seal, and other plants often damaged by deer and rabbits. Apply animal repellents before the animals start browsing for better results. Select a rain and snow-resistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), so you won’t need to reapply as often. Always check the product label and follow the directions for the best results.
You can create a beautiful shade garden for years of enjoyment with proper plant selection and care.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd 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 and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise in writing this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Monitor the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the day, season, and year. You may be surprised that it gets more sunlight than you thought.
Some plants, like spring ephemerals and even sun-loving spring flowering bulbs, receive sufficient sunlight early in the season before most trees leaf out. Other plants need sunlight throughout the growing season and those sun-loving plants growing in hotter regions often benefit from a bit of afternoon sun.
Make a list of plants you have had success with and those that failed in the shady location. Use these to help you select or avoid plants with similar light requirements. For example, if peonies bloom and tomatoes produce fruit this area receives quite a bit of sunlight, enough to grow most full sun plants.
Consider mulching the soil when there is more shade than even shade-loving plants can tolerate. Add a table and chair for relaxing, and a few steppers if needed, to enjoy the cool shade.
When planting under or near trees be careful not to damage them when creating your shade garden. Don’t bury, cut, dig, or shave off surface roots, creating entryways for harmful insects and diseases. Skip adding soil over the roots as even an inch can kill some tree species. Avoid deep cultivation that damages the fine feeder roots critical for water and nutrient absorption. Keep in mind the majority of tree roots grow within the top 18 inches of soil with 50 percent of these in the top six inches.
Instead, carefully dig relatively small planting holes between major roots, mulch, and spot water new plantings to minimize root damage. It may take transplants a little longer to fill in, but your tree will be healthier and live longer.
Add a splash of color with a few potted annuals set among the perennials. Or permanently sink a few pots in the ground and set potted flowering plants inside them. It’s easier on the tree roots and your back.
Check soil moisture several times a week and water thoroughly as needed. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs need more frequent watering, especially in the first two years until they become established.
The dense canopy of many trees and impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb much of the rainfall that does make it through.
Avoid high nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers that promote lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects and diseases. And with limited light as a potential plant stressor, this can increase the risk of problems. Use a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer that promotes steady above and below-ground growth.
Protect new plantings, especially hostas, impatiens, caladiums, coleus, turtleheads, wax begonias, Solomon seal, and other plants often damaged by deer and rabbits. Apply animal repellents before the animals start browsing for better results. Select a rain and snow-resistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), so you won’t need to reapply as often. Always check the product label and follow the directions for the best results.
You can create a beautiful shade garden for years of enjoyment with proper plant selection and care.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd 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 and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise in writing this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Belle Isle Fountain to Undergo Renovations
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this month, the James Scott Memorial Fountain in Detroit’s Belle Isle Park soon will undergo $6 million in renovations, ensuring its beauty and functionality for the next century.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will start the approximately 18-month project this summer, 100 years after the fountain first delighted visitors in 1925.
To ensure public safety throughout the project, the fountain plaza, adjacent sidewalk and Fountain Drive will close to the public through 2026. Construction fencing will be erected by Friday, and the fountain will run again in May 2027.
To ensure the basin’s structural integrity and protect the underlying mechanical room, the renovation project will involve installing new concrete beams and replacing the underlying fountain plumbing. Additionally, a watertight seal and marble elements around the lower bowl will help prevent water infiltration to subgrade operational space.
The funds are part of a $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding that has enabled the DNR to tackle a decades-long backlog of infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in state parks and trails. The funding, secured through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and aligned with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, will also support the construction of a new state park in Flint in Genesee County.
“This investment, made possible by American Rescue Plan funds, will ensure the long-term preservation of an iconic feature in Belle Isle Park,” DNR Parks and Recreation chief Ron Olson said.
“Two years ago, results of the concrete core samples taken from the lower bowl showed the basin structure needed to be addressed,” said Thomas Bissett, urban district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Although the project will have an impact on visitors, we’re grateful that ARPA dollars were available for this project to strengthen and protect fountain structure and operation for future generations.”
The James Scott Memorial Fountain was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, whose notable work also includes the Detroit Public Library and the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. The fountain was named for James Scott, a controversial figure in Detroit’s history, who left the city funds to erect a monument for its people, with the specific condition that it include a life-size statue of himself.
To learn about the status of ARPA-funded projects and to view an interactive map identifying proposed project locations and status of those projects, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will start the approximately 18-month project this summer, 100 years after the fountain first delighted visitors in 1925.
To ensure public safety throughout the project, the fountain plaza, adjacent sidewalk and Fountain Drive will close to the public through 2026. Construction fencing will be erected by Friday, and the fountain will run again in May 2027.
To ensure the basin’s structural integrity and protect the underlying mechanical room, the renovation project will involve installing new concrete beams and replacing the underlying fountain plumbing. Additionally, a watertight seal and marble elements around the lower bowl will help prevent water infiltration to subgrade operational space.
The funds are part of a $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding that has enabled the DNR to tackle a decades-long backlog of infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in state parks and trails. The funding, secured through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and aligned with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, will also support the construction of a new state park in Flint in Genesee County.
“This investment, made possible by American Rescue Plan funds, will ensure the long-term preservation of an iconic feature in Belle Isle Park,” DNR Parks and Recreation chief Ron Olson said.
“Two years ago, results of the concrete core samples taken from the lower bowl showed the basin structure needed to be addressed,” said Thomas Bissett, urban district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Although the project will have an impact on visitors, we’re grateful that ARPA dollars were available for this project to strengthen and protect fountain structure and operation for future generations.”
The James Scott Memorial Fountain was designed by architect Cass Gilbert, whose notable work also includes the Detroit Public Library and the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C. The fountain was named for James Scott, a controversial figure in Detroit’s history, who left the city funds to erect a monument for its people, with the specific condition that it include a life-size statue of himself.
To learn about the status of ARPA-funded projects and to view an interactive map identifying proposed project locations and status of those projects, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
Highly Effective Old-School Walleye Techniques Deliver
Chuck Limbeck with a nice eater-size walleye caught on a whistler.
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
For six weeks, we experienced high winds, cold water, and clarity that made chocolate milk look clean. Through all of this, we were able to catch fish and limits on most days, but not all.
I enjoy experimenting and trying something that the other guys in my boat are not doing. Four years ago, I started playing around with the old Whistler jigs. For those not familiar with the Whistler, it has a propeller blade. This jighead throws off a different vibration than a regular jighead.
The Whistler jighead has become a favorite of our group and the first jig that a friend of mine grabbed. Northland Tackle stopped selling the one-ounce model a year ago. So now we buy propeller blades in the one-inch length. Slide the blade over the hook followed by a bead.
We use our favorite plastics with a stinger hook. On a calm day, a medium-light extra fast rod works fine. Under windy conditions and when the fish are deeper than, say, 42 feet, a medium action rod works best.
We vertical fish on the rivers and we cast the weeds on the river flats or the inland lakes. In late May a weeklong trip to Lake Mitchell is planned.
The smaller Whistler jigs work wonders around the weeds. If it’s windy, we fish over the tops. When the sun is up, we love working the deep edges of the weeds.
Last year I started playing around with hair jigs. This spring, at least 70 percent of my fish were caught using a Hair jig. When vertical fishing we add a stinger hook. There is no reason to add anything else to the jig.
The hair will flutter and the jig’s fall rate will be slightly slower and different than a stinger hook. Do not add any bait. Vertical jigging the deep rivers we use the one-ounce. On the inland lakes, we will throw one-eighth or possibly a quarter-ounce around the weed beds.
My favorite color hair jigs match that of what I would use if using a plastic. Our group uses three colors - Blue Ice, Black Ice, and pimp daddy. The Black Ice could be a dark purple or a deep blue color scheme.
Another crazy idea that came to me this year was the use of Steamers built identically to the hair jigs except on a streamer hook. This rig is set up with two streamers using a modified three-way rig or a Dubuque rig.
I fish this rig in two ways. My preferred method would be as a dead rod into a rod holder. This works best when the winds are calmer. Otherwise, I will hold the rod and pop it forward and let it fall back.
I use a 1.5-ounce bell sinker. I want to keep the streamers close to the bottom and the heavier sinker allows me to pull it forward drop it back and hit the bottom. I know of a charter captain that fishes the St. Clair River in a similar manner.
I tie up my streamers using the same hair patterns as my hair jigs. A short two-inch stinger hook is added to the streamer. Once again, no bait or plastics are needed.
This charter captain uses either a 1.5-ounce or a 2-ounce bottom with a single hook, a few beads, and a number three Colorado Blade. He threads a crawler up to the knot and leaves one inch hanging.
He instructs his clients to pull the bottom bouncer forward and let it drop back. I watched him last year in May on the St. Clair River and was impressed. He travels slightly faster than what I would when vertical jigging but much slower than when pulling spinners downstream.
The streamer setup and the smaller bottom bouncer techniques work well as a dead rod in a rod holder. The jury is out on the overall effectiveness of the streamers but the early results are positive. The hair jigs and Whistlers have become a must-have item.
Remember to stop in and visit Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
Outdoor Truths
For six weeks, we experienced high winds, cold water, and clarity that made chocolate milk look clean. Through all of this, we were able to catch fish and limits on most days, but not all.
I enjoy experimenting and trying something that the other guys in my boat are not doing. Four years ago, I started playing around with the old Whistler jigs. For those not familiar with the Whistler, it has a propeller blade. This jighead throws off a different vibration than a regular jighead.
The Whistler jighead has become a favorite of our group and the first jig that a friend of mine grabbed. Northland Tackle stopped selling the one-ounce model a year ago. So now we buy propeller blades in the one-inch length. Slide the blade over the hook followed by a bead.
We use our favorite plastics with a stinger hook. On a calm day, a medium-light extra fast rod works fine. Under windy conditions and when the fish are deeper than, say, 42 feet, a medium action rod works best.
We vertical fish on the rivers and we cast the weeds on the river flats or the inland lakes. In late May a weeklong trip to Lake Mitchell is planned.
The smaller Whistler jigs work wonders around the weeds. If it’s windy, we fish over the tops. When the sun is up, we love working the deep edges of the weeds.
Last year I started playing around with hair jigs. This spring, at least 70 percent of my fish were caught using a Hair jig. When vertical fishing we add a stinger hook. There is no reason to add anything else to the jig.
The hair will flutter and the jig’s fall rate will be slightly slower and different than a stinger hook. Do not add any bait. Vertical jigging the deep rivers we use the one-ounce. On the inland lakes, we will throw one-eighth or possibly a quarter-ounce around the weed beds.
My favorite color hair jigs match that of what I would use if using a plastic. Our group uses three colors - Blue Ice, Black Ice, and pimp daddy. The Black Ice could be a dark purple or a deep blue color scheme.
Another crazy idea that came to me this year was the use of Steamers built identically to the hair jigs except on a streamer hook. This rig is set up with two streamers using a modified three-way rig or a Dubuque rig.
I fish this rig in two ways. My preferred method would be as a dead rod into a rod holder. This works best when the winds are calmer. Otherwise, I will hold the rod and pop it forward and let it fall back.
I use a 1.5-ounce bell sinker. I want to keep the streamers close to the bottom and the heavier sinker allows me to pull it forward drop it back and hit the bottom. I know of a charter captain that fishes the St. Clair River in a similar manner.
I tie up my streamers using the same hair patterns as my hair jigs. A short two-inch stinger hook is added to the streamer. Once again, no bait or plastics are needed.
This charter captain uses either a 1.5-ounce or a 2-ounce bottom with a single hook, a few beads, and a number three Colorado Blade. He threads a crawler up to the knot and leaves one inch hanging.
He instructs his clients to pull the bottom bouncer forward and let it drop back. I watched him last year in May on the St. Clair River and was impressed. He travels slightly faster than what I would when vertical jigging but much slower than when pulling spinners downstream.
The streamer setup and the smaller bottom bouncer techniques work well as a dead rod in a rod holder. The jury is out on the overall effectiveness of the streamers but the early results are positive. The hair jigs and Whistlers have become a must-have item.
Remember to stop in and visit Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
I’ve never been much for hiking, even though some of my friends love it. And I feel the same way about camping.
I’ve often said if I’m camping, there needs to be a hunting or fishing trip involved somewhere. Otherwise, I would prefer a weekend getaway in a condo and breakfast at Cracker Barrel.
That idea goes for hiking as well. When I walk through the woods, I can’t help but continually scout for signs of animals I may want to hunt. I can’t imagine just walking through the woods to get to a place that has no hunting or fishing value. But this is just me.
I have, however, even had to change how I view more adventurous hunting and fishing trips. At my age, I’m not too fond of rock pillows and sleeping bags. I like to sleep and wake up without unnecessary aches and pains.
So, a week in the wilderness, even when the fishing is great, does not have the same appeal it used to. My mind is still in it. My heart is still in it. My spirit of adventure is still hot. And I’m in pretty good shape for my age. But I guess I’ve really gotten used to security and comfort. This also scares me.
The last thing I want to do in my Christian life is default to security and comfort. I’ve seen it too many times over the years. It seems the older people get, they are less likely to allow God to challenge their walk of faith. They are no longer eager to hike to the top of an uncomfortable mountain and camp at the cliff of insecurity.
I want to be like Caleb. He was only one of two men who stood with Moses in encouraging his people to enter the Promised Land despite the presence of difficulties. But it isn’t the young Caleb I want to be like; it’s the old one. It’s the one who, after 40 years of wandering through the desert, finally crossed into that land and asked for his portion of the property to be a mountain. But it was not just any mountain; it was the one that was inhabited by the ancestors of the giant Goliath.
Here’s the request that Caleb made to Joshua. “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise - even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So, I’m asking you to give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the Anakites living there in great, walled cities. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:10–12 NLT)
My friend, ask God for a hill. No matter what your age. Ask Him to never allow you to be satisfied with faithless security and comfort. You may have to leave the safe confines of what you know, but if the Lord is with you…
—————
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@outdoor truths.org
I’ve never been much for hiking, even though some of my friends love it. And I feel the same way about camping.
I’ve often said if I’m camping, there needs to be a hunting or fishing trip involved somewhere. Otherwise, I would prefer a weekend getaway in a condo and breakfast at Cracker Barrel.
That idea goes for hiking as well. When I walk through the woods, I can’t help but continually scout for signs of animals I may want to hunt. I can’t imagine just walking through the woods to get to a place that has no hunting or fishing value. But this is just me.
I have, however, even had to change how I view more adventurous hunting and fishing trips. At my age, I’m not too fond of rock pillows and sleeping bags. I like to sleep and wake up without unnecessary aches and pains.
So, a week in the wilderness, even when the fishing is great, does not have the same appeal it used to. My mind is still in it. My heart is still in it. My spirit of adventure is still hot. And I’m in pretty good shape for my age. But I guess I’ve really gotten used to security and comfort. This also scares me.
The last thing I want to do in my Christian life is default to security and comfort. I’ve seen it too many times over the years. It seems the older people get, they are less likely to allow God to challenge their walk of faith. They are no longer eager to hike to the top of an uncomfortable mountain and camp at the cliff of insecurity.
I want to be like Caleb. He was only one of two men who stood with Moses in encouraging his people to enter the Promised Land despite the presence of difficulties. But it isn’t the young Caleb I want to be like; it’s the old one. It’s the one who, after 40 years of wandering through the desert, finally crossed into that land and asked for his portion of the property to be a mountain. But it was not just any mountain; it was the one that was inhabited by the ancestors of the giant Goliath.
Here’s the request that Caleb made to Joshua. “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise - even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So, I’m asking you to give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the Anakites living there in great, walled cities. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:10–12 NLT)
My friend, ask God for a hill. No matter what your age. Ask Him to never allow you to be satisfied with faithless security and comfort. You may have to leave the safe confines of what you know, but if the Lord is with you…
—————
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@outdoor truths.org
West Michigan DNR Officer Named Wildlife Officer of the Year
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Justin Ulberg has been named the 2024 Shikar Safari Michigan Wildlife Officer of the Year.
The annual award, presented to Ulberg at last Thursday’s meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing, is the highest state honor for conservation officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to natural resources protection, law enforcement and community engagement.
Ulberg patrols Kent County, which offers both populated rural suburbs and expansive natural landscapes.
“CO Justin Ulberg’s commitment and dedication to our state have been nothing short of exemplary,” said Lt. Gerald Thayer, DNR district law supervisor based out of Plainwell. “He consistently steps up to take on assignments and leadership roles, including serving in multiple instructor positions and as a district recruiter. His strong work ethic and sound decision-making have not gone unnoticed. CO Ulberg is a tremendous asset to both our department and the people he serves each day.”
Ulberg demonstrates a high level of trust and professionalism within his community, navigating from Grand River fish patrols in downtown Grand Rapids to cold, rainy waterfowl patrols in rural fields.
In 2024, more than 170 tips reported through the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline (800-292-7800) listed Ulberg as the primary officer. This is in addition to the many tips reported directly to Ulberg.
Ulberg has strong relationships across a wide range of communities. He assists at police training programs through high school tech centers, attends events hosted by various outdoor groups, and volunteers to staff booths at hunting and fishing expos.
A member of the DNR Law Enforcement Division since 2014, Ulberg seamlessly serves many internal roles, including district recruiter, survival tactics instructor, Taser instructor, firearms instructor, field training officer and instructor at the CO training academy.
Peers describe Ulberg as an officer they can call anytime and who will be willing to drop what he is doing to get the job done successfully – which is reflected in his field work and investigations.
Ulberg has a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource management from Grand Valley State University, where he played football. He also received an associate degree in criminal justice from the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.
Ulberg’s previous career experience includes working as a reserve deputy for the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and as a Kent County animal control officer.
Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.
The annual award, presented to Ulberg at last Thursday’s meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing, is the highest state honor for conservation officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to natural resources protection, law enforcement and community engagement.
Ulberg patrols Kent County, which offers both populated rural suburbs and expansive natural landscapes.
“CO Justin Ulberg’s commitment and dedication to our state have been nothing short of exemplary,” said Lt. Gerald Thayer, DNR district law supervisor based out of Plainwell. “He consistently steps up to take on assignments and leadership roles, including serving in multiple instructor positions and as a district recruiter. His strong work ethic and sound decision-making have not gone unnoticed. CO Ulberg is a tremendous asset to both our department and the people he serves each day.”
Ulberg demonstrates a high level of trust and professionalism within his community, navigating from Grand River fish patrols in downtown Grand Rapids to cold, rainy waterfowl patrols in rural fields.
In 2024, more than 170 tips reported through the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline (800-292-7800) listed Ulberg as the primary officer. This is in addition to the many tips reported directly to Ulberg.
Ulberg has strong relationships across a wide range of communities. He assists at police training programs through high school tech centers, attends events hosted by various outdoor groups, and volunteers to staff booths at hunting and fishing expos.
A member of the DNR Law Enforcement Division since 2014, Ulberg seamlessly serves many internal roles, including district recruiter, survival tactics instructor, Taser instructor, firearms instructor, field training officer and instructor at the CO training academy.
Peers describe Ulberg as an officer they can call anytime and who will be willing to drop what he is doing to get the job done successfully – which is reflected in his field work and investigations.
Ulberg has a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource management from Grand Valley State University, where he played football. He also received an associate degree in criminal justice from the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.
Ulberg’s previous career experience includes working as a reserve deputy for the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and as a Kent County animal control officer.
Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.
Conservation Officer Justin Ulberg was recognized as the 2024 Shikar Safari Michigan Wildlife Officer of the Year at last Thursday’s Michigan Natural Resources Committee meeting in Lansing. Ulberg patrols Kent County and has been a conservation officer since 2014. Ulberg (right) is shown with Jason Haines, DNR Law Enforcement Division chief
