Rich Lefler shows off two walleye he caught on a recent trip.
By Jack Payne
As much as I enjoy hunting and fishing, I also enjoy eating the fish and game. When fishing I have my favorite baits and techniques, but I get a real kick out of experimentation.
Two weeks ago, we fished the Detroit River, and many anglers were pulling bottom bouncers. For some crazy reason, I had a unique idea. I remember talking with a guy named Griz years ago. Griz was a popular guide that ended up in print many times.
Griz fished the Mississippi River almost exclusively. He developed a technique where the angler used a super-heavy jig and would snap it forward with a hard jerk. Thus, we dropped down 1.5-ounce jigheads tipped with a Charlie Brewer Grub. We would hit the bottom and snap it forward as we drifted downstream. The fish would smash the jig into the bottom and nearly all of the fish had the jig buried deep in their throat.
After a few hours of daylight, we added a large propeller and the extra flash made a significant difference. Increasing the sinker weight by 50 percent allowed us to cover more water in a shorter time frame.
Just recently, I tried cooking venison medallions in a deep fryer. The basic recipe uses venison back straps. I cut the venison into chunks somewhere between an inch square and 1.5 inches square. Then I soak the chunks in buttermilk. You can substitute the milk with a store-bought marinade or make your own using teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce or similar.
After soaking the chunks roll the chunks into a Drakes or some type of fish or chicken batter. Then roll the chunks into Panko bread crumbs and press down. Once the oil hits 375 degrees drop in the chunks. Remove the chunks as soon as they start floating. You do not want to over- cook the venison. Both canola oil and peanut oil work great.
I use the same recipe with my wild turkey. If you want to add some pop to the meat, add Old Bay Seasoning to the flour mixture. Numerous chicken, shrimp, and fish batters on the market will add a unique taste, so experiment as you cook.
I love making salami, snack sticks and jerky. I make my treats with ground meat and slices. In the past, I used my oven. My wife bought me a dehydrator for Christmas and this has become my favorite method.
Make sure that your dehydrator can reach a temperature of 160 degrees. If using the oven, set the oven to its lowest temperature setting and prop the door open a tad with a wooden dowel.
All of my snacks are made with the Backwoods products from Lem. There are three reasons for doing this. First, they offer many flavors. Second, they offer seasonings that treat five pounds or larger amounts. I like the five-pound packages. Last, their products come with a curing agent. In my opinion, using a curing agent is a must. It greatly helps in storage options and in how long that products shelf life will be.
Making jerky is my favorite snack. If you like the smoke flavor but don’t have a smoker then add some liquid smoke. I do this with all of my snacks. The other thing that I do is mix the meat and let it sit for at least 12 hours.
One tool that you need is a jerky gun. Half of my jerky is made with ground meat. I use the Lem Aluminum Jerky Cannon Gun. It comes with the jerky nozzle and the round snack stick nozzle. My snack sticks do not have any casings and I like them best this way.
My salami casings are the one-pound variety. The one-pound packages make nice gifts and also allow you to experiment with different flavors. Another nice thing about the Lem products is that you can use any seasoning package for the jerky, salami or snack sticks. They are interchangeable.
Put some of your fish and wild game to good use this season. Experiment, and try to learn something new each time outdoors. Last, stop and visit the good folks at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
As much as I enjoy hunting and fishing, I also enjoy eating the fish and game. When fishing I have my favorite baits and techniques, but I get a real kick out of experimentation.
Two weeks ago, we fished the Detroit River, and many anglers were pulling bottom bouncers. For some crazy reason, I had a unique idea. I remember talking with a guy named Griz years ago. Griz was a popular guide that ended up in print many times.
Griz fished the Mississippi River almost exclusively. He developed a technique where the angler used a super-heavy jig and would snap it forward with a hard jerk. Thus, we dropped down 1.5-ounce jigheads tipped with a Charlie Brewer Grub. We would hit the bottom and snap it forward as we drifted downstream. The fish would smash the jig into the bottom and nearly all of the fish had the jig buried deep in their throat.
After a few hours of daylight, we added a large propeller and the extra flash made a significant difference. Increasing the sinker weight by 50 percent allowed us to cover more water in a shorter time frame.
Just recently, I tried cooking venison medallions in a deep fryer. The basic recipe uses venison back straps. I cut the venison into chunks somewhere between an inch square and 1.5 inches square. Then I soak the chunks in buttermilk. You can substitute the milk with a store-bought marinade or make your own using teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce or similar.
After soaking the chunks roll the chunks into a Drakes or some type of fish or chicken batter. Then roll the chunks into Panko bread crumbs and press down. Once the oil hits 375 degrees drop in the chunks. Remove the chunks as soon as they start floating. You do not want to over- cook the venison. Both canola oil and peanut oil work great.
I use the same recipe with my wild turkey. If you want to add some pop to the meat, add Old Bay Seasoning to the flour mixture. Numerous chicken, shrimp, and fish batters on the market will add a unique taste, so experiment as you cook.
I love making salami, snack sticks and jerky. I make my treats with ground meat and slices. In the past, I used my oven. My wife bought me a dehydrator for Christmas and this has become my favorite method.
Make sure that your dehydrator can reach a temperature of 160 degrees. If using the oven, set the oven to its lowest temperature setting and prop the door open a tad with a wooden dowel.
All of my snacks are made with the Backwoods products from Lem. There are three reasons for doing this. First, they offer many flavors. Second, they offer seasonings that treat five pounds or larger amounts. I like the five-pound packages. Last, their products come with a curing agent. In my opinion, using a curing agent is a must. It greatly helps in storage options and in how long that products shelf life will be.
Making jerky is my favorite snack. If you like the smoke flavor but don’t have a smoker then add some liquid smoke. I do this with all of my snacks. The other thing that I do is mix the meat and let it sit for at least 12 hours.
One tool that you need is a jerky gun. Half of my jerky is made with ground meat. I use the Lem Aluminum Jerky Cannon Gun. It comes with the jerky nozzle and the round snack stick nozzle. My snack sticks do not have any casings and I like them best this way.
My salami casings are the one-pound variety. The one-pound packages make nice gifts and also allow you to experiment with different flavors. Another nice thing about the Lem products is that you can use any seasoning package for the jerky, salami or snack sticks. They are interchangeable.
Put some of your fish and wild game to good use this season. Experiment, and try to learn something new each time outdoors. Last, stop and visit the good folks at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
DNR Awards Fisheries Habitat Grants
Fisheries Habitat Grant funds would support removal design and permitting for Rugg Pond Dam, a high-hazard dam on the Rapid River that impedes Atlantic salmon and other fish species from accessing 21 miles of upstream habitat.
Photo credit Conservation Resource Alliance
Photo credit Conservation Resource Alliance
Nine conservation projects on lakes and streams throughout the state will share more than $1.1 million, courtesy of Fisheries Habitat Grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The funds are matched by more than $250,000 in partner contributions, for a total conservation value of more than $1.4 million.
“We’re excited to support our partner organizations in projects to create healthier lakes and streams with healthier fish populations, better habitat and cleaner water,” DNR Fisheries Division Chief Randy Claramunt said. “Our natural resources make Michigan an outdoor recreation destination, and these projects will provide long-lasting benefits to protect and enhance this appeal.”
The funded projects will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s fisheries. Five of them are DNR Priority Habitat Conservation Projects — those proactively identified by the department as important to sustaining healthy habitats, fisheries and aquatic communities — and three are projects that directly benefit priorities of Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan.
The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities like fishing. Funding for the grant program comes from fishing license sales, state of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy. This funding is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.
Up to $1.8 million typically is awarded each year through Fisheries Habitat Grants. However, the DNR is facing budget shortfalls caused by declines in revenue from fishing and hunting licenses that have resulted in cost-saving measures such as reductions in hiring, travel and other expenses.
In order to balance its budget this year, the DNR Fisheries Division allocated approximately $600,000 of the aquatic habitat conservation funding for other eligible purposes and reduced grant funding by that amount. An additional $50,000 was used as matching funds to support a $5 million dam removal grant that the DNR received from the America the Beautiful Challenge.
The Fisheries Habitat Grant program also provides conditional commitments for funding in future years. These commitments enable partners to leverage future Fisheries Habitat Grant funds in applications for federal and other funding sources, making high-priority (and sometimes very expensive) projects possible.
While no conditional commitments were made this year, the DNR did allocate $135,000 to the Conservation Resource Alliance, honoring a conditional commitment made to the organization to complete a Boyne Falls Dam removal options analysis (Charlevoix County) in its 2023 grant proposal.
Joe Nohner, a resource specialist with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate aquatic habitats across the state, while in many cases also improving public safety through the removal of dams.
“These projects are critical to strengthening and maintaining populations of fishes and other aquatic species,” Nohner said. “They will improve fish migration in over 92 miles of Michigan streams and boost public safety by working toward the removal of five dams and two culverts.”
This year’s funded projects (and counties where projects are located) include:
• Conservation Resource Alliance — Rapid River dam removal design and permitting phase project (Kalkaska County), $200,000.
• Upper Manistee Watershed Association — Improving fish habitat with additional wood from 2023 Michigan Trout Unlimited wood inventory (Crawford and Kalkaska counties),
$40,500.
• Clinton River Watershed Council — Improving connectivity and aquatic organism passage in three Clinton River sub-watersheds (Macomb and Oakland counties), $48,900.
• Michigan State University — Macrophyte assessment in Northern Lake Michigan and Southern Lake Huron fisheries management units (Luce, Mackinac, Marquette and Ogemaw counties), $198,500.
• Conservation Resource Alliance — Restoring and reconnecting aquatic organism passage on Cedar Run and Victoria creeks (Leelanau County), $200,000.
• Kent County Drain Commissioner — Lower Tyler Creek meander restoration, $62,600.
• Huron Pines — Trout River Dam removal (Presque Isle County), $92,425.
• Muskegon River Watershed Assembly — Rowe Dam #1 removal on Penoyer Creek (Newaygo County), $310,000.
• Muskegon River Watershed Assembly — Hersey River Nartron Dam removal (Osceola County), $25,000.
—————
Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available annually to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups through an open, competitive process. The next request for proposals is expected to be announced in September.
Learn more about the Fisheries Habitat Grant program and other grant opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
The funds are matched by more than $250,000 in partner contributions, for a total conservation value of more than $1.4 million.
“We’re excited to support our partner organizations in projects to create healthier lakes and streams with healthier fish populations, better habitat and cleaner water,” DNR Fisheries Division Chief Randy Claramunt said. “Our natural resources make Michigan an outdoor recreation destination, and these projects will provide long-lasting benefits to protect and enhance this appeal.”
The funded projects will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s fisheries. Five of them are DNR Priority Habitat Conservation Projects — those proactively identified by the department as important to sustaining healthy habitats, fisheries and aquatic communities — and three are projects that directly benefit priorities of Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan.
The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities like fishing. Funding for the grant program comes from fishing license sales, state of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy. This funding is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.
Up to $1.8 million typically is awarded each year through Fisheries Habitat Grants. However, the DNR is facing budget shortfalls caused by declines in revenue from fishing and hunting licenses that have resulted in cost-saving measures such as reductions in hiring, travel and other expenses.
In order to balance its budget this year, the DNR Fisheries Division allocated approximately $600,000 of the aquatic habitat conservation funding for other eligible purposes and reduced grant funding by that amount. An additional $50,000 was used as matching funds to support a $5 million dam removal grant that the DNR received from the America the Beautiful Challenge.
The Fisheries Habitat Grant program also provides conditional commitments for funding in future years. These commitments enable partners to leverage future Fisheries Habitat Grant funds in applications for federal and other funding sources, making high-priority (and sometimes very expensive) projects possible.
While no conditional commitments were made this year, the DNR did allocate $135,000 to the Conservation Resource Alliance, honoring a conditional commitment made to the organization to complete a Boyne Falls Dam removal options analysis (Charlevoix County) in its 2023 grant proposal.
Joe Nohner, a resource specialist with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate aquatic habitats across the state, while in many cases also improving public safety through the removal of dams.
“These projects are critical to strengthening and maintaining populations of fishes and other aquatic species,” Nohner said. “They will improve fish migration in over 92 miles of Michigan streams and boost public safety by working toward the removal of five dams and two culverts.”
This year’s funded projects (and counties where projects are located) include:
• Conservation Resource Alliance — Rapid River dam removal design and permitting phase project (Kalkaska County), $200,000.
• Upper Manistee Watershed Association — Improving fish habitat with additional wood from 2023 Michigan Trout Unlimited wood inventory (Crawford and Kalkaska counties),
$40,500.
• Clinton River Watershed Council — Improving connectivity and aquatic organism passage in three Clinton River sub-watersheds (Macomb and Oakland counties), $48,900.
• Michigan State University — Macrophyte assessment in Northern Lake Michigan and Southern Lake Huron fisheries management units (Luce, Mackinac, Marquette and Ogemaw counties), $198,500.
• Conservation Resource Alliance — Restoring and reconnecting aquatic organism passage on Cedar Run and Victoria creeks (Leelanau County), $200,000.
• Kent County Drain Commissioner — Lower Tyler Creek meander restoration, $62,600.
• Huron Pines — Trout River Dam removal (Presque Isle County), $92,425.
• Muskegon River Watershed Assembly — Rowe Dam #1 removal on Penoyer Creek (Newaygo County), $310,000.
• Muskegon River Watershed Assembly — Hersey River Nartron Dam removal (Osceola County), $25,000.
—————
Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available annually to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups through an open, competitive process. The next request for proposals is expected to be announced in September.
Learn more about the Fisheries Habitat Grant program and other grant opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
You may think that sitting in the deer woods or on the river is boring. It’s anything but boring.
When the sun comes up, the community of animals, fish, and insects go to work. The night shift is going home, and the day shift is making their way to the job at hand. It’s another day on the wilderness expressway. Every creature has a particular purpose.
It may be the “stay at home” doe whose daily task is raising and protecting that young fawn that can’t seem to keep his nose out of everything. It may be the chipmunk who sprints from one place to another, gathering up the materials to winterize his home. Or it may be the small spider who will patiently spin her web at the nearest food mart in order to provide the necessary sustenance.
Sounds like us, doesn’t it? But, if you look closer, you will see a major difference.
In the wild animal world, there are no signs of worry, stress or doubt. They are persistent, yes. But they make time every day for fun, fellowship and even naps. They know it is the God of the universe who will provide for them. He always has, so there is no need to worry or doubt or get stressed out.
It seems they know the Bible says, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.” And it seems they have read where the scripture says, “Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing.”
I wonder, however, if we know the rest of that verse. It says, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.”
You know, I have never seen an animal worry. And if an animal doesn’t need to worry about its provision and protection, how much more should we, who are made in His image and
carry the very presence of God within us?
—————
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.
You may think that sitting in the deer woods or on the river is boring. It’s anything but boring.
When the sun comes up, the community of animals, fish, and insects go to work. The night shift is going home, and the day shift is making their way to the job at hand. It’s another day on the wilderness expressway. Every creature has a particular purpose.
It may be the “stay at home” doe whose daily task is raising and protecting that young fawn that can’t seem to keep his nose out of everything. It may be the chipmunk who sprints from one place to another, gathering up the materials to winterize his home. Or it may be the small spider who will patiently spin her web at the nearest food mart in order to provide the necessary sustenance.
Sounds like us, doesn’t it? But, if you look closer, you will see a major difference.
In the wild animal world, there are no signs of worry, stress or doubt. They are persistent, yes. But they make time every day for fun, fellowship and even naps. They know it is the God of the universe who will provide for them. He always has, so there is no need to worry or doubt or get stressed out.
It seems they know the Bible says, “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.” And it seems they have read where the scripture says, “Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing.”
I wonder, however, if we know the rest of that verse. It says, “And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.”
You know, I have never seen an animal worry. And if an animal doesn’t need to worry about its provision and protection, how much more should we, who are made in His image and
carry the very presence of God within us?
—————
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.
Join the Hunt for Michigan’s Biggest Trees
The largest tree in Ottawa County in last year’s Big Tree Hunt was a weeping willow (Salix babylonica) tree, 278 inches in circumference in Spring Lake, nominated by Bill Pushaw.
Photo courtesy ReLeaf Michigan
Michiganders are invited to join the adventure of searching for the biggest trees in the state this summer.
ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt is a free, family-friendly contest that encourages getting outdoors and appreciating the incredibly large trees around us every day. The contest’s deadline is Aug. 22.
The 16th biennial Big Tree Hunt is more than a fun outdoor challenge; it’s a way for Michiganders to help document, honor, and highlight the state’s most impressive trees.
Learn more about the contest and enter your submissions at bigtreehunt.com.
Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, the Big Tree Hunt is your invitation to explore. You can join the hunt as a solo adventurer, make it a family outing, or compete with friends to see who finds the biggest tree in your area. Please note that while the tree locations are entered into the contest, they are not automatically made public.
The contest recognizes:
• The largest tree in every Michigan county
• The largest tree found by a Big Tree Hunter age 16 or older
• The largest tree found by a Big Tree Hunter age 15 or younger
• The largest White Pine (Michigan’s state tree)
• Potential new state champions for specific tree species
Trees discovered during the contest help update the Michigan Champion Tree Registry and have the potential to become part of the National Champion Tree Registry. Entries are also regularly featured as the Big Tree of the Week on ReLeaf Michigan’s Facebook page.
After the contest closes, ReLeaf Michigan’s team will verify the measurements of the largest trees. Winning trees and their nominators will be honored in a special awards ceremony at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland on Oct. 18. In the last contest, more than 100 certificates and prizes were awarded from entries across 79 of Michigan’s 83 counties.
“Everyone has a big tree somewhere near them,” said Lindsay Lights, chair of the Michigan Big Tree Hunt. “Now is the time to look, then submit your tree before the contest ends on Aug. 22.”
The Big Tree Hunt was started in 1993 by ReLeaf Michigan, the only 501(c)(3) statewide tree planting non-profit in Michigan. ReLeaf Michigan was founded in 1988 by a group of arborists to address the depleting tree canopy in Michigan. Over the past 37 years, ReLeaf Michigan has partnered with more than 700 Michigan communities to help plant more than 33,500 trees across the state.
In addition to leading volunteer community tree plantings, ReLeaf Michigan helps educate communities on the value of trees and how to properly maintain them. Studies have shown that investments in trees provide a 5:1 return for communities through the benefits they provide, many of which are often underappreciated or overlooked. The Michigan Big Tree Hunt is an extension of ReLeaf Michigan’s educational efforts to help communities appreciate the value of trees.
Since the multi-year contest began, trees have been submitted from 69 of Michigan’s 83 counties.
The contest is easy to enter. The biggest tree is determined by measuring the distance around the tree trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. Michigan’s biggest trees can be found anywhere, such as along the street, in a park or forest, or even in your backyard.
What you’ll need:
• Measuring tool
• Something to go all the way around a huge tree! Most people measure around the trunk by first using a string, then laying the string out and measuring the length with a tape
ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt is a free, family-friendly contest that encourages getting outdoors and appreciating the incredibly large trees around us every day. The contest’s deadline is Aug. 22.
The 16th biennial Big Tree Hunt is more than a fun outdoor challenge; it’s a way for Michiganders to help document, honor, and highlight the state’s most impressive trees.
Learn more about the contest and enter your submissions at bigtreehunt.com.
Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, the Big Tree Hunt is your invitation to explore. You can join the hunt as a solo adventurer, make it a family outing, or compete with friends to see who finds the biggest tree in your area. Please note that while the tree locations are entered into the contest, they are not automatically made public.
The contest recognizes:
• The largest tree in every Michigan county
• The largest tree found by a Big Tree Hunter age 16 or older
• The largest tree found by a Big Tree Hunter age 15 or younger
• The largest White Pine (Michigan’s state tree)
• Potential new state champions for specific tree species
Trees discovered during the contest help update the Michigan Champion Tree Registry and have the potential to become part of the National Champion Tree Registry. Entries are also regularly featured as the Big Tree of the Week on ReLeaf Michigan’s Facebook page.
After the contest closes, ReLeaf Michigan’s team will verify the measurements of the largest trees. Winning trees and their nominators will be honored in a special awards ceremony at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland on Oct. 18. In the last contest, more than 100 certificates and prizes were awarded from entries across 79 of Michigan’s 83 counties.
“Everyone has a big tree somewhere near them,” said Lindsay Lights, chair of the Michigan Big Tree Hunt. “Now is the time to look, then submit your tree before the contest ends on Aug. 22.”
The Big Tree Hunt was started in 1993 by ReLeaf Michigan, the only 501(c)(3) statewide tree planting non-profit in Michigan. ReLeaf Michigan was founded in 1988 by a group of arborists to address the depleting tree canopy in Michigan. Over the past 37 years, ReLeaf Michigan has partnered with more than 700 Michigan communities to help plant more than 33,500 trees across the state.
In addition to leading volunteer community tree plantings, ReLeaf Michigan helps educate communities on the value of trees and how to properly maintain them. Studies have shown that investments in trees provide a 5:1 return for communities through the benefits they provide, many of which are often underappreciated or overlooked. The Michigan Big Tree Hunt is an extension of ReLeaf Michigan’s educational efforts to help communities appreciate the value of trees.
Since the multi-year contest began, trees have been submitted from 69 of Michigan’s 83 counties.
The contest is easy to enter. The biggest tree is determined by measuring the distance around the tree trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. Michigan’s biggest trees can be found anywhere, such as along the street, in a park or forest, or even in your backyard.
What you’ll need:
• Measuring tool
• Something to go all the way around a huge tree! Most people measure around the trunk by first using a string, then laying the string out and measuring the length with a tape
measure.
• Phone or camera
• Optional: GPS locator (such as phone)
The Big Tree Hunt is only possible thanks to the support of its sponsors, especially platinum sponsors Meijer, Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and the Consumers Energy Foundation.
Additional thanks goes to other sponsors, the Michigan Botanical Foundation and the Cooper Charitable Foundation. The contest also receives in-kind support from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Urban and Community Forestry Program, Michigan State University, Michigan Botanical Society, and ISA Michigan.
More contest details, the entry form, and photos of past winners are available online at bigtreehunt.com. Paper entry forms are also available at over 200 libraries, nature centers, state parks, and Conservation District offices.
For questions, email bigtreehunt@releafmichigan.org or call (800) 642-7353. Follow ReLeaf Michigan’s Facebook page for updates and to view the Big Tree of the Week.
• Phone or camera
• Optional: GPS locator (such as phone)
The Big Tree Hunt is only possible thanks to the support of its sponsors, especially platinum sponsors Meijer, Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and the Consumers Energy Foundation.
Additional thanks goes to other sponsors, the Michigan Botanical Foundation and the Cooper Charitable Foundation. The contest also receives in-kind support from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Urban and Community Forestry Program, Michigan State University, Michigan Botanical Society, and ISA Michigan.
More contest details, the entry form, and photos of past winners are available online at bigtreehunt.com. Paper entry forms are also available at over 200 libraries, nature centers, state parks, and Conservation District offices.
For questions, email bigtreehunt@releafmichigan.org or call (800) 642-7353. Follow ReLeaf Michigan’s Facebook page for updates and to view the Big Tree of the Week.
Weekend Updates for Your Landscape Improve Curb Appeal
By Melinda Myers
Adding new life to your landscape can seem overwhelming. Tackling small achievable upgrades in a weekend can get the momentum started and make a big difference in the overall curb appeal.
Start with your door. Painting or staining the door can add new life to a tired entrance. Look at your home’s style, siding and trim to guide you in the process. Select a durable paint or stain suitable for this purpose. Then dress it up with a seasonal wreath and fresh new door mat.
Add a few container gardens to the steps. These make a colorful welcome for family and friends. Include flowers that complement the door color and your home’s siding and trim. Use reds, oranges and yellows to draw attention, energize, and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Create a sense of calm with blues, purples, and greens.
Use containers that are scale appropriate for your home. Make sure you can easily open the door when placing pots on the front landing. Select containers large enough to support the plants you want to grow. Choose tall and narrow pots to make a bold statement in a narrow space and bigger containers or groupings to make an impact at larger entries.
Include a few fragrant flowers to elevate the mood of everyone entering your home. Sweet alyssum, heliotrope, nicotiana, and nemesia are a few fragrant annuals to consider. Add some herbs like lavender, Rosemary, and thyme as well as scented geraniums that are sure to invite a gentle pet to release their welcome fragrance.
Freshen your garden beds with a bit of weeding and mulch. Weeds compete with your desirable plants for water, nutrients and sunlight. Many weeds also serve as hosts for insect pests and diseases. Removing them improves the look and health of your garden beds.
Once weeded, consider spreading a layer of organic mulch like leaves, evergreen needles, or shredded bark over the soil surface. Organic mulches help keep plant roots cool and moist, suppress weeds, conserve moisture and, as they break down, improve the soil. The finer the mulch, the thinner the layer needed, and generally, it should be no more than two to three inches deep.
Edge planting beds as time allows. You’ll define the space, make it easier to mow around, and slow the infiltration of grass and weeds into the garden. Use a sharp spade or edging shovel to create a V-shaped trench around the garden. Fill it with the same mulch used in the garden. For larger projects, consider renting an edging machine. You and your neighbors may want to join forces and rent the equipment for the weekend for all to use. You’ll share the cost, and no one has to store and maintain this additional piece of landscape equipment.
Update your address numbers, making them larger if needed so delivery people, emergency services, and others can find your home. You can purchase the numbers and craft your own sign or order one online.
As you accomplish some or all these quick upgrades, you are more likely to tackle larger projects that require more time, energy, and perhaps money. You’ll appreciate each of these improvements every time you enter your front door.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, MN & WI Month-by-Month Gardening, and Small Space Gardening. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com which features gardening videos, audio tips, free webinars, monthly gardening information.
Adding new life to your landscape can seem overwhelming. Tackling small achievable upgrades in a weekend can get the momentum started and make a big difference in the overall curb appeal.
Start with your door. Painting or staining the door can add new life to a tired entrance. Look at your home’s style, siding and trim to guide you in the process. Select a durable paint or stain suitable for this purpose. Then dress it up with a seasonal wreath and fresh new door mat.
Add a few container gardens to the steps. These make a colorful welcome for family and friends. Include flowers that complement the door color and your home’s siding and trim. Use reds, oranges and yellows to draw attention, energize, and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort. Create a sense of calm with blues, purples, and greens.
Use containers that are scale appropriate for your home. Make sure you can easily open the door when placing pots on the front landing. Select containers large enough to support the plants you want to grow. Choose tall and narrow pots to make a bold statement in a narrow space and bigger containers or groupings to make an impact at larger entries.
Include a few fragrant flowers to elevate the mood of everyone entering your home. Sweet alyssum, heliotrope, nicotiana, and nemesia are a few fragrant annuals to consider. Add some herbs like lavender, Rosemary, and thyme as well as scented geraniums that are sure to invite a gentle pet to release their welcome fragrance.
Freshen your garden beds with a bit of weeding and mulch. Weeds compete with your desirable plants for water, nutrients and sunlight. Many weeds also serve as hosts for insect pests and diseases. Removing them improves the look and health of your garden beds.
Once weeded, consider spreading a layer of organic mulch like leaves, evergreen needles, or shredded bark over the soil surface. Organic mulches help keep plant roots cool and moist, suppress weeds, conserve moisture and, as they break down, improve the soil. The finer the mulch, the thinner the layer needed, and generally, it should be no more than two to three inches deep.
Edge planting beds as time allows. You’ll define the space, make it easier to mow around, and slow the infiltration of grass and weeds into the garden. Use a sharp spade or edging shovel to create a V-shaped trench around the garden. Fill it with the same mulch used in the garden. For larger projects, consider renting an edging machine. You and your neighbors may want to join forces and rent the equipment for the weekend for all to use. You’ll share the cost, and no one has to store and maintain this additional piece of landscape equipment.
Update your address numbers, making them larger if needed so delivery people, emergency services, and others can find your home. You can purchase the numbers and craft your own sign or order one online.
As you accomplish some or all these quick upgrades, you are more likely to tackle larger projects that require more time, energy, and perhaps money. You’ll appreciate each of these improvements every time you enter your front door.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, MN & WI Month-by-Month Gardening, and Small Space Gardening. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com which features gardening videos, audio tips, free webinars, monthly gardening information.
