Soaker hoses and drip irrigation save water by applying it directly to the soil where it is needed.
By Melinda Myers
The recent heat wave that swept across much of the country is a good reminder to take extra care of our plants and ourselves as temperatures climb. Extreme temperatures can take their toll even on plants normally suited to the growing conditions.
Many plants suffer when short- or long-term temperatures exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You will see withering, leaf and flower drop, stunting and more on heat stressed plants. The longer the heat wave persists the greater the risk of damage.
When daytime temperatures rise above 90 degrees and night temperatures remain above 70 degrees blossoms drop, and poor fruit development may occur on tomatoes.
Temperature extremes also impact pepper productivity. When temperatures climb to 95 degrees or higher the pollen is sterile, and flowers may drop. Small fruit may also fall from the plant during such hot spells.
We can’t change the weather, but we can help our plants cope when temperatures soar. Provide some midday and afternoon shade for plants struggling with the heat. Move containers to a shady location and use a patio umbrella or shade cloth suspended on hoops or stakes to provide your permanent plantings with a bit of relief.
Mulch the soil to conserve water, keep plant roots cooler, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as it decomposes. Spread a one-to-three-inch layer of leaves, evergreen needles, woodchips and other organic matter on the soil surface surrounding plants. The coarser the material, the thicker the layer of mulch needed. Pull mulch away from the trunk of trees and the stems of shrubs and other plants. You obtain multiple benefits from this one task while burning a few calories and strengthening your muscles.
Water plants thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Plants will develop deeper roots able to access water from a larger area, making them more drought tolerant and pest resistant. Avoid frequent light watering that encourages shallow roots more susceptible to drought stress. Make sure new plantings, moisture lovers, and stressed plants are the first to receive a good, long drink.
Don’t overlook established trees and shrubs that need a helping hand during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Soak the area under the tree’s dripline when the top four to six inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Provide ten gallons of water per inch diameter of tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet high.
Water early in the day, when possible, to reduce moisture loss to evaporation. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation whenever possible. You’ll use less water by applying it right to the soil where it is needed.
Check container gardens daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Take care of yourself when gardening especially during hot weather. Try to work in the garden when temperatures are cooler and in the shady spots in your landscape. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
Cover up your skin with brightly colored, loose-fitting clothing made of densely woven fabrics. Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your skin and UV-blocking sunglasses for the health of your eyes.
Apply a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours. You’ll prevent sunburn and skin damage while making it easier to return to the garden each day.
With proper care, you and your plants will be better able to withstand the summer heat.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
The recent heat wave that swept across much of the country is a good reminder to take extra care of our plants and ourselves as temperatures climb. Extreme temperatures can take their toll even on plants normally suited to the growing conditions.
Many plants suffer when short- or long-term temperatures exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You will see withering, leaf and flower drop, stunting and more on heat stressed plants. The longer the heat wave persists the greater the risk of damage.
When daytime temperatures rise above 90 degrees and night temperatures remain above 70 degrees blossoms drop, and poor fruit development may occur on tomatoes.
Temperature extremes also impact pepper productivity. When temperatures climb to 95 degrees or higher the pollen is sterile, and flowers may drop. Small fruit may also fall from the plant during such hot spells.
We can’t change the weather, but we can help our plants cope when temperatures soar. Provide some midday and afternoon shade for plants struggling with the heat. Move containers to a shady location and use a patio umbrella or shade cloth suspended on hoops or stakes to provide your permanent plantings with a bit of relief.
Mulch the soil to conserve water, keep plant roots cooler, suppress weeds, and improve the soil as it decomposes. Spread a one-to-three-inch layer of leaves, evergreen needles, woodchips and other organic matter on the soil surface surrounding plants. The coarser the material, the thicker the layer of mulch needed. Pull mulch away from the trunk of trees and the stems of shrubs and other plants. You obtain multiple benefits from this one task while burning a few calories and strengthening your muscles.
Water plants thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and moist. Plants will develop deeper roots able to access water from a larger area, making them more drought tolerant and pest resistant. Avoid frequent light watering that encourages shallow roots more susceptible to drought stress. Make sure new plantings, moisture lovers, and stressed plants are the first to receive a good, long drink.
Don’t overlook established trees and shrubs that need a helping hand during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Soak the area under the tree’s dripline when the top four to six inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Provide ten gallons of water per inch diameter of tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet high.
Water early in the day, when possible, to reduce moisture loss to evaporation. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation whenever possible. You’ll use less water by applying it right to the soil where it is needed.
Check container gardens daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Take care of yourself when gardening especially during hot weather. Try to work in the garden when temperatures are cooler and in the shady spots in your landscape. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
Cover up your skin with brightly colored, loose-fitting clothing made of densely woven fabrics. Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your skin and UV-blocking sunglasses for the health of your eyes.
Apply a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours. You’ll prevent sunburn and skin damage while making it easier to return to the garden each day.
With proper care, you and your plants will be better able to withstand the summer heat.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Where Have The Fish Gone?
Jack Payne’s friend Brad shows off a bass caught on plastics.
Photo by Jack Payne
Photo by Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
We are in the short period where anglers can easily struggle, including myself. The spawning phase is completed, and we are a few weeks before the thermocline sets in.
What we have is a situation where the fish are spread out. Starting with the bluegills, scrap the shallows. The beds are empty minus maybe a few small fish.
Schools of suspended fish over the deep water are maybe a week or two out. We found some schools of fish, but not like we will shortly. One thing we did learn quickly, and in a tough love manner was that there are plenty of bluegills cruising near the bottom.
Bluegills are using the deep side of the weeds and running parallel with the first drop-off. On one of our favorite lakes, we found the bluegill in the 12-to-20-foot depths.
We found bluegills suspended 5-8 feet down and we found gills near the bottom in 15-20 feet of water. Bluegills are spread out and drifting along a drop-off might just be the most productive method.
Some anglers like drifting or slow trolling with spinners along the lines of a mini-crawler harness. We make our own using two size 10 hooks spaced one inch apart. Throw on a few beads and a size 00, 0 or 1 blade and start fishing.
A two-hook perch style rig is another fine choice. We use a small foam spider and a glow in the dark teardrop. We space the lures a foot apart. A small bell sinker is added and once again a slow drift will cover some water.
Last week we found some crappies suspended just off of the weed line. Most of the fish were down 6-10 feet. Some were tight to the weed lines and others suspended just over the nearest drop-off.
We caught all of our crappie on a yellow Charlie Brewer Crappie Grub. We used a 1/16-ounce Slider jighead and counted it down before starting a slow retrieve.
We also used a small spinner with a plastic tail. The Charlie Brewer Whirly Bee or their Charlie Bee. You might be surprised at the effectiveness of this small spinner. I have a rod rigged up with one whenever I fish crappie.
On multiple occasions we felt a fast rat-a-tat-tat and reeled in a shorter plastic grub. When this occurred, we switched over to the one-inch grub or to the one-inch action tails. We caught some dandy bluegill using the one-inch plastics.
Ice fishermen understand the effectiveness of small delicate plastics. Slowly more anglers are finding just how good small plastics can be. A small plastic onto a 1/64th or a 1/32nd ounce jighead drives the bluegill nuts.
Using plastics eliminates the need for live bait. Rarely will a fish be gut hooked with this setup.
My friend Rich caught three barely legal-size bass on three straight casts using a 1.5-inch grub. We started throwing the three-inch Brewer Grubs and landed some nice 16-to-17-inch bass. No lunkers, but still respectable.
Our bass were caught on the deep side of the weed line and out to the drop-off. For the most part they were in the same areas as the crappie. The Slider grub can be fished two ways.
My first choice is along the lines of a swim bait or a jerk bait. We have fun casting it, letting it sink just so far, and then start reeling it in. Reel it in a few turns of the reel, stop, pause and start over.
Most of the strikes will happen on the stop or pause.
The second method uses the Original Charlie Brewer Slider head and the bass/walleye grub. This rig can be used as a weedless bait if you desire. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom and then slowly reel it in. You can drag this rig in over the bottom, threw the weeds or where ever you think that a fish might be. I fish this rig faster than a standard plastic worm.
Remember to stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
We are in the short period where anglers can easily struggle, including myself. The spawning phase is completed, and we are a few weeks before the thermocline sets in.
What we have is a situation where the fish are spread out. Starting with the bluegills, scrap the shallows. The beds are empty minus maybe a few small fish.
Schools of suspended fish over the deep water are maybe a week or two out. We found some schools of fish, but not like we will shortly. One thing we did learn quickly, and in a tough love manner was that there are plenty of bluegills cruising near the bottom.
Bluegills are using the deep side of the weeds and running parallel with the first drop-off. On one of our favorite lakes, we found the bluegill in the 12-to-20-foot depths.
We found bluegills suspended 5-8 feet down and we found gills near the bottom in 15-20 feet of water. Bluegills are spread out and drifting along a drop-off might just be the most productive method.
Some anglers like drifting or slow trolling with spinners along the lines of a mini-crawler harness. We make our own using two size 10 hooks spaced one inch apart. Throw on a few beads and a size 00, 0 or 1 blade and start fishing.
A two-hook perch style rig is another fine choice. We use a small foam spider and a glow in the dark teardrop. We space the lures a foot apart. A small bell sinker is added and once again a slow drift will cover some water.
Last week we found some crappies suspended just off of the weed line. Most of the fish were down 6-10 feet. Some were tight to the weed lines and others suspended just over the nearest drop-off.
We caught all of our crappie on a yellow Charlie Brewer Crappie Grub. We used a 1/16-ounce Slider jighead and counted it down before starting a slow retrieve.
We also used a small spinner with a plastic tail. The Charlie Brewer Whirly Bee or their Charlie Bee. You might be surprised at the effectiveness of this small spinner. I have a rod rigged up with one whenever I fish crappie.
On multiple occasions we felt a fast rat-a-tat-tat and reeled in a shorter plastic grub. When this occurred, we switched over to the one-inch grub or to the one-inch action tails. We caught some dandy bluegill using the one-inch plastics.
Ice fishermen understand the effectiveness of small delicate plastics. Slowly more anglers are finding just how good small plastics can be. A small plastic onto a 1/64th or a 1/32nd ounce jighead drives the bluegill nuts.
Using plastics eliminates the need for live bait. Rarely will a fish be gut hooked with this setup.
My friend Rich caught three barely legal-size bass on three straight casts using a 1.5-inch grub. We started throwing the three-inch Brewer Grubs and landed some nice 16-to-17-inch bass. No lunkers, but still respectable.
Our bass were caught on the deep side of the weed line and out to the drop-off. For the most part they were in the same areas as the crappie. The Slider grub can be fished two ways.
My first choice is along the lines of a swim bait or a jerk bait. We have fun casting it, letting it sink just so far, and then start reeling it in. Reel it in a few turns of the reel, stop, pause and start over.
Most of the strikes will happen on the stop or pause.
The second method uses the Original Charlie Brewer Slider head and the bass/walleye grub. This rig can be used as a weedless bait if you desire. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom and then slowly reel it in. You can drag this rig in over the bottom, threw the weeds or where ever you think that a fish might be. I fish this rig faster than a standard plastic worm.
Remember to stop in at Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Offers Workshop Series in August
Learning how to keep a nature journal of your observations can help deepen your connection to art, science, and place, and your appreciation for the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. An upcoming four-week, in-person workshop hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta offers an introduction to ecological principles and drawing techniques.
The interactive series, Blending Art and Science, will begin with a 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. session on Saturday, Aug. 2, and will continue from 6 to 8 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays: Aug. 5, 12 and 19. Register at bit.ly/kbs-nature- journaling-2025 to reserve your spot.
The program will begin with a presentation on ecology by KBS scientists, followed by outdoor activities at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. During the outdoor portions, participants will have the opportunity to document nature observations using graphite and colored pencil techniques, guided by local artist Taylor Scamehorn.
Participants will learn art techniques using colored pencils and watercolors to make scientific and artistic observations about nature at different scales.
The program aims to help participants gain an understanding of:
• Biodiversity at various scales
• Identification of patterns and interactions in nature
• Observing the structure and form of individual organisms
Class topics by week are:
• Aug. 2: Introduction to nature journaling
• Aug. 5: Species
• Aug. 12: Communities
• Aug. 19: Landscapes and ecosystems
Register by Wednesday, July 30, to reserve your spot. Registration fees are $160 for Sanctuary members and $180 for non-members. Drawing materials are provided; you are also welcome to bring your own.
For more information about the sanctuary, visit birdsanctuary. kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
The sanctuary is located at 12685 East C Ave., Augusta.
The interactive series, Blending Art and Science, will begin with a 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. session on Saturday, Aug. 2, and will continue from 6 to 8 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays: Aug. 5, 12 and 19. Register at bit.ly/kbs-nature- journaling-2025 to reserve your spot.
The program will begin with a presentation on ecology by KBS scientists, followed by outdoor activities at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. During the outdoor portions, participants will have the opportunity to document nature observations using graphite and colored pencil techniques, guided by local artist Taylor Scamehorn.
Participants will learn art techniques using colored pencils and watercolors to make scientific and artistic observations about nature at different scales.
The program aims to help participants gain an understanding of:
• Biodiversity at various scales
• Identification of patterns and interactions in nature
• Observing the structure and form of individual organisms
Class topics by week are:
• Aug. 2: Introduction to nature journaling
• Aug. 5: Species
• Aug. 12: Communities
• Aug. 19: Landscapes and ecosystems
Register by Wednesday, July 30, to reserve your spot. Registration fees are $160 for Sanctuary members and $180 for non-members. Drawing materials are provided; you are also welcome to bring your own.
For more information about the sanctuary, visit birdsanctuary. kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
The sanctuary is located at 12685 East C Ave., Augusta.
Image of a sketch notebook with colored pencil drawings of goldenrod plants, plant galls, and the goldenrod gall fly, with facts about the species pictured.
Photo credit Briar Hallowstone
Outreach Events to Mark Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed this week as Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Awareness Week, raising awareness about the importance of stopping the spread of invasive aquatic plants and organisms.
More than 50 boat landing events are planned across the state to mark this year’s AIS Awareness Week. Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan’s ecosystems, tourism, and economy.
The boat landing events are part of the 12th Annual AIS Landing Blitz in which local partners such as lake associations and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) give boaters and anglers tips to prevent the spread of invasive species and comply with laws for recreational boating. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.
Help prevent the spread of AIS by following these simple steps:
Required actions – it’s the law in Michigan
• Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.
• Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells before transporting a watercraft.
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.
—————
Recommended additional actions – protect our waters by following these steps:
• Clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing?plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.
• Wash?boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.
• Dry?boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
• Disinfect?live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water).
“Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining, and drying all boats, trailers, and gear between uses,” said Kevin Walters, Aquatic Biologist for the Water Resources Division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “AIS Awareness Week is a good reminder that if we all do our part, we can lessen the impact of invasive species in Michigan.”
Additionally, the Michigan Clean Water Corps will hold the first-ever AIS Detection Blitz during AIS Awareness Week. The MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz?is a statewide community science event aimed at identifying and documenting AIS, such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, or anything else you suspect might be invasive in Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
This event welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a first-time observer. During AIS Awareness Week, simply snap photos of potential invasive species and upload them to the MiCorps project on the free?iNaturalist?app.
By working together in this coordinated effort, Michiganders can track the spread of AIS, strengthen early detection strategies, and inform better management decisions. Whether you’re on the water for the July 4 holiday or just enjoying a local spot, every observation counts.
AIS Awareness Week is sponsored by EGLE's Water Resources Division in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Depart- ment of Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations.
For more information about AIS Awareness Week or the AIS Landing Blitz, visit Michigan’s invasive species website at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
More than 50 boat landing events are planned across the state to mark this year’s AIS Awareness Week. Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan’s ecosystems, tourism, and economy.
The boat landing events are part of the 12th Annual AIS Landing Blitz in which local partners such as lake associations and Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) give boaters and anglers tips to prevent the spread of invasive species and comply with laws for recreational boating. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.
Help prevent the spread of AIS by following these simple steps:
Required actions – it’s the law in Michigan
• Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.
• Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells before transporting a watercraft.
• Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.
—————
Recommended additional actions – protect our waters by following these steps:
• Clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing?plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.
• Wash?boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.
• Dry?boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
• Disinfect?live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water).
“Preventing the spread of invasive species in our waterways is as simple as cleaning, draining, and drying all boats, trailers, and gear between uses,” said Kevin Walters, Aquatic Biologist for the Water Resources Division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “AIS Awareness Week is a good reminder that if we all do our part, we can lessen the impact of invasive species in Michigan.”
Additionally, the Michigan Clean Water Corps will hold the first-ever AIS Detection Blitz during AIS Awareness Week. The MiCorps AIS Detection Blitz?is a statewide community science event aimed at identifying and documenting AIS, such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, or anything else you suspect might be invasive in Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
This event welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a first-time observer. During AIS Awareness Week, simply snap photos of potential invasive species and upload them to the MiCorps project on the free?iNaturalist?app.
By working together in this coordinated effort, Michiganders can track the spread of AIS, strengthen early detection strategies, and inform better management decisions. Whether you’re on the water for the July 4 holiday or just enjoying a local spot, every observation counts.
AIS Awareness Week is sponsored by EGLE's Water Resources Division in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Depart- ment of Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations.
For more information about AIS Awareness Week or the AIS Landing Blitz, visit Michigan’s invasive species website at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
I was cleaning out my hunting vehicle as I do every year after the deer and turkey seasons.
This time, however, I did a more thorough cleaning. I found licenses from several years back and from different states.
A long time ago, I thought I would keep a license from every state I’ve hunted in. But I didn’t. I figured they would only remind me of all the times I came home empty handed.
The other reason is they are all pretty much the same. The colors or size may be different, but they all contain the same information. Name, address, Social Security number, height, weight, color of eyes and hair, and date of birth. Pretty boring stuff.
Over the past several decades, I have only been checked by a game warden a couple of times. Each time, they take my take my license to make an identification. After that, they check my live-well, or my truck for anything suspicious. Why do they do that after seeing my license?
Because my license is only my identification. It’s not my identity. My identification tells him or her who I am. My identity tells them what I am.
You see, identification is how others distinguish you. Identity is how you distinguish yourself. Identification is what’s on the outside; identity is who you really are on the inside. Identification is how others recognize you. Identity is how you recognize yourself.
And here’s the thing. If you don’t know who you are, there will always be someone who will be more than happy to tell you who they think you are, or who they think you ought to be. And that can be disastrous.
But how do we know what our identity is? Well, it always comes from our creator.
That is, when someone creates something, they know why they created it, what they created it to do and be, and what their own relationship to it is supposed to be. So, what does that say about our identity? It says that we can either get it from an outside source, or we can get in from God – the One who created us. One cannot be trusted. The other can.
So, what does God say about us? He says our identity is not found in our successes or failures. It’s not found in our past, present, or future. It’s not in our awards, affiliations, or attributes. It’s not in our pain, persecutions, or problems. Our identity is found in what God says about us.
What is that? Let me give you a few things found in the Bible.
• I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins through the grace of God.
• I am forever free from condemnation.
• I am an heir of God and fellow heir with Christ.
• I have received the Spirit of God into my life, that I might know the things freely given to me by God.
• I have been given the mind of Christ.
• I am blessed with every spiritual blessing.
• I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do His work that He planned for me.
• I am a citizen of heaven.
• I have been made complete in Christ.
• I have been given a spirit of power, love, and discipline.
• I may come boldly before the throne of God to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
• I have been given all of God’s promises.
My identification is not my identity. Neither is yours.
—————
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 was cleaning out my hunting vehicle as I do every year after the deer and turkey seasons.
This time, however, I did a more thorough cleaning. I found licenses from several years back and from different states.
A long time ago, I thought I would keep a license from every state I’ve hunted in. But I didn’t. I figured they would only remind me of all the times I came home empty handed.
The other reason is they are all pretty much the same. The colors or size may be different, but they all contain the same information. Name, address, Social Security number, height, weight, color of eyes and hair, and date of birth. Pretty boring stuff.
Over the past several decades, I have only been checked by a game warden a couple of times. Each time, they take my take my license to make an identification. After that, they check my live-well, or my truck for anything suspicious. Why do they do that after seeing my license?
Because my license is only my identification. It’s not my identity. My identification tells him or her who I am. My identity tells them what I am.
You see, identification is how others distinguish you. Identity is how you distinguish yourself. Identification is what’s on the outside; identity is who you really are on the inside. Identification is how others recognize you. Identity is how you recognize yourself.
And here’s the thing. If you don’t know who you are, there will always be someone who will be more than happy to tell you who they think you are, or who they think you ought to be. And that can be disastrous.
But how do we know what our identity is? Well, it always comes from our creator.
That is, when someone creates something, they know why they created it, what they created it to do and be, and what their own relationship to it is supposed to be. So, what does that say about our identity? It says that we can either get it from an outside source, or we can get in from God – the One who created us. One cannot be trusted. The other can.
So, what does God say about us? He says our identity is not found in our successes or failures. It’s not found in our past, present, or future. It’s not in our awards, affiliations, or attributes. It’s not in our pain, persecutions, or problems. Our identity is found in what God says about us.
What is that? Let me give you a few things found in the Bible.
• I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
• I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins through the grace of God.
• I am forever free from condemnation.
• I am an heir of God and fellow heir with Christ.
• I have received the Spirit of God into my life, that I might know the things freely given to me by God.
• I have been given the mind of Christ.
• I am blessed with every spiritual blessing.
• I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do His work that He planned for me.
• I am a citizen of heaven.
• I have been made complete in Christ.
• I have been given a spirit of power, love, and discipline.
• I may come boldly before the throne of God to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
• I have been given all of God’s promises.
My identification is not my identity. Neither is yours.
—————
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.
Eaton County Man Jailed for Campground Thefts
A 36-year-old Eaton County man has been sentenced to one year in jail and ordered to repay $8,000 in connection with his involvement with a series of thefts from state forest campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula over the past two years.
Justyn Mark Spitzley of Sunfield was sentenced June 16 in 11th Circuit Court. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Spitzley targeted several payment collection sites in which campers deposit cash – known as pay pipes – last fall.
Spitzley was arrested on 13 felony counts, including 11 counts of breaking and entering a coin-operated device. He pleaded guilty in February to one felony charge of larceny of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, and one misdemeanor charge of operating on a suspended license.
Spitzley was sentenced by Judge Brian Rahilly to one year in jail with credit for 81 days served. He was also ordered to pay an additional $6,000 in restitution and a $2,000 reimbursement for cash that was recovered as evidence at the time of his arrest.On Oct. 19-20, 2024, Spitzley broke into several state forest campground pay pipes. He was arrested by surveillance team members and found to be in possession of a large amount of stolen cash, a burglary tool and other evidence of the crimes.
Campgrounds Spitzley stole from include Perch Lake, Lake Superior, Blind Sucker No. 1 and No. 2, and Mouth of the Two Hearted River, according to the DNR.
The surveillance team consisted of Michigan State Police troopers, Sault Ste. Marie Police officers and the Mackinac Bridge Authority, according to the DNR.
Spitzley was lodged in the Ionia County Jail on unrelated charges, then transferred in April to the Alger County Jail where he will serve the remainder of his one-year sentence.
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.
Justyn Mark Spitzley of Sunfield was sentenced June 16 in 11th Circuit Court. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Spitzley targeted several payment collection sites in which campers deposit cash – known as pay pipes – last fall.
Spitzley was arrested on 13 felony counts, including 11 counts of breaking and entering a coin-operated device. He pleaded guilty in February to one felony charge of larceny of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, and one misdemeanor charge of operating on a suspended license.
Spitzley was sentenced by Judge Brian Rahilly to one year in jail with credit for 81 days served. He was also ordered to pay an additional $6,000 in restitution and a $2,000 reimbursement for cash that was recovered as evidence at the time of his arrest.On Oct. 19-20, 2024, Spitzley broke into several state forest campground pay pipes. He was arrested by surveillance team members and found to be in possession of a large amount of stolen cash, a burglary tool and other evidence of the crimes.
Campgrounds Spitzley stole from include Perch Lake, Lake Superior, Blind Sucker No. 1 and No. 2, and Mouth of the Two Hearted River, according to the DNR.
The surveillance team consisted of Michigan State Police troopers, Sault Ste. Marie Police officers and the Mackinac Bridge Authority, according to the DNR.
Spitzley was lodged in the Ionia County Jail on unrelated charges, then transferred in April to the Alger County Jail where he will serve the remainder of his one-year sentence.
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.
