June is National Great Outdoors Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and exploring the abundant natural beauty our country offers. This month-long observance encourages everyone to venture out and appreciate the accessibility and splendor of our wildlife refuges, parks, and scenic landscapes. It’s a call to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in nature. Explore a new trail, visit a wildlife refuge, or simply relax in a park. Every moment spent in nature is an opportunity to appreciate the world around us and to find peace and inspiration in its beauty.
The Origins of Great Outdoors Month
Huron National Wildlife Refuge – Image by Seney Natural History Association – Huron National Wildlife RefugeUploaded by AlbertHerring, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29577071
National Great Outdoors Month began as Great Outdoors Week under President Clinton in 1998. The initiative aimed to boost the country’s economy by promoting outdoor activities, thereby creating jobs and increasing the GDP. The popularity of Great Outdoors Week soared, and under subsequent administrations—Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump—the celebration extended to encompass the entire month of June. Today, Great Outdoors Month continues to inspire millions to explore and enjoy the natural world around them.
Exploring Michigan’s Natural Wonders
Michigan is a treasure trove of outdoor beauty, managed and maintained by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The state boasts approximately 4.6 million acres of public lands, including state forests, game and wildlife areas, parks, and trails. These lands are a testament to Michigan’s commitment to preserving natural habitats while providing spaces for public enjoyment and recreation.
Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas span over 306,000 acres, offering 14,100 campsites across 142 campgrounds and more than 900 miles of trails. These areas provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife observation. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot to pitch a tent or a challenging trail to conquer, Michigan’s diverse landscapes have something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Discover Michigan’s National Wildlife Refuges
Michigan is home to ten National Wildlife Refuges, six of which are in Northern Michigan. These refuges are dedicated to preserving wildlife habitats and providing a haven for various species. They are the perfect destinations for nature lovers and wildlife watchers.
The Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge
This 695-acre horseshoe-shaped island in Potagannissing Bay, north of Drummond Island, became a refuge in 1983. Managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, it offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and is located in Drummond Township, Chippewa County. The island’s remote location makes it an ideal spot for bird watching and exploring pristine landscapes.
Huron National Wildlife Refuge
Kirtland Wrabler – Image by USFWSmidwest – Kirtland’s Warbler WMA, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43608133
Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905, this refuge includes eight small, rocky islands in Lake Superior, near the mouth of the Huron River in Marquette County. Known as the Huron Islands Wilderness, it is a popular spot for divers exploring the area’s shipwrecks. The rugged beauty of these islands offers a unique opportunity to experience Michigan’s maritime heritage and natural splendor.
Kirtlands Warbler Wildlife Management Area
This refuge, administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, focuses on protecting the endangered Kirtland’s warbler. Located in northern Lower Michigan, the area offers guided tours, especially around Grayling, providing a glimpse into the warbler’s habitat. This management area is crucial for the conservation of this rare species, which has a very restricted breeding range.
Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1947, this 705-acre refuge protects colonial waterbirds like Caspian terns and black-crowned night herons. The refuge includes nine islands in Lakes Michigan and Huron, though it remains closed to the public to protect sensitive species. These islands are vital nesting grounds for numerous bird species, highlighting the importance of habitat conservation.
Scarecrow Island
This small, 7-acre island in Lake Huron forms part of Thunder Bay and is crucial for nesting waterbirds. It is managed as a satellite of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and is included in the Michigan Islands Wilderness. Scarecrow Island’s protected status ensures the preservation of its delicate ecosystem and the bird populations that depend on it. Adjacent waters of Thunder Bay became part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 2000.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Covering 95,212 acres in Schoolcraft County, this refuge features managed wetlands and the Seney Wilderness Area. Visitors can explore the Strangmoor Bog National Natural Landmark and enjoy the tranquility of this vast, preserved landscape. The refuge’s extensive network of trails and waterways makes it a prime location for bird watching, canoeing, and hiking.
Seney Wildlife – Image by Hollingsworth, John and Karen – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2631211
Embrace the Outdoors This June
National Great Outdoors Month is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Whether you prefer hiking or biking on trails, kayaking or canoeing on rivers and lakes, or simply camping in the forest or on a hillside, there’s something for everyone. Northern Michigan, with its rich array of natural parks and refuges, offers endless possibilities for outdoor adventures.
Take advantage of this month to explore the beauty around you. Plan a visit to one of Michigan’s state parks, enjoy a peaceful hike through a wildlife refuge, or spend a night under the stars at a campsite. National Great Outdoors Month is your invitation to experience the wonders of nature. Create lasting memories, and gain a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Imagine starting your day with a hike through a dense forest, the scent of pine filling the air and the sound of birds chirping overhead. Later, you might paddle a kayak along a tranquil river, the water reflecting the blue sky and lush greenery on the banks. As evening falls, you could set up camp by a serene lake, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues before settling in for a night under a canopy of stars.
Join the Celebration
Share your outdoor adventures using the hashtag #GreatOutdoorsMonth and inspire others to discover the joy of nature. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or someone looking to start exploring, National Great Outdoors Month is the ideal time to celebrate and protect our natural heritage. Get outside, embrace the beauty around you, and enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer.
National Great Outdoors Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural spaces for future generations. By participating in outdoor activities and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that these beautiful landscapes remain unspoiled and accessible for years to come.
