Stories

Sharp-shinned Hawks are small hawks characterized by their short wings, long tails, and distinctive slate-blue plumage in adults. They...

As fall stretches across Michigan, ospreys embark on their annual journey south. The osprey, scientifically known as Pandion haliaetus,...

Michigan is blessed with a diverse range of wildlife, and among its avian residents, the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) stands out...

The scientific name for stick insects is Phasmatodea, from the Greek word phasma (“phantom”), which refers to this insect’s ability to...

Praying mantises belong to the insect family of Mantidae ("mantids"). All mantids have enlarged forelegs (“raptorial legs”) adapted for...

Monarch butterflies have bright orange wings covered with black veins and rimmed with a black border and white dots. This brilliant...

Dragonflies belong to an order of insects known as Odonata, which means “toothed one” in Greek and refers to the dragonfly’s serrated...

In 1825, the original Fort Gratiot Light was built approximately where the Blue Water Bridge now stands at a cost of $5,762. That makes...

The northeast tip of Michigan’s Thumb is named Pointe aux Barques (French for Point of the Little Ships). This spot is a serious...

Gray tree frogs live in forested areas throughout the eastern United States and southern Ontario. They are about two inches long and have...

Wood frogs are found only in the United States and Canada. They are about three inches long and have bumpy skin that comes in several...

Most green frogs are green, but some are brownish green, yellowish green, or olive. Their legs have dark bands across them, and their...

Trout lilies begin to bloom in Michigan’s deciduous forests soon after the last snow melts and the sun begins to warm the soil. These...

Trilliums are the most familiar and beloved of Michigan’s woodland wildflowers. They thrive in the rich, acidic soil of deciduous...

Morels are delicious and elusive mushrooms found in Michigan woods in the spring. Black morels show up first, followed by the “half...

Ramps (also known as wild leeks) are members of the allium family, which includes chives, garlic, leeks, scallions, and shallots. Ramps...

The killdeer is a familiar species across North America, thanks to its preference for open habitats and its loud calls, which give it its...

The Kirtland’s warbler is a small gray-and-yellow bird and one of the rarest songbirds in North America. It was named after Jared...

Eastern Bluebirds spend the winter in the southeastern United States and return to the upper midwest to breed in early March. Immediately...

Brook trout are native to Michigan's waters, and they were designated the state fish of Michigan in 1988. They have long, streamlined...