 The 2025 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake in Cheboygan County, Michigan, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. All anglers must register online to participate in the season. The 2025 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake in Cheboygan County, Michigan, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. All anglers must register online in advance to participate in the fishing season, and those age 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license. The harvest limit for the 2025 season on Black Lake is six lake sturgeon. Officials will close the season when one of two scenarios occurs:
Fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of the season. The season will end either at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, or when one of the above scenarios is met, at which point anglers will be notified via text message and on the ice by DNR personnel that they must immediately stop fishing for lake sturgeon. Anyone who wants to participate this year must register online by Jan. 31. Get more registration and season information at Michigan.gov/Sturgeon. Participating anglers must bring their own bright red flags (1-foot diameter or larger) to hang on their fishing shanties. Season officials emphasize that anglers are required to hang one or more flags in highly visible locations on their shanties so DNR personnel can readily identify which anglers are sturgeon fishing. Anyone harvesting a lake sturgeon must immediately contact DNR personnel on the ice. Official registration of each harvested fish will take place at a DNR trailer located on or near the ice at the end of Zollner Road in the northwest part of Black Lake. Harvest registration may include an examination of the fish's internal organs and removal of a piece of fin tissue for DNA analysis or aging. Lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in Black Lake over the last two decades have been a successful collaboration between the DNR, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, tribal agencies, Michigan State University and Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership. This population has increased in the past 20 years due to lake sturgeon rearing and stocking efforts and research and protection of spawning adults, and this trend is expected to continue. Ice conditions may vary greatly, and anglers should always use extreme caution when ice fishing. The Black Lake sturgeon season start date will not be postponed due to weather or other conditions. The season may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to the start of the season if circumstances pose a significant safety risk to anglers and staff (per Fisheries Order 240). The DNR will post any updated information to the department website and notify anglers via text message and email if any changes occur. Visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety for tips to stay safe on the ice.
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 Firewood permits for the 2025 calendar year are now available. Firewood permits can be obtained by phone, mail, or in-person at any of the five HMNFs offices between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. “You will need to provide your full name, address, license plate number and the amount of firewood desired, up to the number of cords specified on the permit,” says Customer Service Representative Tony Beals. Personal use firewood permits remain free and authorize the holder to collect up to eight cords per calendar year. Free personal use firewood permits do not allow for the resale of firewood collected on the HMNFs. Individuals who require more than eight cords, or want to harvest firewood to sell, may purchase a commercial firewood permit at a rate of $60. Commercial firewood permits authorize the holder to cut and gather up to 20 cords. According to Beals, “Permits cannot be re-issued, so it is important to keep track of your permit through its expiration on December 31, 2025.” Firewood maps will accompany each permit. Permit holders can cut and gather firewood in areas shown as open to firewood collection on the provided maps. All firewood cutters are responsible for reviewing the map of the designated cutting area and adhering to the rules and restrictions inherent to the permit. Permit holders must always have their current permit on them while cutting and transporting wood from the HMNFs. Firewood maps and regulations can be reviewed on the HMNFs Forest Products web page. Personal and commercial firewood permits are available via phone, mail, and in-person at the following times and locations: Supervisors Office, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. M-F 1755 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac, MI 49601 Phone (231) 775-2421 Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. M-F 650 N. Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI 49304  Repurposing milknjugsb into miningreenhouses  Sarah Pregitzer Free Workshop features native seed sowing Get ready for spring gardening with this Native Plant Winter Seed Sowing & Seed Ball Workshop. The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) will host this “Make It & Take It” event on Saturday, January 11 from 10am – 12noon. It will take place at the NCEC office located at 432 Quarterline St, Newaygo, 49337, in the United Church of Christ building. Everyone who has pre-registered will be able to make and take home native plant “seed balls” and/or mini-greenhouses. The event is free – however donations will be welcomed to help cover costs of the supplies. Eventbrite registration links can be found at the NCEC Facebook Event page; by scanning the QR Code; or by visiting the NCEC website calendar: www.nc-ec.org. Questions can be emailed to [email protected]. The workshop will be led by Sarah Pregitzer, Master Naturalist, Conservation Steward and NCEC Board Member. “Winter is the best time to plant your native plant seeds to be ready for spring gardening,” stated Sarah. “We will sow native plant seeds in milk-jug mini-greenhouses or other containers. These will be set outside during the winter months. The temperature and moisture changes are needed for many native plant seeds to sprout when the weather begins to warm up. Then in spring the plants are ready to put into your garden!” “We will also be making Seed Balls at the workshop,” adds Sarah. “Native plant seeds are set into balls of clay and dirt which protects them until spring. If you have a larger area to plant, these Seed Balls can then be tossed into the desired area in early spring. The seeds have a much better chance to sprout and grow than if you broadcast them on top of the soil.” The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition is a local non-profit organization dedicated to bringing environmental awareness and activities to community members. Their Healthy Habitats programs are supported in part by the Fremont Area Community Foundation and other generous donors. To learn more, visit www.nc-ec.org.
 Photo and article by Donna Iverson Wondering what the most popular Christmas tree in Michigan is? According to several sources, it’s the Fraser fir. Curious to find one, I went in search of a Fraser Fir at my local tree farm in Whitehall. Personally, I am partial to balsam fir but was willing to give Fraser fir a look see. Fraser fir trees were plentiful at the tree farm with acres of them growing in the back fields. In the lot, the cost of a Fraser fir, cut and tied for easier transport was $50. Cheaper than the going price of $80 to $100 a pop around the state, according to AI. (Yup AI) Comparing balsam fir and Fraser fir, it turns out that the balsam fir has softer needles and a sweeter smell. On the plus side, Fraser fir is slower to drop its needles, has stronger limbs for ornaments and is the favorite tree at the White House during the holidays. A native of the Appalachian mountains, it prefers acid moist soil with cool summers and cold winters. It grows 30 to 50 feet in between 7 to 10 years. In the wild, it can be found growing near hemlock, birch and maple trees. It is named after a Scottish botanist John Fraser (1750-1811). It is also endangered, threatened by the balsam wooly adelgid insect. Personally, balsam fir remains my favorite …can’t resist the sweeter smell and the softer feel.
Santa, Free Gift Wrapping, Budgeting Class, and More
The Fremont Area District Library is planning to host many fun and educational events in December for the whole family. These events are, as always, free. Drop-In Gift Wrapping: Get all of your Christmas wrapping done—FREE! We’ll provide the gift wrap, gift bags, etc. Bring your presents to the tables near the Main Street entrance during the library’s open hours and wrap your gifts! From December 2nd-December 21st. Christmas Open House: For all ages. It’s everything Christmas! We’ll have Christmas books, movies, cookbooks, crafts, cookies, and cocoa in the Community Room on Thursday, December 12th from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Get first dibs on all of our new Christmas materials! Dean Ford Presents the Power of Budgeting: Start the new year right by taking control of your finances. This is the first in an educational seminar series. We will explore the power of budgeting, examine wants and needs, and talk personal spending and savings goals. Many think budgeting equals constraints. But a budget can help put you in control. It is the foundation on which a financial strategy is built. Are you ready to give budgeting a try? This will take place in the Community Room on Wednesday, December 18th from 1:30-2:30 p.m. No registration required, and coffee will be served. Children’s Events Toddler Storytime, for babies and toddlers up to age 3, will be held on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. through December 4th, and Family Storytime for children up to age 5 will be held on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. through December 5th. Christmas Crafts will be available on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00-12:00. We’ll have some fun Christmas decorations out for you to enjoy making at this drop-in event. Christmas Storytime will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 10:00 a.m. with some favorite Christmas stories. We’ll be showing a Children’s Christmas Movie on Thursday, December 19th at 4:00 p.m. Snacks will be served, and all are welcome. Domino Club: REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Register by seeing the Children’s Desk or call 231-928-0249. Join this new club for tweens to have fun with domino set up and toppling. Eat pizza and snacks while we watch some YouTube domino videos, and then work on your own skills! For ages 8-13. Meets in the Community Room on Thursday, December 5th from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Santa Claus Meet & Greet will take place on Friday, December 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This special event is for all children, and for adults who are young at heart! Kids are advised to bring their list, their best behavior, and their good cheer. Parents are advised to bring their cameras. We’ll have treats to pass out! Tinkering Tuesdays continues this month. You bring the imagination, and we'll provide everything you need! Simple building and art concepts for kids to construct on their own or in a group. Finished creations will be put on display for a week. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - For ages 6-9 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. Parents are required to stay in the building during this time. -Dec. 3rd: Modeling clay -Dec. 17th: Raised salt art (Breaks for the holidays) Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead also continues this month. This includes the same concepts as Tinkering Tuesdays, but for ages 10-12. REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up your child two weeks before each activity, until filled, by calling 231-924-3480 or seeing the front desk. See dates below. Limit of 15 children each week. Parents are required to stay in the building during this time. -Dec. 10th: Raised salt art (Breaks for the holidays) Even More Events! Fit for Life Exercise is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. No class on December 23rd or 25th. This is a low-impact exercise class perfect for all adults and levels of fitness. We’ll show the movie Elf (PG; 1 hr 36 min) during Christmas Break for our Movie Monday on December 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Snacks will be provided. The Books & Bites Book Group will meet on Wednesday, December 11th at 10:00 a.m. with coffee and breakfast food to discuss The Night Swim by Megan Goldin. The Tween Book Club will NOT be meeting in December to take a Christmas break. Books for these groups are available at the library’s front desk ahead of the meeting if you’d like to check out a copy and join the groups. For more information about any of these events, please contact the library at 231-924-3480 or visit www.fremontlibrary.net.  Photo courtesy of USDA Forest Service Everything you need to know about cutting your own tree i the NationaL Forest
Cadillac, MICH., - Christmas tree permits have been available to purchase online through Recreation.gov since October 12, 2023. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found on the Huron-Manistee National Forests Christmas Tree Permit webpage. Permits can also be purchased from our district offices between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, until December 22, 2023. “Venturing into a local national forest to find that special tree is an experience that creates treasured family memories and stories,” said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “It is through these experiences that people establish important connections to the forest that can lead to a lifetime of adventures and instill a commitment to stewardship.” To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Huron-Manistee National Forests Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Permits are $5 per tree with a maximum purchase of five trees per household. There is a $2.50 reservation fee applied at checkout. "For many families, bringing home a Christmas tree from Huron-Manistee National Forests is a cherished tradition carried on for generations by over 500 people annually," said Deputy Forest Supervisor Sierra Dawkins. “For families creating new traditions, a trip to the national forests to cut their own Christmas tree may be a thrilling experience as they discover the joy of hiking through the forest in search of the perfect holiday centerpiece.” Dawkins also stated that fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors passes are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit. Kids of all ages can download, color, and decorate their tree with a Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree. “Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health, helping to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.” said Dawkins adding that forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees.  Article by Donna Iverson Gardens offer many gifts in addition to food. In Georgia O’Keefe’s case, the garden grew her art. A new children’s picture book, called Gifts from Georgia’s Garden, tells the story. It offers a unique insight into the work of this artist/ gardener. The book’s subtitle is “How Georgia O’Keefe Nourished Her Art.” About 80 years ago in New Mexico, O’Keefe decided to grow a garden and paint what she grew. She grew flowers and began making oversized paintings of them. Her favorites were daffodils, irises, lilacs, poppies and hollyhocks. She said she wanted people to really look closely at the flowers. It was these oversized paintings that made her a famous artist, worldwide. O’Keefe also grew vegetables, including lettuce, leeks, chilis, carrots, leeks and chard. Garden herbs included parsley and lovage. Harvesting the vegetables, she prepared simple soups and salads for her friends. For dinner dishes, she offered tomato soufflés and chili enchiladas. While art was her main focus, it was the interplay between her garden and her painting that fueled her creativity. Born in 1887 and raised on a Wisconsin farm, O’Keefe declared at age 8 that she would become an artist. But it wasn’t until the 1940s when she moved to New Mexico and planted her garden, that her artistic career brought her national recognition. As early as 1945, she was practicing such gardening techniques as composting, companion planting, and water conservation. The book published this year was written by Lisa Robinson of Boston and illustrated by Hadley Hooper, who lives in Denver. If you are interested in gardening and or art, this is a wonderful book to share with children. And even adults will learn a lot about O’Keefe from this lovely picture book. You can likely find it in the children’s department of your local library, in the biography section.  Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette, aerial view- Photo by Steve Jessmore  An Eastern White Pine towers over the McDuffie Nature Preserve- Photo by Steve Jessmore Campaign Complete: Land Conservancy of West Michigan has reached McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve fundraising goal BITELY, Mich. (November 12, 2024) -- Thanks to a generous capstone gift from the Richard Hansen Foundation, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has reached its fundraising goal for the new McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve in Bitely, Michigan. The campaign ends just as construction on the preserve’s trail system nears completion. “The close of 2024 brings with it some exciting milestones for McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve,” said Executive Director Kim Karn. “We are grateful to everyone who showed their support for the protection and ongoing care of this land, and especially to Richard Hansen and the Richard Hansen Foundation for bringing us over the finish line.” McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve protects 300 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands along the shores of the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River and McDuffee Creek. These high quality, cold-water rivers nurture trout, turtles and aquatic invertebrates. Porcupines, bobcats, black bears and wild turkeys are known to roam the preserve’s forests, and ruffed grouse can be heard drumming their wings among the aspens. Under the Land Conservancy’s ownership, the land is permanently protected and managed as a nature preserve. The preserve is open to the public for exploration at no cost. Over 200 donors showed their support for the permanent protection of the land and its transformation into a publicly accessible nature preserve. Nearly $700,000 was raised to fund the acquisition, protection, and ongoing care of the preserve. The project was funded in part by the Carls Foundation, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Ducks Unlimited, the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the Richard Hansen Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The purchase was also made possible with support from a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant, a donation of the property value by the landowner, several donors, and a loan from the Land Conservancy’s own Land Acquisition Fund. The Land Acquisition Fund was created by generous benefactors to help the organization act quickly to take advantage of opportunities to protect natural land. The Land Conservancy held a fundraiser to pay back its Land Acquisition Fund, cover the costs of establishing public access features and create a fund to support the maintenance and restoration of the property in the future. McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve is the largest of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s 20 nature preserves. Thanks to the help of many volunteers, four miles of trail are being outfitted with boardwalks to keep feet dry and protect sensitive habitat while visitors traverse wetland areas. A bridge will be installed over the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River. The trails and amenities are slated to be completed in December 2024. Land Conservancy volunteers have helped remove invasive species, clean up debris from old hunting blinds, build trails and install boardwalks. “Volunteers have made McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve a welcoming place for visitors to explore,” said Conservation Director Justin Heslinga. “We are grateful for their hard work and look forward to continuing to collaborate with volunteers as we restore and care for the land.” The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is working to restore a degraded part of the land to oak savanna habitat, which will connect with similar restoration efforts happening on neighboring U.S. Forest Service land. This rare habitat type supports diverse communities of plants, wildlife, birds and insects, including the Federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. The preserve offers explorers a variety of recreation opportunities. Visitors can hike the trails to witness views of the land’s lush forests and sparkling rivers, as well as sightings of birds and wildlife. Anglers are welcome to fish in McDuffee Creek and the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River. Beginning this year, archery hunters can hunt deer on the property through the Michigan DNR’s Hunting Access Program. Rules and regulations apply. Learn more about McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve and plan your visit on the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s website. Make a donation to support the Land Conservancy’s efforts to permanently protect natural land here.  Sign kiosk at McDuffie Nature Preserve  Photo and article by Donna Iverson A friend and I took up guerrilla gardening this fall. We collected dried seeds from plants we liked and scattered them in waste places around town. And as guerrilla gardeners, we are always on the lookout for flowers and veggies that pop up in unexpected places. It makes our day to find a flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk. Recently, this squash plant appeared growing out of the overflow of a compost bin in my community garden. And closer to home, a bright pink petunia appeared in my pot of geraniums on the front porch …much to my delight. On Facebook, I have joined a group called Chaos Gardeners. At a basic level, you take the seeds you have not used and throw them on the ground around your yard. And wait to see what comes up. “You let nature call the shots,” says online gardener Karen Rudd. “And lend a helping hand here and there.” It leads to “complete disorder.” Chaos gardening is the newest gardening trend and gained honorable mention in 2023 at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. It takes a lot of stress out of gardening and can be even used to seed vegetables, herbs and fruits. You don’t need a plan. The result is a more natural garden with no sharp lines or regimented beds. You can even do it in a large planter if you are an apartment dweller like me. So this fall, give it a try if you would like to see some gardening surprises come your way.
 Premier Arts and Crafts Fest provides gift ideas and holiday decor Get ready to deck the halls with unique, handcrafted treasures! The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 11th Annual Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturday, November 9th, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Fremont Middle School (500 Woodrow Street). Discover a world of one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts, perfect for the holiday season. From stunning hand-painted ornaments and illustrated children's books to cozy knitted items and delicious homemade treats, there's something for everyone. New this year: Don't miss the exciting new additions, including 3D-printed crafts and a variety of crocheted animals. Must-try treats: Indulge in fresh-baked goodies, candies, and savory snacks like tamales, dips, and spices. Returning favorites include Jane Lee's Glazed Popcorn, homemade butter cakes, St. Mark's Episcopal Church's cheeseballs, and Pam's Pantry's delicious dips. Grab a bite: Satisfy your hunger with a variety of delicious food options, including Mexican cuisine from Two Hot Tamales, hot dogs from Dodgers Doggies, soups from Camp Newaygo, and wraps from Triple C concessions. Explore Fremont: While you're here, take the opportunity to explore the charming Fremont community. Discover local restaurants, shops, and attractions that offer a unique experience. Location: The Fremont Middle School is located at 500 Woodrow Street. From Main Street, turn south onto Gerber Avenue (where Pizza Hut is located), follow Gerber south, and it will turn into Woodrow. The school is on the south side of the street. Start your holiday shopping early and experience the magic of the Jingle Mingle Arts & Crafts Fair!  |
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