Whitefish Are Spawning in the Detroit River

Not since 1916 when the whitefish population was nearly nonexistent has the Detroit River been home to a genuine spawning of whitefish. Pollution from local industry and dredging to make way for lake freighters had kept the whitefish out of the river for almost a century. Cheers to Detroit for cleaning up their act and in turn, the Detroit River. Read all about it in the Traverse City Record Eagle

Visit the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge for more information on what is being done to make the Detroit River a healthy home for wildlife of all kinds.

Free Fishing Weekend June 10-11

Michigan is showing off its wonderful fishing opportunities this weekend with the annual Free Fishing Weekend. June 10 & 11 are the two days that fishing license fees will be waived. What a great way to introduce your kids to fishing. You shouldn't have far to drive for a fishing spot and if you borrow fishing gear from someone you won't even be out much money. The time invested with your kids is priceless. Remember, give a kid a fish and he will probably chase his sister with it for a day. Teach a kid to fish and he will enjoy a summer of chasing his sister with a dead fish.

Check it out at the Michigan DNR's website.

Did You Remember Memorial Day?

In the midst of all the cookouts, car races, and sporting events over the weekend did you remember why we celebrate Memorial Day? It is what I like to call, an unfortunate holiday. Wouldn't it be far better to not have fallen soldiers to remember? This world does not afford us the luxury of avoiding conflicts and wars. Therefore, we must remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. Lately, it seems, Memorial Day has been presented as more of the kickoff to summer instead of a solemn day of remembering those who gave their lives for our nation's freedom.

Did you wave to the veterans in a Memorial Day parade yesterday? When the flag went by did you stand, remove your hat, and despite the heat still feel goosebumps?

The Michigan Walk of Fame

Whether or not it turns out to be a tourist destination or an educational experience remains to be seen. The list of the first 12 inductees into Michigan's Walk of Fame is definitely an ecelectic mix. From an actor to a civil rights pioneer, the group is an interesting look at Michigan's production of historically significant individuals. The Michigan Walk of Fame is to be located in downtown Lansing. Each inductee will have a placque with a 100-word biography describing their achievements (that is the educational part, I guess). So, without further ado, here is the list of the first 12 inductees -

• Rosa Parks
• Gerald Ford
• Henry Ford
• Will Keith Kellogg
• Jeff Daniels
• Stevie Wonder
• E. Genevieve Gillette
• Ernie Harwell
• Fannie Richards
• Helen Thomas
• Thomas Edison
• Herbert Henry Dow

Can't Make it to the Beach?

Can't make it to the beach this weekend? Check out all the fun you are missing on the South Haven Beach Cam!

Detroit Zoo to Receive the $4M in Funding

All that is needed for the Detroit Zoo to receive the much needed $4M in funding from Michigan is Governor Granholm's signature. It reached her desk on Wednesday and she plans on signing it. Lets hope it is put to good use. Via the Detroit News