Fifty-one years and counting, and this year – as Michigan residents still seek out safe, socially distant relief from the COVID-19 pandemic – it may be more important than ever to recognize Earth Day and the value of healthy, abundant, public outdoor spaces.

While people around the world will recognize Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, in ways big and small, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is taking the opportunity to highlight yet another reason to celebrate: the department’s centennial anniversary. The DNR’s forerunner, the Department of Conservation, was established in 1921 (March 30, 1921, to be exact).

“We are blessed in Michigan with fresh water, thriving forests, and diverse fish and wildlife populations,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “These unmatched resources not only provide the backdrop for year-round outdoor recreation adventures, they also contribute in a big way to local, regional and state economies.

“During this, our centennial year, and on Earth Day, in particular, it makes sense to shine a light on the many ways residents can lend their energy, action and voice to conservation and volunteer efforts that serve and protect our natural resources. We also want to offer ideas and opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors, explore new recreation pursuits and learn a little more about the history of our department and many partners.”

Here are a few ways to get started:

Enjoy a conversation on the shared history of the DNR and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. How is the modern environmental movement in Michigan rooted in the concerns of early hunters and fishers? What are the big environmental and conservation issues that will face us in the next 100 years? Hear Eichinger, EGLE Director Liesl Clark and author Dave Dempsey talk about conservation, environmentalism and why it all matters to you. Look for it on the DNR Facebook page on Earth Day.

Explore the DNR centennial webpage, where you’ll find an interactive timeline and story map capturing conservation milestones and accomplishments, 100 ways to explore and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, and a variety of Showcasing the DNR stories (including an Earth Day-themed one coming out Thursday) that capture interesting chapters of department history.

Make a difference. There are many ways to take action to protect the outdoor places you love. Clean up a forest dump site. Help clear out invasive plant species at your favorite state park. Practice the “leave no trace” ethic every time you visit the outdoors. Be a campground, harbor or lighthouse host. Participate in meetings where important resource decisions are made. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers and get inspired to get involved!

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DEC and SUNY ESF Partner to Help Reduce Recycling Confusion, Improve Recycling Quality Statewide

Today, the New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management (NYS Center for SMM), based at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), launched a first-of-its-kind statewide recycling website to address residential recycling confusion and contamination across the State. Visitors to RecycleRightNY.org will learn about the value of everyday materials and why it is important to recycle correctly.

The Recycle Right NY campaign was originally launched by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) after a series of recycling stakeholder meetings in 2018 to jump start discussion aimed at addressing challenges facing New York’s recycling system. Campaign management was transitioned to the Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (SU-CSCS), a core partner with the NYS Center for SMM. The SU-CSCS team worked with more than 100 New York state recycling professionals to further build out this important resource.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “New York leads the nation in educating the public on the importance of reducing solid waste through reduction, reuse, and recycling. DEC launched the Recycle Right NY campaign working with recycling professionals, and we are eager to expand this effort through our partnership with ESF. All New Yorkers can do their part to ensure we reduce waste and improve recycling, and this outreach and education effort will connect communities with the tools they need to develop best practices for assisting residents in recycling materials from the waste stream into viable commodities for manufacturing.”

“The Recycle Right NY website is a critical first step to reinvigorate the State’s recycling industry, reduce waste and to address recycling confusion,” said Kate Walker, the NYS Center for SMM’s Project Director, “The NYS Center for SMM is pleased to serve as a convener for this effort to engage key stakeholders. We look forward to continuing the critical work of re-imagining ways to strengthen our economy and environment through waste reduction and recycling.”

See more at “RecycleRightNY.org” ~~~ Thanks to the NY DEC

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