Illustration by Liz Bradford & Article by Julie Crick

Each year as the snow begins to accumulate across our Michigan landscapes, many of us assume that the animals have bedded down for the winter, sleeping away the cold winter days and nights awaiting the spring thaw. In reality, the snow actually creates a sheltered environment for some small animals, allowing them to stay fairly active during the winter months.

Next time you take a winter walk through your woods, Michigan State University Extension recommends that you pay attention to the tiny tracks in the snow. Look closely, these tracks may actually be the tracks made my mice and other small animals as they travel back and forth across the snow. Follow the tracks a little further, and you will likely see that the tracks disappear into a small hole in the snow. You have just found an entrance into the “Subnivean Zone”, a place under the snow where mice, voles and other animals make their cozy winter homes…

On Tuesday December 2nd, donations will be flowing into non-profit organizations around the world. Alongside these countless well-deserving orgs, we hope you’ll consider donating to Berrien County Conservation District. Your donation will be deposited into our general fund and help cover operating expenses.

We came, we saw, we crafted!

Just a few days ago we hosted a hands on DIY Bird Feeder Workshop right here in our offices. Watervliet’s Industrial Technology Teacher, Mr. Dennison, prepared a selection of locally-sourced cedar and guided our crew through assembly. We’re already looking forward to our next workshop in January!

Our next workshop will be held in the new year but, trust us, it’s worth the wait. Hosted by Great Lakes Mushroom Company and focused entirely on mushrooms, you’ll get all the details on cultivating your own fungi and even a free grow kit!

• $35 per person

• Wednesday January 21st at 6pm

• Berrien County Conservation District Offices

  • 3334 Edgewood Rd. Berrien Springs MI 49103

This immersive and educational experience is the perfect way to spend a winter weeknight. Check out the link below to get all the deets!

Our online shop has t-shirts, field guides, informational books, and even rain barrels! You’re also welcome to join us during business hours and shop the cutest little retail footprint in Berrien County. Whichever method of shopping suits you best, check out what we have in stock and consider giving the gift of conservation.

Please note shipping is unavailable and all orders must be picked up at our office during standard business hours: weekdays 8a-4:30p.

If you have property and are interested in creative ways to give back, this program is a great way to help out with very little lift on your end! Hunter's Feeding Michigan is a program in which a refrigerated trailer is dropped off at your farm to collect deer for processing. Once processed, the meat is donated to area food banks. And after the season is over, the trailer is then removed from your property. Simple as that :)

If this sounds like something you’re interested in please contact David Laing at laingd4@michigan.gov or 269-858-8167 and help Michiganders in need!

Want to help in other ways? Monetary donations can be sent to: 330 Marshall St. Ste 103, Lansing, MI 48912. Checks payable to Food Bank Council of Michigan with "Hunters Feeding Michigan" in the memo line.

You can make a difference!