For Friday, Feb. 12, 2021
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1 – Leaping whitetail deer, a beaver gnawing on a tree, a snowy owl perched along the shore of a lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
These are descriptions of black and white photos taken in 1906 by George Shiras III and published in National Geographic.
How his photos from the UP changed the world will be discussed on a free webinar being put on by The Nature Conservancy.
The event is Friday, Feb. 19, at noon on the Zoom platform.
Professor James McCommons from Northern Michigan University will discuss his book, “Camera Hunter,” about Shiras’s life as a congressman, lawyer and nature photographer.
Participants also can learn about the conservancy’s Laughing Whitefish Lake Preserve, where Shiras (Shy-rus) took some of his first photographs of wildlife.
To register, look up events in Michigan on The Nature Conservancy’s website at nature.org.
2 – Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14, is Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan.
It’s also Valentine’s Day weekend, so this is a great romantic idea.
Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing – without a fishing license – on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species during the weekend.
The Recreation Passport fee for vehicle entry into state parks and boating access sites also is waived. All fishing regulations still apply.
State officials say this time of year brings more anglers out on the frozen waters. That’s because you don’t need a boat to get just about anywhere on a lake.
But they also advise people to review ice fishing safety tips at Michigan.gov/IceSafety before venturing out with their sweetheart, family or friends.
3 – It’s been so cold outside this week that AAA Michigan issued a statewide Arctic Air Advisory.
The auto group says extremely cold temps can wreak havoc on vehicles. The group offers tips to help motorists stay safe when traveling.
That includes making sure your battery is fully charged and in good condition and that your gas tank is at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
Check your windshield washer fluid and engine coolant too.
AAA Michigan also advises placing a plastic trash bag between the door or window glass and the frame if you’re parking outside, to prevent car doors from freezing shut.
One more thing: always travel with a cell phone and car charger.
– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (streaming). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes
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Mr Great Lakes 