Announcer
You know what that sound means? It's time for the Michigan DNR's Wildtalk Podcast. Welcome to the Wildtalk Podcast where representatives from the DNR's Wildlife Division chew the fat and shoot the scat, about all things habitat, feathers and fur. With insights, interviews and your questions answered on the air, you'll get a better picture of what's happening in the world of wildlife here in the great state of Michigan.
Hannah
Welcome to WildTalk. I'm Hannah Schauer and hosting with me today is Rachel Leightner. Welcome, Rachel.
Rachel
Thank you. How are you Hannah?
Hannah
Doing well excited for another fabulous episode of the WildTalk Podcast. We've got some great stuff this episode that I think our listeners will enjoy.
Rachel
Today we'll be talking with Alexis Hermiz, Ashley Autenreith and Clay Buchanan about diversity, equity and inclusion in the Natural Resources Conservation field and what the DNR is doing to address these issues. You will want to listen close to this episode because we will also be revealing the winners of our new WildTalk Podcast coffee mugs, and you can find out how you can win one, too.
Hannah
Absolutely. And we will be talking about the work that's going on for wildlife around the state and answering some of your questions from the mailbag. Later in this episode, we'll talk about raccoons, but first we're going to shine our wildlife spotlight on the Hognose snake.
Now, I don't like to play favorites, but the Hognose might just be my favorite Michigan snake.
Rachel
That is a good choice. They're interesting critters. Hognose snakes get their name from their upturned snout, which is the defining characteristic to look for when identifying the species. Coloration can be incredibly variable among these individuals.
Hannah
Yes, I've gotten some cool photos that people have asked me to like help identify what species of snake they found. And some of them have been really neat looking melanistic or all black Hognose snakes, and those individuals just look really cool and don't have their typical coloration that you might think of so a lot of individual variation, so Hognose snakes are also excellent actors and put on quite a display if they feel threatened. First, a Hognose will flatten its head to the point that some people will describe it as looking like the hood of a cobra. They are not venomous however, and so the snake it'll flatten out its head, will hiss puff up its body and to appear more intimidating in conjunction with this flattened head. And if it doesn't work to dissuade any would be predators, the Hognose snake will then begin scene two of its performance and ride around and may even vomit or deficcate on itself and then we'll flip upside down and lay still with its mouth open and play dead.
Rachel
A bit of a drama queen.
Hannah
Indeed.
Rachel
There are many stories of folks who try and flip the Hognose snake right side up when it's playing dead. But when this happens, the snake will often flip right back over to continue faking its death. That is quite the performance.
Hannah
Yes it is.
Rachel
Hognose snakes can be found throughout much of Michigan, primarily in the Lower Peninsula. They can be found in a wide range of habitat types such as forest, fields, meadows once I saw one on a trail in northern Michigan just hanging out, but they do tend to prefer habitats with sandy well drained soils and their upturn snouts now make an excellent shuffle and allows them to bury into that sandy soil.
Hannah
Yes, and the Hognose snakes nose also it is a handy tool to have when hunting for its favorite food toads. The snake will also eat frogs, salamanders, insects and small mammals, but they are known as a toad specialist. In midsummer the females will lay a clutch of eggs usually in a sandy burrel and about this time of year. So late August early September, the eggs will start to hatch.
Rachel
Just remember even though they put on quite a show, Hognose snakes are harmless to humans. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our 60 seconds think video series to learn more about Michigan snakes.
Hannah
Absolutely. We'll include some links in our show notes and you can certainly find those videos linked on our website as well so stick around. Next up, we'll be talking about what's going on around the state.
Announcer
Did you know that you can take your hunting and fishing regulations with you wherever you go. Have access to the information you need when you need it right on your smartphone. Just visit www.michigan.gov/DNRdigests to download the applicable hunting digest before you head out to the woods or the Michigan fishing guide before you hit the water. Download the most up to date regulations available today at www.michigan.gov/DNRdigests.
Rachel
Welcome back to Wildtalk. Amazingly we are somehow headed in Fall already, which is hard to believe.
Hannah
Yes, where has time gone.
Rachel
It came by really quickly though I think it does every year and somehow I'm never prepared for it but our staff is getting prepared for it all across the state. They've been gearing up for another busy fall. So Hannah, why don't you get us started with the P report?
Hannah
Absolutely. In the Upper Peninsula, they are readying hunting areas for the upcoming seasons, specifically, preparing our Gems. So, these are the grouse enhance management sites. The Upper Peninsula offers some of the best upland bird hunting in the nation, so we want to make sure these areas are in optimal condition for the hunters coming in September. Staff are putting together putting up directional signs, reading the trails, trying to get a gauge of bird numbers this year and providing all that important information to hunters, so you guys can get ready for your seasons. If you're interested in checking out one of these gems this coming fall, go to www.michigan.gov/gems that's G E M S, and then you'll be able to find all the pertinent details about these sites and where they're located. All right, Rachel, let's head a little further south. What's happening in the Northern Lower region?
Rachel
Well, today September 1 is the elk season opener.
Hannah
Whoo Hoo!
Rachel
It is an exciting time in northeast Michigan. 103 hunters are headed into the woods right now in pursuit of a Michigan treasure. So biologists have been readying the area by making modifications to the elk range, and it's been a little different this year. So in a typical year, they would mow and plant about 2000 to 3000 acres for elk habitat but with the pause on spending we had in months previous, they weren't able to buy the usual supplies that they need, such as seeds and gas for equipment. But luckily, we have a resourceful and savvy staff who were able to overcome some of those barriers. Staff had gathered up all of their stored seeds from previous years and found funds from private sources for gas and other additional expenses, and then they went to work. So they were able to mow about 200 acres and plant 100 acres of rye and radishes for the elk this fall and winter and this is an extreme reduction in the land management that they usually do so the areas that the habitat work occurred and were carefully selected to include several elk viewing areas and areas where hunters typically find helpful. So if you're planning on viewing elk this year, or if you're one of those lucky hunters and you're in the woods right now, hopefully these areas are ready for you to go. Over on the east side of the Northern lower crews are getting some enjoyment out of playing with some heavy machinery. Sounds like a fun activity. The diversity gang has been working on large opening management for wildlife to use. So they've been using large tractors with mulching heads to rip out huge brush piles. And then additionally, we've still got some duck banding going on in the Cadillac area and staff are working on some wetland management activities. So we're pairing some dikes and prepping water levels for waterfowl season. So moving a little farther down the state the southwest region has been busy having fun too. Our Muskegon staff are really excited to be using a helicopter soon. They're going to be spraying herbicides on parts of the Muskegon state game area with there invasive plants or vegetation that's just a little too dense to get through. Fragmites, Cat Tail, Button Bush. All these plants will be sprayed in the intention to open the area up for waterfowl season which is coming here quickly. Additionally, if you're scouting out hunting spots in the northern portion of that region, timber sale is back up and going at the Edmore State Game Area, this was scheduled for last winter, but it was just too wet and they couldn't get the machines into cut timber. So that has rescheduled for this late summer early fall and they'll be getting back to that harvest soon. Across the rest of the region, field staff are still working to clean up state game areas and prep them for all the upcoming fall seasons, while socially distancing and wearing proper protections, of course. Our staff is spending an incredible amount of time making sure that these areas are pristine, well groomed and taken care of for our hunters and outdoor recreationalists. So this is a quick public service announcement to those visiting those public lands to remember to be respectful and responsible recreationalists. If you're out there target shooting and sighting in your firearms for the season or you're hiking and having lunch out there or walking your dog but everyday activity, just be mindful and take anything with you that you bring in and try to leave it a little bit better than how you found it.
Hannah
Of course, it's always good that we share responsibility and take care of our public lands, make sure that they're good habitat and we don't leave any trash or litter behind.
Rachel
Agreed. So what's going on over in the southeast region, Hannah.
Hannah
Today is also the season opener for early goose and early teal seasons. So if you're headed over to the southeast region of the state, bust out your calls and decoys and head over to one of the managed waterfall areas. The areas are a first come first serve basis for these hunts and staff have been working to prepare all the waterfowl hunting areas for fall and will begin flooding fields in early October. So waterfowl will have good food sources for their migration with a lot of corn and small grains and it will be hopefully an excellent waterfowl hunting season for folks. So be sure to check out our manage water hunt areas. We can include a link in our show notes to those and you can also find them at www.michigan.gov/waterfowl. Good things are happening for wildlife statewide. Stay tuned. Next up is our interview with Alexis, Ashley and clay.
Announcer
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Hannah
All right, welcome back to Wild Talk everybody. Today with us we have Alexis Hermiz, Ashley Authenreith, and Clay Buchanan, and we're going to talk a little bit about diversity, equity and inclusion. So welcome you guys. Thanks so much for being here. We're excited to have you on and chit chat a little bit about this. So just to get us started, Alexis, we'll kick it off with you. Welcome, and what is your current role here with us in the DNR.
Alexis
Thank you for having me. So my role is the Diversity Equity and Inclusion officer with the department, which essentially was in a short piece. I helped to manage and connect the department's efforts to increase diversity within our user base and within our workforce. So that goes from everything from education, outreach, to recruitment, to hiring practices kind of all across the board. And so I work with all our decisions on plans of actions around increasing DEI.
Hannah
Great! Well, thank you so much for being here today. We also, as I mentioned, have Ashley here with us today. Welcome, Ashley and what is your role with the DNR?
Ashley
Yeah, hi! It's really great to be here. My name is Ashley Authenreith, I'm the Deer Program Specialist for the Department of Natural Resources in the Wildlife Division. What that means in a nutshell is for the Northern two regions of our state, I basically oversee all of our policy and management related to deer. And so I've been doing that for almost 10 years now. So I've had a lot of opportunity to work with the public, work with hunters specifically. And I also serve as a co-lead on the Wildlife Division DEI team and I'm also a member of the department DEI team as well.
Hannah
Well, thanks so much for being here today. And last but not least, Clay Buchanan. Welcome.
Clay
Again. Thanks for having me and Ashley. It's really nice to be had this opportunity to talk to you a little broader audience. So, I'm a grant biologist and wildlife biologist for the Wildlife Division and that has a wide range of meanings from working on grants that we get from the feds to working on partnerships with our conservation partners to do some habitat work and work on kind of regional goals around the state for different wildlife species. As Ashley mentioned, mentioned, to them also part of the Wildlife Division DEI team, and the Department DEI team, so trying to work on diversity, equity inclusion issues across the state and across the department and across the Wildlife Division. So thanks for having me and I look forward to this conversation.
Hannah
The topic of DEI or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been elevated in the light of George Floyd, Briana Taylor, and many others. So we wanted to continue the conversation here. What is DEI and why is it so important to the DNR?
Alexis
DEI or diversity equity inclusion, I would say sometimes there's a little bit confusion when we think about Diversity, we hear it around just race and it doesn't necessarily fit the definition. Right. So when we talk about diversity, it really I think it confuses people because when we talk about diversity, we talk about, literally just the variety of people that we have. The variety of people that we have in the country, the variety of people that make up our workforce or our demographic within our public, our public recreation spaces, it really is just a variety of individuals that we have. When we start talking about like equity and inclusion, those really bring out the diversity that we have. So when we talk about equity, equity is giving people what they need to succeed. Because not everybody has the same starting point, not everybody has the same resources. And so equity is allowing space to identify resources to be able to assist, to be able to provide access for all so really bring in access and equity in that piece. And so an inclusion makes sure that all of our voices are not only heard, but also considered and play a part in our workplace culture, play a part in, you know, including people's voices and you know, the type of recreation or what not that they want to see in our parks and our public spaces. That's why inclusion means really taking in how those individuals needs. And so not everybody has the same needs. We're all individuals, no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, ability, we all have our different facets of ourselves. And so when we talk about identity and inclusion, I think that that that is important for the department. And so making sure that we have an environment that recognizes DEI and the importance of it, I think is important in the commitment to making sure that we have a workforce that's representative of the all populations and all people in the state of Michigan so we can adequately serve all Michiganders in our public spaces is essential. Right now when we talk about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, you know, the average department employee is 44 years old. Males make up 65% of our department workforce while women make up 35%. And not surprisingly, 95% of our department workforce is white leaving the other 5% of employees being black, Native American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian, and other people of color. So we have to account for that. We have to account for the trends that are moving, we have to recognize that our country's demographics are shifting. That means our user base in our workforces should be shifting and adjusting as well and should reflect those changes. One in four Americans have a disability. And so we need to make sure that our access sites or that our recreation sites are accessible, our infrastructures as possible keeping up with that and also that we make sure that our workforce, and we're in the jobs that we have are up to date and make sure that we can provide spaces for persons with disabilities to be able to be successful in these spaces, again, giving people what they need to be successful. And it's critical just overall to know our user base, understanding what their needs are, understanding the interest, because we all know recreation looks different when a hunting looks different, you know, people's values change over time, and things shift. And so in terms of kind of like this overall aspect of DEI really good for us as a department for us to focus on it. Because, you know, we need to be relevant in order to be to work in order for us to make an impact on the world in the future. So that's how I will put that.
Rachel
Thanks for especially for breaking down those definitions of what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mean. I think you're right, a lot of times people maybe make those simpler terms than what they need to be. So thanks for discussing those and sheading some light on the demographic behind the natural resource outdoor recreation realm. So you kind of highlighted why it's important to DNR. Is there any specific reasons why DEI is important to the Wildlife Division?
Ashley
Yeah,
I'll take that one, or at least part of it, I'm sure clay and Alexis might jump in as well. So I would say historically, and it filters through today. You know, looking at the beneficiaries of Michigan, we as wildlife division only work with a very, very small subset of those beneficiaries. So when I say beneficiaries, I'm basically talking about Michiganders in general. So those people that benefit from natural resources, we work with a very, very small portion of that. So essentially, you know, hunters and trappers, which, if you look at it, historically, and still to this day, tend to be white males. Now, there's nothing wrong with that, but as Alexis said, that does not really hold true with kind of the shift in demographics that we have been seeing. And it doesn't really hold true if you look at people that say they value wildlife, right? So it's not just white males that value wildlife. So I think we need to shift our focus in terms of who we're working with and really start expanding the table of those that we work with and making sure that different groups have a seat at the table and have a voice in terms of what's being said. So I think that's going to be really important to stay relevant. Not just because it's the right thing to do, but also in terms of wildlife management. We are losing hunters at an astoundingly high rate and so the wildlife management we were able to accomplish historically, will not hold true moving into the future. So what are we going to do? What does wildlife management look like moving in to the future? Well, in order to really figure that out, we need new voices at the table. You know, we need to hear from people that we haven't heard from historically. And I think that will shed a lot of light for us moving forward .
Clay
So to add to that I actually pretty much summed up the whole picture pretty well. I would say another way to say that is that in order to do the best conservation, we need a broader range of voices to speak, you know, to those issues. I think, Ashley mentioned that, just again, this is just another way to think about that. There's a you know, to get that bigger picture and to do bigger things in conservation, we need the whole voice behind us to be able to represent and do best by those that are interested. And there's a lot of other people that are interested in, then we've probably been talking to in the past.
Hannah
So to kind of jump back to point that Ashley was mentioning about hunting and trapping and sort of conservation in general, being dominated by white men, are there any particular factors that may have led to this or maybe a different way of putting it is have there been any barriers that may have been preventing women or people of color or people with disabilities from entering this field or participating in conservation or hunting or trapping?
Alexis
Sure, I can talk about a few of the barriers I know. And I think that Ashley would have some things to add in. We talk about no barriers, we have to look at the whole picture. Also, you know, looking at, you know, our state in particular, how we are really broken out what opportunities and points of access there are. So we'll talk about barriers, especially in historical context, you know, people of color historically, have always had a connection with nature. There's this misconception that there just not there, it hasn't been there, we're just connected. And realistically, we just haven't been able to connect in the traditional way or the the way that's been constructed by predominantly white individuals, and in the realm of traditional recreation or hunting and trapping. And so, historically, especially when we look at how things have developed in Michigan, Michigan is pretty, I would say segregated in the way of how we're spread out through this the state of Michigan in terms of race, and talking about demographics and access. So look at the public access access sites, excuse me, the public access sites that we have in the northern region of the state and versus the southern lower part of the state, right. And then you look at the racial demographics, right. So we're all most of the majority of people of color in the state where you know, will hate it when we also talked about our values and access historically, that's not that's something that we have not done. In terms of hunting and trapping, that's something that hasn't been instilled in our values in this way, I would say more urban areas because we don't have continuous access to it. So we look at to compare it to like fishing, where there's lots of access to water sites and we see more people of color engaging and fishing because of the access, right because you don't have to, you know, buy super expensive equipment, you don't have to travel and you know, pay a lot for, for gas or consider, you know, going up north or finding a place to hunt that you may have never been to or you may not know the the culture or the norms in that specific area because, you know, even now we still have issues surrounding race and comfort in the outdoors, especially when we're talking about hunting and trapping. So especially if you're in a space where you have never been and you don't necessarily know the area, it could be intimidating and also can you know when we have this perception of safety, I think it's important to note that for people of color, that is a huge thing when we talk about spaces or public spaces, especially in areas that are predominantly white. So in terms of barriers, you know, I will list a couple of those. But then also, just perception i think is an issue. I know the department, we work in do a lot in terms of our, our, our programming, our youth programming and what not. And I think that we need to push for more programming that's intentional around, you know, creating access, you know, so making sure that maybe when we do honey safety class, a hunter safety classes or what not, we can find ways to be able to have adequate field days with our youth versus, you know, just the simulators and what not, because other programs with younger kids who may not be kids of color, they're shooting shotguns or rifles and what not. And so we can look at that disparity in terms of some of the access we put we provide as a department in our outreach efforts. And so I'll just kinda say that and of course, when we turn in terms of accessibility, and hunting and trapping, that is something that's definitely at the forefront, you know, we have to make sure like our shooting ranges are accessible. And we have opportunities that are public, for people to understand. They can get assistance, doing hunter safety exams, or any of the rec safety exams and making accommodations because they're there. We just need to be clear about it and we need to make sure we share that message. So in barriers, there's a whole lot more I could list but those are some things that come top of mind when I think of it.
Ashley
And I would say specific, you know, as funding actually of conservation and kind of what occurred, post depression post World War Two, you know, was kind of this baby boomer generation where we did end up going through this big economic boom and hunting, you know, there were several Pittman Robertson was passed. And so really what ended up funding conservation or the sale of you know, firearms and hunting licenses. But it also was a sport basically for the privileged. Right. And so those that could afford it that could participate in it.If you look at the vast majority of public land is up north, you know, southern Michigan where the vast majority of our population lives is 97% private land. And getting access is a major issue. So I think our window was very narrow, you know, in that span of time in terms of funding conservation, and you know, that's really that paid the bills. So that's kind of who determines what was done in terms of wildlife management. And I think too, there there has been a huge shift that occurred where back then when all this happened, and I'm talking about the 50s and 60s a lot of women didn't work outside the home. And so it was okay and very accepted that men left to go hunting and kind of enjoy this time off and women were there to take care of the kids. And that has really shifted, you know, the vast majority of women now work outside of the home. And so that has to find a balance. And I don't think that balance has been achieved yet where we have seen some leaps and bounds of young girls and women entering hunting and trapping and fishing. But I think there's still kind of this large shift that will likely still need to occur of, you know, still mainly men that go and deer hunt, for example, which you know, we have 500,000 deer hunters in Michigan, that's our big ticket species. And so, that's still a barrier, in my opinion. And so I can think of a few examples of women that hunt, but they're the exception they're not the norm. So I would definitely say our funding sources will need to shift and kind of more acceptance I guess the balancing the household,
Clay
I'll add another thought from maybe a different perspective here too is that many very are looking from, you know, the other side. Right, the the and I hate to say that in those terms, but looking at it from a white male is that maybe you were unaware of, of that those either those barriers exist or that we have an opportunity to help and being aware of the both of those things, I think opens up some really nice opportunity to, to collaborate, to learn what we can do better to learn about maybe what we're not, or we're not aware that we should, should or could be doing. So that those activities that we may not promote or do right now that that we should be doing more than, you know, whether that's more bird bird watching or kayaking or you know, any of those things, hiking trails, those things that maybe are traditional as to Wildlife Division, because it was based on hunting. Those may be other opportunities that we can we can look at. And from from that standpoint, it is a barrier because it's there, but it's maybe invisible to some of our folks, our stakeholders and others. So that I think this is a really nice opportunity to bring that up and say, Hey, we all have some very shared values. How can we get to those? What activities can be held to promote those conservation values as a whole?
Alexis
I just want to add really quickly, I hope people don't see it as vilifying white males. I know that has come up again and again and people I know a lot of white males who don't feel comfortable participating in these conversations because they feel vilified. And I really don't see it as that and while I can see that point, like, why they might feel that way. I think that's going to be really important is to try and be inclusive in these conversations and make sure that people recognize that it's mainly it's more of like a shifting of norms, in my opinion, then, you know, a stain. You're the bad guy, you know, and you're the reason for all this. So I just wanted to point that out really quick. And I'm really glad you're here, Clay because I think you do bring really, really good perspective that needs to be heard as well.
Clay
Well, I'm here too.
Rachel
Absolutely you all bring a really great perspective to it. And I think you're exactly right Clay, this raising of awareness of barriers and having these conversations is the way to at least start overcoming these barriers and getting into hunting and trapping can be intimidating for anyone who hasn't essentially had a mentor to walk them through, because this is not easy to learn. And so it's obvious to see how someone who had additional barriers is going to be part of the underrepresented group when entering into this field. So thank you for shedding light on some of those barriers. Ashley, you mentioned over time, we've been seeing this shift with more women graduating with science degrees and natural resource degrees and being hired into this field, has there been an increase or shift in any other groups being hired into the natural resource field? Are you seeing any new voices participating?
Ashley
Well, I mean, in terms of new voices participating, I would think within our department, yes, we, you know, we are trying to, you know, I would say more women, certainly, and I know, Alexis can certainly shed more light on that. I'll just be honest that in Wildlife, there's still a lot of work to be done in our division in terms of reaching out to new groups. Not just giving them a seat at the table, but going to their table, I think is going to be really important because we have so much to learn. We don't even know which communities to reach out to at this point, and we don't even know how to get our foot in the door, let alone a seat at a table. And so I think for us, that's really we need to learn more, and we need To give ourselves space to learn more about how to reach out and how to form those long lasting relationships, and blend that kind of with our current stakeholders that we work with, and I think that's a huge challenge for us heading into the future.
Rachel
That's a great point. Ashley, I think we all would agree that these are some conversations that we want to have and that we're gearing towards having. We're just not quite sure how to initiate those conversations yet. So recently, there's also been some campaigns and trending hashtag movements, that we've seen circulating things like black birders week and Latinos in conservation. I think black hikers week was one as well. Could you explain the premise behind these hash tags?
Alexis
Yeah, I can. I can try to tackle that. So the hash tags and these movements I will, I'll speak generally farm because I know each and each and every one particularly has their target audience and has their own specific goals, I don't want to apply to all of them. However, I think the the larger thing is around when we talk about that inclusion piece. I think it's important because, you know, those those hashtags, you know, bring down to individuals and their social media accounts. But you know, those are individuals who are working as a collective, to bring their voices together and harness, you know, very unique space with social media to be able to reach out and say you're not alone. So I know like through blackbirds we, for example, that came up kind of after the situation that happened in Central Park, and with the African American birder who was out there and was harassed by a woman in the park. And so I think that those type of campaigns promote solidarity, they promote inclusion, and especially when, you know, for me being an African American woman who goes into these public spaces and parks and has been kind of like all over the country hiking and all that and usually you see very few, a few very few people who look like you. And I think that those those hashtags help to reel in right that person who went out that looks like you may have not went out on the same day at the same time but they went out there and they're sharing that they they're also out there not seeing people just like you too, but we're joining in together and collecting and we can we can connect on the back end you know, the the the co founders for the the black birders week. There's a group called Black AF and Stem, which is the collective that works to help promote diversity, equity and inclusion within stem, the fields of stem cell science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And those individuals who work on that as a collective breakout individuals within their field, and they all kind of have their passion that they're able to kind of funnel in together and build out this this piece that for inclusion, because it's there to say, you know, not only do you yes, we exist, you know, because there is sometimes that that that perception that they just don't do it, which is not true. Like we recreate we have relationships with outdoors, we have relationships with with each other around recreation, and around conservation, our values are there, we just may not show up as as much in terms of the demographics and you know, you're looking at surveys and what not, we just don't pop up that way. But we pop up in a different way. And I think that these these initiatives help bring us together, but then also help amplify the work the barriers that are there and allow other people to kind of see what we experienced in the outdoors, our values and to see how we recreate and to see ways to help because I think that they've been really they've been really nice and we've been trying to figure out ways to help promote additional not only those, those campaigns, but additional campaigns that come in the future and making sure that we do it from an intentional way as as you know, at the DNR. And so in the future, we can promote that in a way that's meaningful, intentional. And so I think that those are essential, because, you know, we know that we knew they that those organizations were there. But then we also knew that those individuals were there. And as a diversity, equity and inclusion officer working for a department with such the demographic that we have, and our areas in the state of Michigan that we engage with are, you know, and knowing that we need to engage more possibly more targeted population, the hardest thing for me to do sometimes is be able to get like survey data and be able to, to get input from certain individuals just because you know, sometimes when those surveys go out, most of the time, when we get back, the respondents are over a certain age and you usually are white, and so we don't even get that feedback and so count using a different platform to get that that input and feels elevated voices. And so I think that those are really essential campaigns and efforts. And I know there are a lot more coming up. I know there is a Black in National Parks week coming up, I think in the end of this month, and so more will be coming around it. And I think that they're all excited to do something similar around while raising awareness and amplifying the voices of the people already out there.
Clay
And, again, I'm gonna back up a little bit and just say that I think these things have been coming for a while, right? Like, we've been kind of pushing these conversations for quite a long time. And so all of those voices have probably been there, we just haven't listened very well or at all. And so, now, I think there's a greater opportunity to do that more. And whether it's through, you know, specific organizations or, you know, hashtag black birders, you know, whatever the effort is, I think there's a great opportunity for us as division department, as a, you know, a conservation community to listen to those. But you know, their thoughts and histories are already there. And so I think we have a nice foundation to build on on both sides. And, you know, and but I think the, the values are the same. And so I think we can we can build on all of that. And I've seen it's really nice. Going back to your previous question, some really nice collaborative efforts with folks like, Outdoors Detroit or Detroit Outdoors, I'm sorry. And some of the tribal communities in in the state and so there's, you know, they're starting to see that, hey, our values are very much the same. We're just kind of talking about them differently. So how can we get a very similar vocabulary and work from there to go, Oh, yeah, I think we have some we have some projects and things that we can focus on and and get to collaborative outcomes that really benefit, conservation benefit, you know, or wildlife and plant species and really benefit both communities and probably the state entirely. So I think there's, there's, there are new voices, but they probably also have been there. And we're just trying to figure out how to how to talk between each other. And I think that's both easy and hardwired at the same time.
Alexis
Yeah, you bring up a really good point, because Ashley alluded to, you know, having, you know, bringing people to the table, and then also going to them, going to their table. And I think it's a key point. And how this works is from intentional relationship building, right? Sometimes it is hard to go out and be like, Yeah, can we have a seat at your table, we've never talked before, we don't really acknowledge you, but now we want to do it. And so it's good to have those relationships that you build out, you know, and I think when it comes to like those hashtags, and things like that, you know, those called key you in with individuals and organizations and you know, they promote activities and group outings and things like that. So you can go and, you know, help and help, you know, build on the lease on that site, you can help, you know, build that relationship out. So then as you want to further those efforts, you know, you have intentional relationships, and you have a table that's not just there and set but people who, you know, are willing to work at that table together. And happy to be at that table together, right? Because, you know, sometimes when you go to a table, you know, sometimes there's apprehension, you don't know what's going to be coming from the left or the right, you don't really know. And so, going on those relationships, I think even before we ask something of them is important, because that essentially helped build our built into our goals and feature.
Rachel
Now is your opportunity to win a Wildtalk Podcast mug. As a thank you to our listeners, we'll be giving away a mug or two every episode.
Hannah
Our obvious mug winners are Jen Anderson and Kelly Wackerley. Jen and Kelly, check your email as we'll be getting in touch with you soon. They answered our August question of what is the purpose of them Vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ in snakes? The answer is long. So this organ is located on the roof of the snake's mouth and contains some sensory cells. So the snake will flick out its tongue to pick up chemicals from the ground or the air and then the tip of the tongue is brought into contact with the Vomeronasal organ, which then sends chemical information to the snakes brain. It's sort of like the snakes sense of taste and smell are combined into one sending those that chemical information to the brain is the way the snake helps detect food, mates or even potential predators?
Rachel
Well to be entered into the drawing this month, test your wildlife knowledge and answer our wildlife quiz question. This month's question is, can you name three Michigan mammals that change color in the wintertime to blend in with their surroundings? Hmm?
Hannah
Put on your thinking caps folks, and email your name and answer to us at www.DNR-wildlife@michigan.gov to be entered for a chance to win a mug. Be sure to include the subject line as Mug Me and submit your answer by September 15. We'll announce winners on next month's podcast so be sure to listen in to see if you've won and for our next quiz question.
Rachel
Good luck. Now back to your regularly scheduled podcast.
Hannah
So, you know, talking about some of the hashtags and the different conversations that are going on. Are there any ways that people could get involved with the Department's DEI efforts or if there's listeners out there who want to help be part of the conversation or work with us on any of these issues, are there ways that they can be involved or work with us?
Alexis
Yeah, so I'll talk about the department opportunities. And I know Ashley and Clay have been doing phenomenal work with the Wildlife Division DEI team, so I'll let them talk on that. But from the department perspective, we've been doing some really cool things. And so our department has a DEI team that is comprised of 25 individuals throughout the department. They represent every single division. I'm pretty sure we have a like really good range in position types and classification. And so I really think that's important and essential. So those are individuals have come together to help sue the department on what we want, right? So as a DEI officer, you know, it's easy for me to come and be like, Okay, well, this is what the department's on because, you know, I worked in parks for like, basically four and a half years before I got into this position. So I can be like, Okay, well, let's, you know, do this x, y, and z, ABC. And this is Alexis's plan for the part, which isn't really in reverse plan does not really incorporate diverse perspectives. Um, and so what we've done is gotten we've gotten the this group together, and this group works. Now they say, along with going through trainings themselves, they help kind of like build our department approach to address in the culture within our department, an increase in diversity, equity inclusion in everything we do. So that can you know, work from you know, internally from like our training, but then also looking at how we can make our outdoors or how we can make our outdoor spaces more inclusive. You know, work in one department plans. So we can help Divisions be able to implement diversity efforts within their areas, you know, custom fit for them, because we do operate as one large organization, but every Division has culture. And so we want to be able to work with each division, specifically on on their target goals and their issues. And granted, we all all all of our divisions have similar issues. But I think that as we kind of break it out to each one, you know, we can't just prescribe a fix to everybody, just a blanket approach. And so the DEI team for the department has been really good at identifying ways to help promote that. And so we do have a breakout of sub teams right now that have been working with external teams, so like our training advisory team, and working with our accessibility team because that definitely works into diversity, equity and inclusion. And so in terms of being active, that's actually forthcoming very soon in terms of our our plan of action and recommendations that will be brought up to our management team for the department in the next few weeks actually. So that'll that'll come out. What people can do within the department to stay informed on this work though and just to stay informed on what's happening is to make sure that they're keyed in with not only their division leaders leadership, but also checking down on any opportunity that comes, the trainings that come available, the webinars that gets sent out, there's lots of opportunity or it for me, I always say this is not like just like a regular training that you can you can't take like your skin suit off when you come home and just leave it as for work right like we are the same people at work, that we are at home and this work is really like on an individual basis. It really is an opportunity. For this work has to do with the heart and so you can't do the work without doing some research. for yourself, so every single last person has to find ways that they committed, they can commit to themselves to work on it. So they can help inform externally, the department on ways to, to really make change. And so also, our Department employees can stay aware because I know we have a new policy that reinforces our diversity, equity and inclusion, commitment. And so there's clarification around non discriminatory practices. Also how to report we're making that, trying to streamline that process. If there is an individual who does face issues within the department, we streamline that process so now that you can report directly to myself or an HR individuals they can do by phone, they can do a consult, they don't have to have like a written request in or whatnot. We want to be able to address any issues that an employee hassoon as possible. And so we've kind of streamline that process. We've also focused in on recruitment efforts, which has been a huge target and recruiting our priority recruiting and making sure that our relationships with our universities are strong, working with our undergraduate and graduate students, but then also looking to external organizations to work with them. So a perfect example is Manners, which is a national organization that stands for minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources and related sciences. Prior to Covid, I was slated to go to their national conference to do some recruiting for short term work and full time positions. But that's what organization actually was in undergrad. But that's an organization that is really it has a breakdown from undergrad to graduate to professional members already in natural resources, fields and professions and so tapping into them to help us with when we talk about, you know, looking at our employment numbers and our employment demographics, you know, tapping into organizations that already has these groups of people there who are already interested in passionate about this work is essential along with still, you know, along with the outreach education that we do for high schoolers and middle schoolers, the like so. And then the last thing that I'll say around that is that I know we've been looking at our hiring practices and making sure that in the future, as we recruit more of our leaders, or managers or supervisors, even Division chiefs, making sure that they have a commitment and their leadership roles to diversity, equity and inclusion, which is essential when we talk about this, this cultural change that has to happen within our department, that does take a significant time to break in and you have to kind of find the points of disruption. And so when you look at leadership, you know, we talked about who influences culture and leadership, you know, comes Top of Mind and so on. Making sure in the future as we move towards, you know, a new department focus or a new department lens, and we are going to look different, operate different. The scope of DEI and making sure our leadership is committed to DEI, that's essential. So I'll stop there. But those are a few things that we've been doing. And so it's essential for our team members within the department to kind of know what we've been doing and also ways to key and so those are, those are a few of the things that have been happening.
Ashley
I'll jump in just real quick on a couple of Wildlife things that are specific. So I think, you know, we hope to definitely work hand in hand with Alexis on the department team with the great things that they're starting to do in terms of recruitment, but wildlife, our team and I'm really proud to say that we have a team like that's such a great feeling that our Division has a team and some really, really devoted individuals to this. We've come up with the charge and as a part of that we really made the conscious decision to focus on inclusion, which a lot of us through the research we've done, we've learned that inclusion is often called the Forgotten Piece. And that while a lot focused on diversity and equity, sometimes inclusion is forgotten. And so we really recognize that we want to make sure to focus on inclusion because if, you know as these recruiting efforts become successful, and we are able to diversify, we certainly want to make sure that we are a welcoming environment for new individuals, whoever they may be. And so we've really made an effort on that. And we're making an effort to to focus on Dei, for those who want to that they are allowed to have a certain amount of time each year to solely devote to that, and that's, you know, whether it's working with new groups being on our team, participating at different levels. So I just wanted to emphasize that and you know, It'll go hand in hand with other work. But we just wanted to make sure that, like we saw so many times that inclusion wasn't forgotten. So we really kind of has made it a focal piece at this point in time.
Clay
So I say today, yeah, the inclusion part is really important, important for the wildlife division that I think we're, we're probably gonna be focusing on that a little while while while doing other things. For outside groups, outside of the Wildlife Division, that is, I would say, if there's interest in in talking with us to contact one of us, or contact our Division Chief, or Alexis, and we'll be happy to talk about opportunities to collaborate with, you know, awesome learning about what we're missing, or, you know, are there are there joint projects that we could work on, you know, any of those things that I think, you know, we could talk about and we're happy to listen and hear about outside perspectives and where we should be going, So, feel free to contact any of this today point. I know there's there's probably some folks that are still thinking about whether this is a worthwhile endeavor and if it's something that we, as a division or department should be thinking about, you know, if there's one other larger argument for it, I would say that, you know, the, the look at some of the larger, you know, fortune 500 companies that are those bigger organizations that you know, are 400,000 employees or something like that, where, where they're thinking about the global scale, you know, Accenture, NDA, IBM, Google, Microsoft, Ford, you know, whatever. They are all thinking about this and doing it on a bigger scale than we are. So I would say that there's even larger argument for for pushing this. And those are economic values. Those are, you know, marketing, those are all those things that that play into those decisions that make it important for those organization or companies to do. For us, I think there's a very huge value in conservation to have everyone involved and thinking about our, you know, environmental health and things like that, because it affects us all. And therefore, we should all have a voice at the table. And so I, I challenge you, if you haven't already, think about those things in kind of a larger scale and look at what other folks are doing, because I think there's some great examples, and we can help provide some of those if needed. But I challenge you to think about those as you go forward, because this is going to be kind of a long journey. So hopefully, well, we'll talk to you more and join in.
Rachel
Well, thank you so much, Alexis, Ashley and Clay for coming onto the podcast and having this really important conversation with us about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Thank you for doing the legwork for the Department and for the Wildlife Division for raising awareness, for sending out an invitation for anyone who wants to continue this conversation. We appreciate it and we hope our listeners do too. So thank you.
Alexis
Thanks for having us.
Ashley
Yep. Thank you guys.
Rachel
So don't go anywhere. Next step will be answering your questions from the mailbag.
Announcer
Did you know that Michigan is the number one state in the nation for Woodcock harvest with excellent habitat for Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse and more? Visit www.Michigan.gov/hunting and start planning your bang up fall quest for upland game birds.
Hannah
Welcome back to Wildtalk. Now it is time for us to answer your questions from our mailbag.
Rachel
First up, Jackie wrote in and said that her granddaughter needs to take hunter safety this fall, are hunter safety courses still occurring this year? So last episode, we talked about hunter safety courses and that field days had been paused and that we were offering a temporary hunter education certificate that is no longer available. So in mid August, field days were approved to resume. And so now, if you took hunter safety online and you're wondering, what's next, you can go to the www.michigan.gov/recreationalsafety website. And there you'll be able to find field days that are available in each county so you can search for your field day and sign up for one near you. But do keep in mind that if you can't find a field day in your area right now, that field days, we're just approved to resume so our volunteer hunter education instructors are working on coordinating their field days again and getting them scheduled for this fall. So if there's nothing available in your county right now, just continue to check the website. regularly and the coordinators will get the information out as soon as they can.
Hannah
That's good to know. Um, I also have a question here from our mailbag. Leslie asked when registration for the Go Wild for Michigan's wildlife curriculum would be open. Good news for educators and those of you who might be doing some home schooling with your kids this year. Registration for our wildlife classroom curricula opened a couple weeks ago. We offer curricula for kindergarten through high school. So if you are an educator or a parent, you are invited to register for these free lesson plans and materials. The Go Wild for Michigan's wildlife curriculum is for kindergarten through fifth grade students and Michigan's Wonderous Wetlands and Waterfowl as well as A Year in the Life of a Michigan Black Bear are both for six through eighth grade students. And Elk University is available for high school students. Oh, and we also have Turkey Time which can be adapted for just about any age group. So please visit www.michigan.gov/DNReducation and look for wildlife classroom curricula. To find out more about each of these and to register, and be sure to check out the plethora of other educational resources the DNR has to offer while you're there. There's a lot of cool tools and videos and activities that anyone is welcome to utilize, especially some fun resources that we put together for parents at home with their students this year.
Rachel
Yes, hopefully those will be really helpful resources while we all try to get through this fall. So thanks, Hannah. As we zip this segment to a close Remember, if you have questions about wildlife or hunting, you can call 517-284-wild or email www.DNR-wildlife@michigan.gov. Your questions can be featured on the mailbag.
Announcer
September is the perfect month for elk viewing. If you're looking for a fun free outdoor adventure for the whole family, visit www.michigan.gov/elk and download your viewing information sheet from the elk resources section. Then guided by your elk viewing map fill your tank grab your binoculars and load up the family to head out to the elk range in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. Don't miss out on seeing Michigan's majestic elk or hearing their bugle echo through the fall air. Visit www.michigan.gov/elk to plan your elk viewing adventure.
Rachel
Have you had a masked bandit raided your trash can or break into a shatter building? I know I have. So chances are good you have a raccoon story of your own.
Hannah
Oh Yes me too. I have so many stories about raccoons. I had them break into my chicken coop and have a tasty snack much my disappointment so they can be furry little troublemakers and they've made quite the name for themselves. But they have adapted well to surviving in a human altered landscape which makes them even though they're no problems at times. It makes them very unique species and they have some cool adaptations. So I do appreciate that about them that they're so resourceful,
Rachel
Resourceful and clever. Raccoons tend to do most of their foraging at dusk to dawn. However, it would not be unusual to see them outside during the day, particularly if there's food sources available. I know my raccoon story involves the raccoons eating the hot dogs off of the picnic table in the middle of the day while we were having lunch. So
Hannah
Yes, I got a similar one about raccoons altering their behavior to take advantage of food sources. I worked at a nature center for a while, and we'd have a routine every morning at certain time, it was time to go fill all the bird feeders and we had a female and her young and she'd bring them around and wait for you to come fill the bird feeder and then they'd eat that bird seed and then go on to the next one because you usually we fit filled them in the same order every day. So she she knew when and where the food was gonna be and taught her children the same thing.
Rachel
Raccoons as well as other wildlife could become accustomed to being in close proximity with people if there are food sources available. As you mentioned, Hannah, is there any potential food sources in the neighborhood, such as an unsecured trash can, bird feeders, pet food left outside, you may want to consider removing those to make the area less appealing to the raccoon, hazing or scaring off the raccoon whenever you see it may also help to decide that the area is unpleasant and move on.
Hannah
If you are having trouble with a raccoon and you'd like assistance in removing the raccoon from your property, you can contact a wildlife damage and nuisance control permittee. These businesses or organizations have obtained permits from the DNR which allow them to remove wildlife including raccoons from private property. So the complete list of permittees can be found on our website at www.michigan.gov/wildlife.
Rachel
Additionally, raccoons may be taken around using otherwise lawful hunting or trapping methods on private property and with landowner permission when doing or about to do damage. A license or written permission is not needed, but you'll want to check with your local city or township of any ordinances that may prohibit discharging a firearm or trapping activities in your area.
Hannah
If you are in an area where hunting and trapping activities are allowed. Raccoons are a game species and a lot of people do hunt and trap for them. So there are upcoming opportunities for pursuing this species. Raccoon hunting season will be open next month on October 1 and go through January 31. And trapping season for raccoons also opens October 1, and that one will go through March 31. You can learn more about for harvesting regulations for hunting or trapping raccoons at www.michigan.gov/trapping. Thanks for joining us this episode and we'll see you next month.
Announcer
This has been the Wildtalk Podcast. Your monthly podcast airing the first of each month and offering insights into the world of wildlife across the state of Michigan. You can reach the wildlife division at 517-284-9453 or DNR-wildlife@michigan.gov