For public land advocates in Michigan, Christmas comes the first week of December each year. That’s when the Michigan Natural Resources Trust fund board decides how to spend the earnings of its massive endowment. This year, the board awarded $42 million in grants to fund projects across the state — from an addition to the Pigeon River Country State Forest to expanded parking at Torch Lake, building restrooms at an Elberta beach and dozens of other projects. Also, why deer really do get caught in

For most people, November isn’t a great time for a day at the beach. But Ludington photographers Todd and Brad Reed aren’t most people. They dream of capturing Lake Michigan at its gnarliest.

For most people, November isn’t a great time for a day at the beach. But Ludington photographers Todd and Brad Reed aren’t most people. They dream of capturing Lake Michigan at its gnarliest.

The number of black bear sightings in northern Michigan is on the rise, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The number of black bear sightings in northern Michigan is on the rise, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Cherry growers mixed business and politics this election season. That's not something the industry has been known to do.

Cherry growers mixed business and politics this election season. That's not something the industry has been known to do.

A group of tribal citizens and activists have uncovered a potential cultural site at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac from close to 10,000 years ago — the end of the last Ice Age. Researchers say it could be a major archeological find.

A group of tribal citizens and activists have uncovered a potential cultural site at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac from close to 10,000 years ago — the end of the last Ice Age. Researchers say it could be a major archeological find.

Young trees have a tough time growing in many northern Michigan forests. That might sound strange since our region is full of trees, but many hardwood species can’t produce seedlings faster than deer can eat them. On this episode of Points North, hear about an idea to solve this problem that might sound counterintuitive: more aggressive logging.