We’re pleased to announce the winners of the Consumers Energy-sponsored Explore MI Wetland Wonders contest. All four winners will receive Cabela’s gift cards in varying amounts:
Grand prizewinner ($1,000 gift card) – Hadley Stansberry of Monroe (pictured with her father, Bill)
2nd prizewinner ($750 gift card) – Ryan Quackenbush of Freeland
3rd prizewinner ($500 gift card) – Brian Barnabo of Brighton
4th prizewinner ($250 gift card) – Isaac Terry of Saginaw
Being a part of this year’s challenge was easy and fun; all participants had to do was visit at least one of Michigan’s 15 Wetland Wonders and email a selfie taken next to the area sign.
“If you’re a birder in Michigan, there’s a chance you’ve visited several of these Wetland Wonders,” said third prizewinner Brian Barnabo.
“There are some birds that you’re just not going to find anywhere else,” he said. “Whether it’s American white pelicans at Shiawassee, yellow headed blackbirds at Nayanquing Point, or the rare birds that show up at Point Mouillee like black-necked stilts, these locations offer the best opportunities to observe migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. Every one of these locations offers a unique variety of species and habitat that the birding community here in Michigan utilizes year-round.”
Michigan’s Wetland Wonders, located across the state, are managed to provide high-quality wetlands for waterfowl and waterbirds while providing great outdoor recreation opportunities. These areas are funded by hunting license fees, but they are open for anyone to visit, use and enjoy most of the year.
“Our Wetland Wonders are well-known for some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state, but what many people don’t know about are the great wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, birding, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities there during the spring and summer,” said Barbara Avers, DNR
