Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter.

Below you’ll find an update on what’s happening in your state Capitol and some additional resources I hope you find helpful.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 34th Senate District.

Sincerely,

Roger Hauck
State Senator
34th Senate District

In 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, America 250, was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the anniversary.

America 250 has developed a national contest, America’s Field Trip, inviting students from grades 3-12 to share what America means to them. Twenty-five contest winners from each of the three grade categories will have the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of our nation’s most historic landmarks.

The deadline for submissions is May 17, 2024. Visit America’s Field Trip for more information and to review the official rules.

Since 2015, a network of volunteer water quality monitoring programs has worked together to gather information about water quality and fish habitat conditions on Michigan’s nearly 11,000 inland lakes. The MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program is a community science program made up of volunteers who enjoy spending time on Michigan’s lakes and want to help contribute to their long-term care.

Water monitor volunteers are provided with detailed instructions, training, and equipment to take samples from lakes they frequent. They collect data like water clarity, nutrients, the presence of invasive species, native plants, and shoreline conditions. The information is added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database used by people, local communities and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to better protect and manage our beautiful lakes, fish and wildlife.

New volunteers are welcome. Visit the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program enrollment webpage for more information and to enroll.

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week. During this week, we recognize the impact volunteers have on our local communities. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, enjoy the great outdoors or make professional connections. Volunteering has also been shown to have health benefits by increasing self-confidence, maintaining physical activity, and creating connections with the community.

Volunteers are needed in nearly every corner of our state. To get connected to volunteer opportunities in your area, contact your local church, school, or community center. If you prefer working outdoors, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has volunteer events at state parks and recreation areas, or you can visit Volunteer Michigan for even more ideas and opportunities near you.

The School Aid Act requires the Michigan Department of Education to provide the public with student growth metrics for every Michigan district and school level by grade and subject.

The new MI-EVAAS public-facing website, launched on March 27, offers comparison reports for each district and school in Michigan. The focus of the data is student academic growth over time, allowing users to compare schools and districts in categories such as grade level, subject matter or course.

EVAAS is a tool provided to districts by MDE. This tool helps educators identify best practices, implement programs that best meet the needs of their students, and make informed decisions about where to focus resources.

A pair of nesting peregrine falcons have settled into a nesting box on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge and have laid three eggs.

Since 2010, when the nest boxes were first installed, 39 falcon chicks have been hatched on the International Bridge. Last year, a pair of peregrine falcons hatched four chicks in a box on the Canadian side of the bridge. This year’s eggs were laid in a box on the U.S. side. It is not yet known if it is the same pair that has nested on the bridge for years.

Michigan’s peregrine falcon population disappeared in the 1960s and 1970s due to the use of DDT and other environmental contaminants. However, since conservation efforts started in the mid-1980s, the number of peregrines has increased. The birds are still included on the list of threatened and endangered species in Michigan and are protected by state and federal law.

A live video stream of the Michigan nest box is viewable at SaultBridge.com/falcam.