We learned what goes into a rescue at the Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, what situations require a rescue, and how to not need one yourself. Plus, a secret hack if you want to experience the "dune drop" in a less intense way.
Vote in the On Hand state bird poll here!
Check out our other state symbols here
Read about the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, a nonprofit devoted to protecting the species

GUESTS:

April Campbell, retired M.D. and bird enthusiast based in Ann Arbor
Jen Owen, former director for the Michigan State Bird Observatory and center coordinator for Corey Marsh Ecological Center.
Frances Heldt, archivist for the Archives of Michigan

Cover photo by Lester Graham

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:


Online Submission Form


Call us: 734-764-7840


Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

We learned what goes into a rescue at the Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, what situations require a rescue, and how to not need one yourself. Plus, a secret hack if you want to experience the "dune drop" in a less intense way.
<ul>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2026-02-04/why-is-the-robin-michigans-state-bird">Vote in the On Hand state bird poll here!</a></li>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.michigan.gov/som/about-michigan/state-facts-and-symbols">Check out our other state symbols here</a></li>
<li data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.kirtlandswarbler.org/">Read about the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, a nonprofit devoted to protecting the species</a></li>
</ul>
GUESTS: 
<ul>
<li>April Campbell, retired M.D. and bird enthusiast based in Ann Arbor</li>
<li>Jen Owen, former director for the Michigan State Bird Observatory and center coordinator for Corey Marsh Ecological Center.</li>
<li>Frances Heldt, archivist for the Archives of Michigan</li>
</ul>
Cover photo by Lester Graham
<hr>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
</li>
<li>
Call us: 734-764-7840
</li>
<li>
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
</li>
</ul>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work:&nbsp;<a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund