The DNR's Hunters Feeding Michigan program is sharing the love to support high school science education, recently teaming up with the Potter Park Zoo Animal Science and Zoo Management program in Lansing to provide hearts from donated deer to help students learn about anatomy.
Run through the Eaton Regional Education Service Agency – whose mission is to serve the community by providing and enhancing educational opportunities for students, families and educators – the zoo program includes students from 15 schools across four counties.
"The students had a great time, and they all agreed they felt like they had a better understanding of the anatomy of the heart because of dissecting the deer hearts. We are very thankful for the opportunity," said Becky Morningstar, ERESA educator.
Select Hunters Feeding Michigan processors worked with hunters directly to collect hearts from donated deer to be used for this initiative. The DNR aims to expand this project to other classrooms in the state.
"This initiative wouldn't be possible without the generosity of hunters, program processors and science educators," said Joe Presgrove, HFM program specialist. "This is another example of how we can utilize the donated deer outside of our typical Hunters Feeding Michigan venison donations. Hunters are conservationists and understand how important it is to provide opportunities like these to the next generation."
Just last week, the DNR highlighted another unique program offshoot: the donation of deerskin gloves to emergency shelters throughout the state.
Since 2007, Hunters Feeding Michigan has contributed more than 3.4 million servings of ground venison to those in need throughout the state. Each deer donated (at no cost to the hunter) will provide an estimated 160 high-protein, nutritious meals. Learn more at Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan.
Questions? Contact Joe Presgrove at 517-643-3809.