Speak of resolutions this time of year and you’re liable to stir up all kinds of opinions as to how important or worthwhile they are. Especially do those opinions vary when it comes to making resolutions or resolves public.

I tend to agree with folks who refrain from making a big deal out of these annual “promises to one’s self” that a few put so much stock into. Still, as years pass and things that seem important get put aside in favor of habits and chores, I feel an urgency to try for what would seem to be improvements in the ways I spend my time.

So indulge me a few moments please, as I share some of the things I’d like to do in 2012. In no particular order of importance, here are a few things I’ve though about and at least resolve to think about a bit harder in the coming year.

I’d like to travel more. Since our two Alaskan vacations in 1987 and 1990, my wife and I had seldom left Michigan. Not until this past fall when we went to San Francisco by way of the Grand Canyon and other attractions. We took “An America by Rail Tour” and it was wonderful, whetting our appetite for more. We’d both enjoy another adventure like that.

I’d like to learn more about the birds of Michigan. While the large and the obvious species are familiar enough, there are those shy and secretive breeds whose nests and calls are seen and heard in the woods around our cabin, quite a few of their identities have remained a mystery.

The same thing is true where the vegetation of our woods is concerned. We know most of the more common species of trees, shrubs and plants but there are many that haven’t been identified.

I want to become more proficient at reading tracks and stories in the snow. Actually, it’s easier to determine the whereabouts and the activities of native creatures in the winter after a fresh snow than during any other season.

I want to become more proficient at fishing with my fly rod, at catching fish on flies I’ve tied myself. There is something more fair about fooling a fish with feathers, yarn and tinsel than with a minnow or a worm. It’s like getting a deer by “hunting” for it rather than shooting it over a bait pile.

I’d like to become more involved with actual environmental projects than I have in the past. I recycle but perhaps I could work on wetland restoration, river, lake, and stream cleanups and the promotion of clean water and air projects.

I’d like to learn to identify more of the wild, edible plants. Once I get past morel mushrooms, blackberries, elderberries, bracken ferns and sassafras, I really haven’t worked very hard on the many other plants available as food.

And most of all in 2012, I’d like to continue to enjoy the great outdoors in as many was as possible. I think the creatures and other life forms among God’s creations are precious and beautiful. They are the sources of daily surprises and an education that continues for a lifetime.

There, I’ve said it. And it occurs to me that I’ve allowed little time if any for the seasonal chores that I must find time to accomplish.

Oh well, I guess they just go on and on without saying.

Happy New Year anyway, and may you deal successfully with your own list of resolutions, resolves or whatever!