The Natural Heritage Unit has issued 30 patches in the Living Resources series. In 1975, the first patch issued depicted a Kirtland's warbler feeding chicks. The program was initiated to raise funds for work on threatened and endangered species and nongame animals. During its early years, the Living Resources Program provided some of the first Departmental grants for research and management of nongame species. This program preceded the Nongame Income Tax checkoff by ten years.

Over the years, patches have depicted a variety of species and one system (wetlands) as important to Michigan's natural heritage. A number of people have contacted the Heritage Unit over the years and indicated support for maintaining this program. Modern technology has allowed easier production of patches and allowed the Program to keep the cost low enough to allow even young people to show their support through purchase of Living Resources patches. Patches cost $6.00 each and are available online. Historical patches may not be available for purchase.

 
Patch History

1. Kirtland's Warbler	1975
2. Calypso Orchid	1976-77
3. Barn Owl	1977-78
4. Osprey	1978-79
5. Wetlands	1979-80
6. Badger	1980-81
7. Bald Eagle	1981-82
8. Great Blue Heron	1982-83
9. Common Loon	1983-84
10. Gray Wolf	1984-85
11. Piping Plover	1985-86
12. Eastern Bluebird	1986-87
13. Peregrine Falcon	1987-88
14. Pine Marten	1988-89
15. Sandhill Crane	1989-90
16. Trumpeter Swan	1990-91
17. Gray Wolf (second design)       Gray Wolf (re-issued)	1991-92 1992-93
18. American Redstart	1993-94
19. Western Chorus Frog	1994-95
20. Spotted Turtle	1995-96
21. American Bittern	1996-97
22. Indiana Bat	1997-98
23. Dwarf Lake Iris	1998-99
24. Green Darner	1999-2000
25. Pileated Woodpecker	2000-2001
26. Rainbow Darter	2001-2002
27. Karner Blue Butterfly	2002-2003
27. Piping Plover-       Lake Huron Tansy	2003-2004
28. Marbled Salamander	2004-2005
29. Freshwater Mussels	2005-2006
Other Patches:
1. Kirtland's Warbler