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July 5, 2016
Contact: Stephanie Wirtz, 989-274-6182
Spend time under the sun this July with fun events in eastern Michigan state parks
There's plenty to do year-round at Michigan state parks, and this July is no exception. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites visitors to enjoy a variety of events this month at state parks and recreation areas in eastern Michigan. All events, designed to take advantage of the warmer weather, are geared toward helping people better connect with and explore Michigan's great outdoors.
Celestial Skies Over Minnawanna at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County) Saturday, July 9
Join the Seven Ponds Astronomy Club for a program focusing on constellations, followed by an opportunity to stargaze through a variety of telescopes. The event will run from dusk until midnight. For more information, contact the park at 810-797-4439.
Family Fun Campout at Maybury State Park (Wayne County) Saturday, July 16, to Sunday, July 17
Join park staff for an exciting weekend of camping. From Saturday at noon until Sunday at noon, participants are invited to camp out and experience fishing, nature hikes, horseshoes, yard games and more. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.northvilleparksandrec.org.
Wood Shaving Days at Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County) Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17
Watch wood carvers, blacksmiths and other artisans make their masterpieces at this annual event. Watch the steam-powered sawmill in action as it cuts through large logs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. For more information, contact the park at 989-348-7068.
Horseshoe Tournament at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County) Saturday, July 23
All ages seeking an exciting challenge are invited to take part in an open horseshoe tournament. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Sign up as a two-person team and bring your own horseshoes. There will be prizes for the top three teams. For more information, contact the park at 810-765-5605.
Youth Outdoor Education Day at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County) Saturday, July 23
Youth of all ages are invited to enjoy an exciting day of outdoor activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about ice fishing, trapping and deer aging. Experience the thrill of casting a fishing rod, shooting a bow, shooting a pellet gun and more. This event is designed for youth, but parents are asked to attend with their children. For more information, contact the park at 517-651-6217.
Vintage Campers and Tin Can Tourists at Port Crescent State Park (Huron County) Thursday, July 28, to Sunday, July 31
The Vintage Campers and Tin Can Tourists will be rolling into the park throughout the weekend. The camper doors will swing wide Saturday, July 30, for anyone interested in taking a walk down memory lane. Tours will begin at noon and end promptly at 4 p.m. For more information, contact the park at 989-738-8663.
Pheasant Friday at Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County) Friday, July 29
Youth and adults are invited to learn about gun safety, how to shoot a BB gun (in an enclosed trailer) and about what Pheasants Forever does to help the community. For more information, contact Pheasants Forever at 989-395-5945
Recreation 101
The Recreation 101 (or "Rec 101") program is a series of introductory classes taught by DNR staff or expert volunteers from organizations, guide services, outfitters and more. These volunteers offer their time and knowledge at no charge to the DNR or the participants. The program is offered statewide in Michigan state parks as well as community recreation agencies through a collaboration with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. The program offers almost every recreational pursuit, from archery to ziplining. For more information and to view a list of statewide events, visit www.michigan.gov/rec101.
Recreation 101: Drop-in Basketball Clinic with Coach Mark Vick at Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County) Friday, July 8, and Friday, July 29
Lace up your tennis shoes and join Coach Mark Vick to learn basketball skills in this fun, hands-on class. Play games, learn passing, dribbling, shooting and more. This is a class you won’t want to miss. For more information, contact Coach Vick at 248-841-5003.
Recreation 101: Gardening for Pollinators at Holly Recreation Area (Oakland County) Saturday, July 9
Exercise your green thumb at this open house event. Visitors will try a variety of self-guided activities and a hands-on gardening demonstration. Learn about native bees, butterflies and other pollinators, in addition to the plants they need to thrive. Explorer guide Courtney will share her expertise and love for this topic, appropriate for all ages. For more information, contact the park at 248-634-8811.
Recreation 101 Drop-in Basketball Clinic with Coach Mark Vick at South Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Friday, July 15
Lace up your tennis shoes and join Coach Mark Vick to learn basketball skills in this fun, hands-on class. Play games, learn passing, dribbling, shooting and more. This is a class you won’t want to miss. For more information, contact Coach Vick at 248-841-5003.
Recreation 101: SkyMasters RC at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) Saturday, July 16
Join the Sky Masters RC Club to learn about the fundamentals of radio controlled airplane flying. Demonstrations and flights will be held throughout the day. This event will take place at the Sky Masters Flying Field on Scripps Road. For more information, contact the park at 248-693-6767.
Recreation 101: Mushroom Hunting at Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) Saturday, July 16
Join Jerry Watson from the Michigan Mushrooms Hunters Club for a short presentation where he will teach all about mushroom hunting. Afterward, be prepared for a two- to three-hour hike to search for mushrooms. For more information or to RSVP, contact the park at 248-634-7271.
Recreation 101 Drop-in Basketball Clinic with Coach Mark Vick at North Higgins Lake State Park (Roscommon County) Friday, July 22
Lace up your tennis shoes and join Coach Mark Vick to learn basketball skills in this fun, hands-on class. Play games, learn passing, dribbling, shooting and more. This is a class you won’t want to miss. For more information, contact Coach Vick at 248-841-5003.
Recreation 101: Introduction to Twilight Yoga at Rockport Recreation Area (Alpena County) Thursday, July 28
Unwind from the day with yoga under the stars during this introductory-level yoga session. All levels are welcome. Please bring a mat or blanket. For more details, contact Performance Locker at 989-884-1702.
Recreation 101: Introduction to Archery at Harrisville State Park (Alcona County) Friday, July 29
Learn all about archery through this exciting Recreation 101 program. The history of archery will be explored, as well as hands-on shooting opportunities. For more information, contact the park at 989-724-5126.
MI Big Green Gym
The MI Big Green Gym program is a partnership among the DNR, mParks (Michigan Recreation and Park Association), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and local fitness instructors. The goal of the program is to put the “out” back into workout by hosting fun outdoor programs like yoga, Pilates, strength training, cardio and more in parks across Michigan. This program also promotes fitness-focused events like 5Ks, sporting tournaments and bicycle rides. For more information and to view a list of statewide events, visit www.mibiggreengym.org.
 Adventures in Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County) Saturday, July 9, 16 and 23
Get out on the water and have fun while learning how to paddleboard during this 90-minute class. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must not have knee trouble and must be able to lift 50 pounds. For more information, contact Family Outdoor Adventure Club at 734-419-3699.
Intro to Geocaching at Maybury State Park (Wayne County) Saturday, July 9
Families and friends of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in monthly hikes in the park, sponsored by the Friends of Maybury. The 1.5- to 3-mile hike is easy to moderate and will begin at the trailhead shelter. For more information and to learn about the 20th anniversary, visit www.FriendsOfMaybury.org.
Adventures in Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County) Sunday, July 10 and 17
Get out on the water and have fun while learning how to paddleboard during a 90-minute class. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must not have knee trouble and must be able to lift 50 pounds. For more information, contact Family Outdoor Adventure Club at 734-419-3699.
TRI Triathlon at Holly Recreation Area (Oakland County) Sunday, July 17
TRI is a swim, bike and run event featuring a hilly bike course, a beautiful trail run and a beach finish. For more detailed information and to register for the event, visit www.3disciplines.com.
Yoga Festival at Proud Lake Recreation Area (Oakland County) Friday, July 22, to Sunday, July 24
Fill up your abundance cup with yoga classes, workshops for all levels and ages, stand-up paddleboarding classes, kayaking and canoeing, swimming, nature walks, bonfires, live music, local food vendors, camping, community, nature, healing, love, joy and you. This is an intimate gathering and will sell out. Join park staff in the woods alongside the Huron River and enjoy the nature oasis that is just a short drive from the city. Come and go daily throughout the weekend or get all “hippie” with staff and camp. For more details, visit www.barefootandfreeyoga.com.
Road Runner Classic at Maybury State Park (Wayne County) Saturday, July 23
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to participate in a 1-mile run/walk, a 5K run/walk or an 8K run/walk on dirt and paved trails. There will be family-friendly activities during the race, including story hour, face painting and hands-on activities. Post-race activities include pizza, live music, homemade baked goods and more. For more information, visit www.northvilleroadrunners.org.
Yoga on the Beach at Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) and Yoga at the Park at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County)
Teacher-led yoga classes will take place Saturdays throughout the summer from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The class is geared toward beginners, with modification for those looking for a more intermediate class. Happy Dog Yoga Studio will provide mats and blocks free of charge. For more information, contact Happy Dog Yoga Studio at 810-217-7648.
Hike. Get Fit. Have Fun. at Milliken State Park (Wayne County)
Join park staff Saturdays throughout the summer for guided tours that give a new face to fitness. Get immersed in the cultural and natural beauty of Michigan's state parks, while connecting with friends, nature and the community and improving overall health and wellness. Classes run from 4 to 6 p.m. and the series cost is $60 per family or $5 per person for drop-ins. For more information, contact Family Outdoor Adventure Club at 734-419-3699.
Michigan Amateur Open at Holly Recreation Area (Livingston County) Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30
This PDGA Super Tour disc golf tournament is hosted by the Flint Town Flyerz disc golf club. Doubles will be played Friday and singles will be played Saturday. Early registration is strongly suggested. For more information, visit www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/Michigan_Amateur_Open_2016.
For more information about these and other events, visit the online calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors, call the park, or contact Stephanie Wirtz at wirtzs@michigan.gov or 989-274-6182.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
To check camping availability in state parks and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).
Many of these events are free to attend, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to state parks and recreation areas. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors’ note: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Family_Camp: Campouts are a great way to bring the whole family together for fun activities including outdoor games, campfires and more.
Paddleboarding: Michigan state parks and recreation areas offer a variety of classes aimed toward getting the public outdoors and out of their comfort zones, such as Adventures in Stand-Up Paddleboarding./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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