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July 26, 2016
Contact: Stephanie Wirtz, 989-274-6182
Spend time under the sun this August with fun events at southeastern Michigan state parks
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites visitors to participate in a number of events taking place this August at state parks and recreation areas in southeastern Michigan. Looking for fun outdoor activities and learning opportunities? Check out Michigan state parks! Highlights include:
Pheasant Friday at Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) Aug. 5
From 1 to 5 p.m., youth and adults are invited to learn about gun safety, to shoot a BB gun in an enclosed trailer and learn about what Pheasants Forever does to help the community. For more information, contact Pheasants Forever at 989-395-5945.
Recreation 101: Intro to Geocaching at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) Aug. 6
Learn the basics of geocaching, how to geocache and some expert tips and techniques. Class will meet at the North Trout picnic area from 10 a.m. to noon. For more details and to register, contact the park at 248-693-6767.
The Legend Trail Run at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County) Aug. 6
Running Fit is hosting The Legend, a popular 5-mile and half-marathon trail run at Sleepy Hollow State Park. The race begins at 8 a.m. The course circles Lake Ovid and several other small lakes and features a grass-covered trail, some possible low and muddy areas and some steep hills, but none too long. For more information, visit www.runlegend.com.
Family Fun Campout at Maybury State Park (Wayne County) Aug. 6-7
From noon Saturday, Aug. 6, until noon Sunday, Aug. 7, participants will be invited to camp out and experience fishing, nature hikes, horseshoes, yard games and more. For more information or to register, visit http://www.northvilleparksandrec.org.
Pheasant Friday at Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County) Aug. 12
Join Pheasants Forever as they introduce visitors to pheasants and hunting. Youth and adults are invited to Lake Hudson Recreation Area from 1 to 5 p.m. to learn about gun safety, shoot a BB gun in an enclosed trailer and learn about what Pheasants Forever does to help the community. For more information, contact Pheasants Forever at 989-395-5945.
Horseshoe Tournament at Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) Aug. 13
Take part in this two-person-team horseshoe tournament. Lakeport State Park rangers will coordinate the tournament (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) that generally draws about 60 teams. Prizes will be awarded for first through third places. Hot dogs will be provided during lunch hours. Donations for the event are appreciated. For more details, contact the park at 810-327-6224.
Recreation 101 Expo at Holly Recreation Area (Oakland County) Aug. 13
This is a great opportunity to learn about a number of recreation activities all at once. Activities from noon to 4 p.m. include outdoor cooking, geocaching, disc golf, camping, fishing and more. As with all Rec 101 classes, the equipment and instruction are provided at no cost. Contact the park at 248-634-9751 for more details.
Pheasant Friday at Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) Aug. 19
Join Pheasants Forever as they introduce participants to pheasants and hunting. Youth and adults are invited to Seven Lakes State Park from 1 to 5 p.m. to learn about gun safety, shoot a BB gun in an enclosed trailer and learn about what Pheasants Forever does to help the community. For more information, contact the park 248-634-7271.
Recreation 101: Intro to Model Airplane Flying at Holly Recreation Area (Oakland County) Aug. 20
Enjoy model airplane demonstrations and free flying lessons at the Cloud Hoppers flying field from noon to 4 p.m. Rain date for this event is Aug. 21. For more information, go to www.hollycloudhoppers.org.
The Haunted Hollow VII at Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County) Aug. 20
Enjoy a haunted hunt in the park where geocaches will be hidden throughout the park. A Geocaching 101 class for beginners will be held at 9 a.m. at the South Beach pavilion. Special geocaches will be hidden for kids. Coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning and a potluck lunch will take place at 1 p.m. in the pavilion. Bring a dish to pass and your own beverages. No alcohol allowed. Door prize drawing following lunch. For more information, contact Bill Bogle at 517-694-8217.
Park It Family Fun Night at Wm. C. Sterling State Park (Monroe County) Aug. 25
Join the park from 6 to 10 p.m. for Park It Family Fun Night. Entertainment includes live music, kids' activities, giveaways and a movie under the stars featuring "Inside Out." For more information, contact the park at 734-289-2715.
Maybury Mountain Bike Time Trial at Maybury State Park (Wayne County) Aug. 28
Get your mountain bikes out and get ready. This mountain bike competitive time trial requires preregistration. Visit www.mcmba.org for more details and to register.
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) Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County) Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28
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.
Yoga on the Beach at Lakeport State Park (St. Clair County) and Yoga at the Park at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County) Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27
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) Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27
Join the Family Outdoor Adventure Club 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. Program runs 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.
Meteors & S'mores
Catch magnificent views of the Perseid meteor shower during "Meteor & S'mores" Aug. 10-13 in a number of state parks across the state. Day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing at a number of select parks. Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration.
For more information about these and other events, visit the DNR online calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors, call individual parks, 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 800-44PARKS (800-447-2757).
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors' note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
A number of classes and programs, including several for stand-up paddleboarding, will take place at several state parks across Michigan this summer./
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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