To highlight research and information about the fisheries of Lake Huron, the DNR – in partnership with Michigan Sea Grant and others – hosts regional workshops each spring. This year’s workshops will be held April 10-May 3 in five different locations along the Lake Huron coast. They are free to attend. For location information and more, visit www.miseagrant.umich.edu/explore/fisheries/fishery-workshops. 

Enjoy incredible stargazing opportunities in Michigan’s state parks while celebrating the beauty of the night sky without the effects of light pollution during International Dark Sky Week April 15-21.

There are six state-designated Dark Sky Preserves located within state parks, including Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park.  These parks will stay open for self-guided views of the night sky during this stargazing week.

Please call ahead for individual park hours. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/darksky.

Need help finding a great place to view Michigan’s feathered friends? Wetland Wonders – or managed waterfowl areas – can be found around the state. DNR staff and volunteers from Ducks Unlimited and Audubon clubs will lead tours, which may include a “sneak peek” driving tour into refuge areas that normally are closed. Find dates and locations.

Take part in a guided tour at dusk to hear and see the American woodcock perform its spring aerial display. The Lame Duck Foot Access Area GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management Sites) in Gladwin County will host its second-annual spring Woodcock Walk on Wednesday, April 25, at 8 p.m. Call 989-426-9205, ext. 7630, for more information. A rain date is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2. 

Get ready for fishing season with the DNR’s Outdoor Skills Academy. Classes coming up in April include a Steelhead Clinic, Fly-Tying Workshop and Open-Water Walleye Clinic. May brings an array of other outdoor skills classes including walleye fishing with Walleye Trail World Champion Mark Martin, wildlife photography with world-renowned photographer Tom Haxby, mountain biking and fly fishing.

The Outdoor Skills Academy offers expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to hiking, birding and much more. Classes explore each topic in-depth, for a full day or more, with knowledgeable and skilled instructors leading the way.

Check out the full calendar of classes at michigan.gov/outdoorskills.

Learn about wildlife photography, how to help pollinators, composting, birds of prey, beavers and more with April programs at the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit. Try your hand at archery or join us for hikes where we’ll talk about ring-necked pheasants, native Michigan trees, and the unique murals and street art along the Dequindre Cut. Check out the full slate of family fun on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar.

Located on Detroit’s riverfront, the Outdoor Adventure Center gives visitors a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of the city. Learn more at michigan.gov/oac.

To check out examples of work completed to improve habitat for turkey and other wildlife, join the DNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation for the dedication of the third Turkey Tract location on Friday, April 13, at 1:30 p.m. at the Barry State Game Area, 8386 M-179 in Middleville. For more information, contact Ryan Boyer with the National Wild Turkey Federation at 231-878-5131.