The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers opportunities to learn how to ice fish with professional anglers and build a pair of snowshoes this winter.

Hard Water School, with virtual instruction Jan. 13 and 20 and an in-person class Jan. 24 at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac’s Mitchell State Park, provides an ice fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Focusing on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike, pro staffers from Clam Outdoors, HT Enterprises, Vexilar, K-Drill, Fish Bones and more will provide expert instruction on setup, rigging, gear selection, fish location, ice safety, and rules and regulations. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on learning on the ice, including one-on-one guidance from professionals. Cost is $25, which includes a take-home gift and bait. 

During the Snowshoe Building Workshop at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, Jan. 24-25, instructors will teach participants, step by step, how to lace the modified bear paw-style, wooden-framed snowshoes (10 inches by 36 inches). Tubular nylon will be used for the lacing. The snowshoe kit comes with a set of “Super A” bindings. Cost for the class is $195.

Additional snowshoe-building sessions are available in February and March, and another Hard Water School is scheduled in February. Find more details about these and other classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Get out and enjoy Michigan’s winter with lantern-lit hikes at several state parks:

• Lantern-lit Snowshoe Trail, now through Feb. 28, and Lantern Hike Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30 at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac.
• Lantern-Lit Snowshoe at Van Riper State Park in Negaunee, Jan. 9 and Jan. 23.
• Lantern Lit Trail Event at Sleeper State Park in Caseville, Jan. 24.
• Lantern Hike at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton, Jan. 31.

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in January. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 10 and Jan. 31, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 10, at Grand Mere State Park (Berrien County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 11, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County).
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 11 and Feb. 1, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 17 and 31, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 25, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Cyclists can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes during the fat-tire biking season at Silver Lake State Park in Mears, continuing through March 15. There is no cost or registration.

Michigan also has some of the best fat-tire trails in the country – learn about other riding opportunities around the state on our fat-tire biking webpage.

• Rosie the Riveter and Beyond: How Women Helped Win World War II, Jan. 15. Part of the Active Aging Adventures: Brunch and Learn series for seniors, this informative presentation, accompanied by colorful slides, highlights women’s important contributions to Allied victory in World War II. It includes a display of WWII artifacts such as ration books, propaganda pamphlets and a rivet gun. Preregistration is required. Cost is $8 per person.
• Fishing Pole Setup, Jan. 25. So you’re hooked on fishing and want to know more? Learn how to assemble your fishing pole so you are ready for your next angling adventure. For ages 8 and older, this workshop will cover fishing knots, bobber selection, tackle setup and pole maintenance. Preregistration is required. Cost is $15 per person.
• Nature at Night: Owl Prowl, Jan. 29 at Belle Isle Nature Center. Learn all about our local owls during this free, off-site event! We’ll have some indoor activities related to owls, an “owl prowl” walk to listen for resident owls and a toasty bonfire to stay warm. The walk portion of the program is recommended for ages 8 or older.
• Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation with DNR Conservation Officers, Jan. 31. Try your hand at investigating a wildlife "crime scene" with DNR conservation officers. See if you can spot the hunting violations and provide evidence for your claims. Recommended for ages 12 or older, this is a fun challenge that also gives insight into the work of conservation officers who protect our natural resources. Included with the price of admission.

There also are archery programs, nature education for young kids, birding, yoga and more. See the OAC activity schedule for a full list of events.

Ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding with Michigan's Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Jan. 10-11, when you legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit. Grab your friends, ride and test out 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized) during this full weekend of free snowmobiling! 

No matter where you ride, please remember that speed is the main contributing factor in snowmobile crashes/fatalities. Follow Ride Right safety precautions, including staying on the right side of the trail, and get home safe to your family and friends.