Looking for outdoor fun? Ways to help your favorite places? We've got you covered!
Michigan is home to many dazzling destinations where you can relax, recharge, connect and kick back — and opportunities to get involved in our work to ensure these places thrive — but we can point you in the right direction for a little inspiration. There's always something happening around the state, and we're sharing a few June highlights of outdoor programs to enjoy and ways you can help take care of the places you love.
For more ideas, check out the DNR events calendar and Get Involved webpage.
State parks across southern Michigan have plenty of opportunities for park lovers to lend a hand removing invasive garlic mustard, barberry or autumn olive at June volunteer stewardship workdays:
- Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County): 9-11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 7, and Saturday, June 13.
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County): 10 a.m.-noon, Sunday, June 7.
- Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County): 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 13.
- Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County): 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 24.
- Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County): 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sunday, June 14.
- Waterloo Recreation Area (Washtenaw County): 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, June 20.
- Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County): 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, June 20.
Register to help via individual workday pages and learn more about the DNR's Volunteer Stewardship Program at state parks.
Maybury State Park, in Northville, offers woodland and open grassland habitats that support a diversity of bird species. Join us for a walk 9-11 a.m. Sunday, June 7, to identify and observe some of the birds that call this park home during the breeding season. All skill levels welcome. Some binoculars are available for loan. This is an Outdoor Adventure Center off-site program. A Recreation Passport is needed for vehicle entry; enter through Maybury's main park entrance on Eight Mile Road and follow directional signs labeled "Birding."
Register for OAC - Birding Maybury State Park.
Ready to paddle, bike and run? Check out the AuSable Valley Triathlon Saturday, June 13, at the Rifle River Recreation Area in Ogemaw County. It kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a 1-mile kayak course across Mio Pond, followed by an 11-mile bike ride to Boney Park in Fairview. The final leg is a 3-mile run from Boney Park to the Wellspring property, where participants will finish strong. Proceeds support Love INC of Oscoda County, a nonprofit helping people in need in Oscoda County.
Register in advance or register in person the day of the event (7:45-8 a.m.).
See who can catch the biggest fish in Lake Minnawanna during the Free Family Fishing Derby, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Lapeer County. Open to all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Children must be able to catch their own fish and present it themselves for weigh-in. This event is part of the DNR's annual summer Free Fishing Weekend: no license needed, but all fishing rules and regulations apply.
Learn more about the Free Family Fishing Derby. Registration will take place the day of the event at the park. This is a rain-or-shine event and will only be canceled due to severe weather.
The Kalamazoo River Cleanup Initiative Saturday, June 20, is a community-driven effort aimed at removing debris and trash from the water, banks and trails along the Kalamazoo River, focused on parks and waterways in Kalamazoo, Comstock and Parchment. Everyone can help: families, avid river paddlers and fishermen, and people who love to wade in creeks. The cleanup runs 10 a.m. to noon, followed by an after-party celebration at Mayors Riverfront Park.
Register for the Kalamazoo River Cleanup.
Join the Friends of Clear Lake State Park Saturday, June 20, for a fun and engaging presentation all about the hobby of geocaching. It covers everything that makes this activity so exciting: the hiding, the finding, the side games, and the unique trinkets like trackables and path tags. Plus, a new series of geocaches will be released throughout the park during the event! The day starts at 11 a.m. in the day use area of Clear Lake State Park, located off Clear Lake Road. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
Learn more about Geocache 101. No registration is required.
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