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Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTOS: Larger, high-res versions of some of the photos in this email (Nature Awaits, archery, foraging, forest and Silver Lake State Park) are available in the DNR's online image collection.
Fall registration is now open for Nature Awaits, a DNR education initiative that allows fourth grade classrooms to visit a state park on a free field trip.
Educators can choose from 30 state parks throughout Michigan, with transportation costs for public schools reimbursed up to $1,000. Trained DNR educators lead participants through 90 minutes of student-centered activities — aligned with state curriculum standards and spanning a variety of subjects such as science, language arts, social studies and physical education — during an interactive hike.
“Nature Awaits really exemplifies the main goals of the DNR,” said Tracy Page, DNR Education Services manager. “It reaches students with factual science, promotes the understanding that Michigan’s natural resources belong to them, and actually gets them outside and experiencing nature in a fun, fulfilling way.”
Fall trips will begin in September and run through November.
To learn more about the program and to register, visit Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.
Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn at 248-459-7917.
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Summer is winding down and kids are heading back to school, but there’s still plenty of outdoor fun and learning coming up next month! Read on for a few examples, and then check Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar for a full events schedule.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors Jamboree
Presented by Pheasants Forever in partnership with the DNR, the Great Outdoors Jamboree — Sept. 13 at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County — features free fun for the whole family, including archery, BB gun shooting, crafts, kayaking, a food truck and much more. All ages are welcome, and all equipment will be provided.
Celebrate fall with harvest festivals
As temperatures cool and leaves change color, many state parks host harvest festivals starting in September. These family-friendly events offer activities like hayrides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails, nature programs and more. While many activities are reserved for registered campers only, and camping reservations do fill up quickly, there are some festivities open to day visitors.
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Discover the dunes
Take in the beauty and science of the dunes on a guided, 90-minute dune interpretation walk at Muskegon State Park Sept. 11. Learn how dunes and Lake Michigan were formed, explore the unique shoreline ecosystem and hear fascinating insights into local history. This engaging experience is perfect for adults and families, with a suggested minimum age of 7.
See the stars and solar system
For two nights, Sept. 18-19, astronomers from across southeast Michigan will offer daytime solar telescope viewing and evening observations with a variety of telescopes during Astronomy at the Beach at Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County. Nightly presentations in an enclosed tent will cover topics like the solar system, comet making, life in the universe and auroras. Each evening concludes with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. For all ages.
Learn about foraging, waterfowl hunting
In September, the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy will offer opportunities to learn about two different kinds of hunting: for foraged foods and waterfowl.
Family Fungi and Foraging, Sept. 26 at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, covers the basics of safe foraging — the practice of searching for, finding and gathering wild food or supplies in nature — and includes a lesson on uses of foraged finds and a walk through the woods to find what’s in season. Learn about what it takes to become a foraging expert and sample some of the provided goods.
At the Sept. 26 Waterfowl Hunting Clinic, at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, you’ll learn how to choose a spot, scout effectively, select and set decoys, conceal a layout or blind, call ducks and geese with confidence, and understand licenses, stamps and core regulations. You’ll leave with practical, first-hand experience to boost your odds this season.
Delve into Underground Railroad history
The Heritage Gathering, Sept. 12 at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, is an annual conference for those interested in Michigan’s Underground Railroad heritage. Presented by the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission and the Michigan History Center, the conference will provide a variety of opportunities for learning and networking through keynote speakers and group and individual presentations. This year’s Heritage Gathering will focus on the Battle Creek region's contribution to the Underground Railroad.
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Each month, the DNR offers a variety of opportunities to help take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources. Here are a few ways to get involved in September.
Visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers to explore your options to volunteer, contribute and provide input.
State parks stewardship
Several state parks in southern Michigan host stewardship workdays, where volunteers are needed to help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems, throughout the year.
September workdays scheduled at this time include:
Additional dates in southeast Michigan will be posted soon – keep an eye on the DNR volunteer events calendar for more details.
Beach cleanup
Spend a morning giving back and helping keep the beach beautiful during the Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup at Muskegon State Park Sept. 15. Buckets and trash grabbers will be provided. Special offer: Volunteers get 20% off lunch at Hobo’s Tavern/Restaurant on the day of the cleanup.
State forest input
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If your Labor Day weekend travel plans include crossing the Mighty Mac Monday, Sept. 7, please keep in mind that the Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge 6:30 a.m. to noon for the Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.
Looking for a way to pass the time? The Mackinac Bridge Walk is FREE and registration isn't required. Or, explore nearby attractions on either side of the bridge. Use the DNR's RecSearch website, with its location-based filters, to easily find things to do while you wait.
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 See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Sarah Goodwin, for the Michigan DNR, at Silver Lake State Park in Oceana County.)
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