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September is a month of transition as the lazy summer days give way to thoughts of school and work.
But there are still plenty of ways to celebrate summer's last hurrah. Gather your family and friends together over Labor Day to make the most of the last, long weekend of the summer. Get in in all the "must dos" on your summer fun list. Pack up and head to your favorite park for one more camping weekend. Hike, canoe or kayak our pristine waters or take the boat out and go after the "one that got away."
While many people head for St. Ignace and the traditional Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk, some of our parks offer their own Labor Day walks on a smaller scale. Check out the schedule at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors.
Mother Nature's starting to transition, too. The days are cooler and shorter. The leaves are starting to crunch under our feet and, here at the parks, we're getting a front row seat ready for you for her most magnificent show of the year. Come and join us.
 Harrisville State Park offering Hunter's Education Weekend
Get ready for a safe hunting season by attending the Hunter Education/International Bow Education Program at Harrisville State Park in Alcona County. The two-day class led by DNR staff member David Dekett is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9.
The classes are free of charge; however donations of non-perishable food items for the Alcona Food Pantry are requested.
Saturday’s class will take place in Maria Hall at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 110 S. State St., in Harrisville. Sunday’s field class will be at Harrisville State Park, 248 State Park Road.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn proper archery techniques using 4H bows and arrows and how to shoot a .22 rim-fire rifle at a rifle and archery range created for the class participants. Successful students will be certified in both Hunter Education and the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP). Lunch will be provided both days as well as booklets and supplies.
Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Class size is limited. For details or to register, call Eric Ostrander or Colleen Higgins at Harrisville State Park, 989-724-5126.
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 Get 'rockin' at Muskallonge State Park's agate show
Get rockin’ at Muskallonge Lake State Park’s fifth annual “Rock On! With Lake Superior Agates” rock show, a two-day event taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 at the park.
View agate collections and displays, learn about rock cutting and polishing and agate formation. The show provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the coveted Lake Superior agates as well as purchase specially-made items from talented vendors.
Get a jump on winter with demonstrations from local mushers from the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race.
Muskallonge Lake State Park is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula approximately 28 miles northwest of Newberry on Luce County Road 407. For show details or camping information, check our calendar of events at ww.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors or call the park, 906-658-3338.
 Volunteer stewardship program offers opportunities to enjoy Michigan state parks and recreation areas
It’s no secret that Michigan’s State Parks and Recreation Areas offer many great opportunities to enjoy time outdoors and relax year round. But they also contain precious rare ecosystems with many unique resources and are home to several threatened and endangered species.
The Stewardship Unit of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division invites volunteer stewards to learn about Michigan's plants, animals and ecosystems and help restore native habitats while enjoying a little time outside.
This summer, volunteers helped protect habitat at 16 parks and recreation areas. A total of 299 volunteers contributed 1,377 hours working on projects like invasive shrub removal, pulling spotted knapweed and garlic mustard and surveying natural areas.
Interested in becoming a volunteer steward? Workdays are held each weekend at select parks and recreation areas across southern Michigan. Contact your regional Natural Resource Steward for additional information or check out the on-line Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays (or visit www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click the link to the calendar) to view more photos and find information on seed collecting and other special projects.
 Port Crescent State Park opens Mother Nature's classroom
Port Crescent State Park in Port Austin (Huron County) has a new educational trailer, similar in format to the DNR's Wildlife Division trailer, but with unique lesson plans and activities pertaining to our natural surroundings. The trailer, that was designed and built by park ranger Brian Aubry, already has been used for some school programs. To learn more about the educational trailer, call Port Crescent State Park, 989-738-8663.
New Website helps Michigan campers locate safe firewood
Did you know that moving firewood from one section of the state to another is one of the most effective ways to expose the forests to dangerous pests and diseases? Invasive insects like the emerald ash borer or the Asian longhorned beetle can hitchhike their way from an infested area by riding along in the firewood carried by unsuspecting campers.
The Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation and Development Council, the USDA Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center, and Michigan State University's Department of Forestry have launched the new site www.firewoodscout.org to help outdoor enthusiasts find firewood close to where they camp, hunt, fish, and relax. Help us protect Michigan's forests. Buy it where you burn it. |
