In this issue:

• Shoe Year's Hikes provide fun, fresh air and fitness
• Start 2015 with a good deed: volunteer at a Michigan state park!
• Rent snowshoes to create your own winter adventure
• Book the best campsite now for summer 2015

Shoe Year's Hikes provide fun, fresh air and fitness

Michigan state parks are once again hosting free guided hikes during the first week of January to help people kick off their new year on the right foot. Click here to see a full list of events.

Start 2015 with a good deed: volunteer at a Michigan state park!

Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive plants from Michigan state parks this January. It's a great way to spend time outdoors, get active and preserve Michigan's natural resources. Click here for a full schedule of upcoming volunteer workdays. 

Rent snowshoes to create your own winter adventure

Get out and explore the winter wonderland with free and low-cost snowshoe rentals at these Michigan state parks:   -P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (donation required): 231-798-3711 -Ludington State Park: 231-843-2423 -Mitchell State Park (Carl T. Johnson Hunt & Fish Center): 231-779-1321 -Muskegon State Park (Winter Sports Complex): 231-744-3480 -Tahquamenon Falls State Park: 906-492-3415 -Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: 906-885-5275 -Maybury State Park: 248-349-8390 -Hartwick Pines State Park: 989-348-7068     Some parks require advance reservations. Call each park directly for details.

Book the best campsite now for summer 2015

As you're spending time with family over the holidays, it's a great opportunity to plan for summer camping trips. Campsite reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-447-2757.

Want to see what's going on at a state park during your camping trip? Visit www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors to view the calendar of events.

Quick Links

• Campground & Harbor Reservations
• General camping information
• Snowmobiling
• Camping Prices
• ORV/ATV Riding
• Cabins, Lodges, Tepees & Yurts
• Recreation Passport
• Calendar of events
• Michigan Historical Museums
• Find a park or trail

History Corner

Belle Isle Park's borreal wetlands are an endangered forest, containing species such as Pumpkin Ash, Swamp White Oak, Shumard Oak, Wahoo, Chinkapin Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Musclewood and Ironwood. In 1882, Belle Isle Designer Fredrick Law Olmsted said "the key to all improvements of Belle Isle must be found in the character of its existing wood," indicating the importance of this natural feature on the island.

The DNR and partner organizations such as the Island Stewardship Committee are currently working to control invasive species and other threats to the forest. Learn more at www.belleislepark.org.

Photo and history courtesy of Belle Isle Conservancy Historical Committee