Whether you’re into canoeing and kayaking, want to learn about the new sport of paddleboarding, or just want to get in some fishing, June is all about getting out on the water.
• Get out and support our military veterans and active-duty men and women during the annual “Hookin Up Heroes” fishing tournament set for the morning of Saturday, June 9 on Hardy Pond at Newaygo State Park in Newaygo County. The military appreciation event teams vets with some great anglers for a friendly competition. Be a tournament spectator or line the route to cheer on the participants of the motorcycle charity ride for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan's Veteran's Program, and the Michigan Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. These two events take place simultaneously. Learn more at www.hookinupheroes.com.
• Don’t know a bobber from a sinker? No problem! Recreation 101 is the answer. The DNR’s Recreation 101 program, first rolled out in 2011, offers free, introductory programs to the novice outdoor enthusiast who wants to learn more about outdoor activities through hands-on fun and expert instruction. Fishing 101, one of Recreation 101’s most popular programs, is being offered at seven locations in June, and continues throughout the summer.
“Our goal is to offer basic instruction in any and all things outdoors, and the program has been enthusiastically received,” said Maia Stephens, recreation programmer for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “By offering local experts who bring all the gear, guides and good times to programs for novice outdoor enthusiasts, we’re encouraging more people to Go Get Outdoors and discover the unique recreational opportunities that our parks provide.”
Stephens said this year’s Rec 101 programming has expanded to offer more than 400 outdoor activities, but the program is not limited to sports:
• Learn to re-create Michigan’s stunning scenery on canvas with art programs such as “Watercolor in the Wilderness 101,” taking place on Saturday, June 23, at Newaygo State Park.
• Discover more about Michigan geology during “Hunting for Agates” on Wednesday, July 18, at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County.
• Get away from it all during a “Ladies-only Kayak Afternoon” on Wednesday, July 25, one of several events just for women at Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County.
• Stay up late and stargaze with other like-minded individuals during one of the “Meteors and S’mores” programs taking place in numerous state parks this summer, including Silver Lake SP, Leelanau SP, Fayette Historic SP.
To learn more about all the Recreation 101 offerings, visit www.michigan.gov/rec101. For a current list of DNR happenings statewide, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.
Other Events
In addition to Recreation 101 events taking place across the state, many parks are featuring special events unique to the park and area:
• Make early reservations for the Friends of the Porkies’ 8th Annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 26-28, featuring folk, blues, bluegrass and contemporary music. Visit www.porkiesfestival.org.
• Pack up the family, the lawn chairs and blankets, and head to Bay City State Recreation Area in Bay County for family movie night starting at 8:45 p.m. every Saturday beginning June 2. Family movies, courtesy of Family Video, will be presented on the 16-foot-wide outdoor projection screen on the lawn near the "Spray by the Bay" spray park. For details, call 989-684-3020.
Fire safety
With hundreds of activities taking place this summer, the DNR encourages visitors to get out and enjoy all that Michigan’s woods and water offer. At the same time, however, DNR officials caution visitors to be aware of weather conditions and their own actions in order to protect our valuable natural resources from wildfire damage. Learn how at www.michigan.gov/preventwildfires.
Spending summer in Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas is easily affordable with the Recreation Passport. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.
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