Gillette Nature Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park offers full lineup of spring break nature programs

Families looking for affordable, fun things to do during spring break can find entertaining, educational hikes and activities at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park’s Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center, located at 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon.

Park naturalist Elizabeth Tillman said spring break programs were designed with families in mind.

“Spring is a great time to get outside as a family and experience nature in a state park. Exploring a state park can be a rewarding experience that builds lifelong family memories," Tillman said. "Our programs for spring break were all designed around traditional Easter-time themes to give visitors of all ages a new experience with familiar topics.”

The park features 10 miles of hiking trails, 2.5 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center and a variety nature programs. The visitor center will be the meeting place for the Exploring Nature programs. Each program includes an activity or short hike. The following programs explore a variety of nature topics suitable for all ages:

April 3 

• 11 a.m. Cottontails and other Hoppers: Learn about the lagomorph group and rodents that move in a hopping pattern. Play some games and make some tracks! 
• 2 p.m. Signs of Spring: Take a short hike and explore the signs of spring. 
• 3 p.m. Fast Food, A Predator's World: Watch an inviting wildlife-in-action DVD and play a fun game. 

April 4 

• 11 a.m. Nests, Nature’s Egg Cartons: Enjoy a hands-on program exploring different nest styles. 
• 2 p.m. Bird Beak Buffet: Get a complete look at how birds eat. Hands-on activities and a snack included. 

April 5 

• 11 a.m. Peeps of Spring: Take a closer look at Michigan frogs and toads. 
• 2 p.m. A Good Home is Hard to Find (puppet show). 

April 7 

• 11 a.m. Wiggly Worms: Learn all about worms and dissect a gummy worm. 

For more information, contact the Gillette Visitor Center at 231-798-3573. For a listing of other events taking place in Michigan state parks and recreation areas, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.

All programs are free; however a Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park. The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities.

Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "YES" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. Nonresident motor vehicles must still display a valid nonresident Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access fee site; these can be purchased at any state park or recreation area, or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. Learn more about the Recreation Passport at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or 517-241-7275.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.