Learn the In’s and Out’s of Michigan’s State Parks during Recreation 101 events

There’s more to do in Michigan’s state parks than ever before, and now you have a chance to get better acquainted with these outstanding attractions close to your own back yard.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering several opportunities to get to know your state parks during Recreation 101: Intro to Your Local Park, or “Everything you’ve always wanted to know about state parks but were afraid to ask.”

Meet park personnel who will answer questions during hour-long sessions taking place in an outdoor classroom environment. Learn how to find out what’s happening at the parks. Is group camping allowed? Where are dogs allowed? What do all those trail markers mean? Hear about services available at some parks such as canoe rentals and horseback riding.

Upcoming sessions are scheduled at:

• Hayes State Park (Lenawee County): 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17; phone: 517-467-7401
• Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County): 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17; phone: 517-51-6217 (wear your green to the Hayes and Sleepy Hollow events and celebrate being Irish in the Irish Hills).
• Ionia State Recreation Area (Ionia County): noon Sunday, March 18; phone: 616-527-3750
• Pinckney State Recreation Area (Washtenaw County): 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31; phone: 734-426-4913
• Island Lake State Recreation Area (Livingston County): 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31; phone: 810-229-7067
• Maybury State Park (Wayne County): 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31; phone: 248-349-8390
• Waterloo State Recreation Area (Jackson County): 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3; phone: 734-475-8307
• Brighton State Recreation Area (Livingston County): 6:30 Tuesday, April 10; phone: 810-229-6566

Light refreshments and a bonfire are part of the experience. A short hike might be added to some of the events. For details, call the individual park.

Recreation Passport
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. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 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.