06-30-2004, 09:43 AM
State recreation officials today reminded families visiting Michigan’s state parks to look for the fun [url "http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10369-84526--,00.html"][#0000ff]State Park Explorer Programs[/#0000ff][/url] now underway at 40 state parks and recreation areas throughout the state.
Armed with field guides, animal skins, bug boxes and other hands-on materials, State Park Explorer Guides lead informal programs and hikes that feature each location's unique natural, cultural and historic resources. Program topics include insect hunts, pond studies, wildflower walks, wetland wonders, art in nature, campfire programs, star gazing and other topics covering the variety of plants, animals and natural features found in each park. These programs, usually held in the afternoons and evenings from Tuesday through Saturday, are designed for children and adults, often in a family setting.
"Nature has so much to offer, the learning process should never end," said Douglas Finley, Chief of the DNR Office of Education and Outreach. "The Explorer Program is educational and fun. Participants are learning whether they realize it or not, and it's a lot easier when the information is taught in a fun way."
This summer, Explorer Program locations in the Upper Peninsula include: [url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=408"][#0000ff]Baraga State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=414"][#0000ff]Brimley State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=420"][#0000ff]Indian Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=423"][#0000ff]McLain State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=425"][#0000ff]Palms Book State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=430"][#0000ff]Van Riper State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=432"][#0000ff]Wells State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
Northern Lower Peninsula parks include:
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=439"][#0000ff]Burt Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=442"][#0000ff]Clear Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=451"][#0000ff]Harrisville State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=456"][#0000ff]Hoeft State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=460"][#0000ff]Interlochen State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=483"][#0000ff]Petoskey State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=489"][#0000ff]Rifle River Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=496"][#0000ff]South Higgins Lake State Prak[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=499"][#0000ff]Tawas Point State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=509"][#0000ff]Wilderness State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=512"][#0000ff]Young State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
Southern Lower Peninsula locations include:
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=433"][#0000ff]Algonac State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=438"][#0000ff]Brighton Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=448"][#0000ff]Fort Custer Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=454"][#0000ff]Hayes State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=458"][#0000ff]Holland State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=459"][#0000ff]Holly State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=461"][#0000ff]Ionia Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=466"][#0000ff]Lakeport State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=470"][#0000ff]Mears State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=472"][#0000ff]Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=475"][#0000ff]Muskegon State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=484"][#0000ff]Pinckney Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=485"][#0000ff]Pontiac Lake Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=486"][#0000ff]Port Crescent State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=487"][#0000ff]Proud Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=493"][#0000ff]Silver Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=494"][#0000ff]Sleeper State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=495"][#0000ff]Sleepy Hollow State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=497"][#0000ff]Sterling State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=502"][#0000ff]Van Buren State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=504"][#0000ff]Warren Dunes State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=511"][#0000ff]Yankee Springs Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url].
Families arriving at parks where the Explorer Programs are offered will find a daily program schedule posted near the park office, restrooms or campground host’s camping site.
Day-use visitors to the park are invited as well. All programs are free, but a state park motor vehicle permit is required for entry into the park or recreation area.
For more information on other special events taking place this summer at Michigan State Park and Recreation Areas, [url "http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_11859---,00.html"][#0000ff]visit the DNR Calendar of Events[/#0000ff][/url].
[signature]
Armed with field guides, animal skins, bug boxes and other hands-on materials, State Park Explorer Guides lead informal programs and hikes that feature each location's unique natural, cultural and historic resources. Program topics include insect hunts, pond studies, wildflower walks, wetland wonders, art in nature, campfire programs, star gazing and other topics covering the variety of plants, animals and natural features found in each park. These programs, usually held in the afternoons and evenings from Tuesday through Saturday, are designed for children and adults, often in a family setting.
"Nature has so much to offer, the learning process should never end," said Douglas Finley, Chief of the DNR Office of Education and Outreach. "The Explorer Program is educational and fun. Participants are learning whether they realize it or not, and it's a lot easier when the information is taught in a fun way."
This summer, Explorer Program locations in the Upper Peninsula include: [url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=408"][#0000ff]Baraga State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=414"][#0000ff]Brimley State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=420"][#0000ff]Indian Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=423"][#0000ff]McLain State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=425"][#0000ff]Palms Book State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=430"][#0000ff]Van Riper State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=432"][#0000ff]Wells State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
Northern Lower Peninsula parks include:
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=439"][#0000ff]Burt Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=442"][#0000ff]Clear Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=451"][#0000ff]Harrisville State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=456"][#0000ff]Hoeft State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=460"][#0000ff]Interlochen State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=483"][#0000ff]Petoskey State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=489"][#0000ff]Rifle River Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=496"][#0000ff]South Higgins Lake State Prak[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=499"][#0000ff]Tawas Point State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=509"][#0000ff]Wilderness State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=512"][#0000ff]Young State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
Southern Lower Peninsula locations include:
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=433"][#0000ff]Algonac State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=438"][#0000ff]Brighton Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=448"][#0000ff]Fort Custer Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=454"][#0000ff]Hayes State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=458"][#0000ff]Holland State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=459"][#0000ff]Holly State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=461"][#0000ff]Ionia Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=466"][#0000ff]Lakeport State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=470"][#0000ff]Mears State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=472"][#0000ff]Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=475"][#0000ff]Muskegon State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=484"][#0000ff]Pinckney Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=485"][#0000ff]Pontiac Lake Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=486"][#0000ff]Port Crescent State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=487"][#0000ff]Proud Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=493"][#0000ff]Silver Lake State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=494"][#0000ff]Sleeper State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=495"][#0000ff]Sleepy Hollow State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=497"][#0000ff]Sterling State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=502"][#0000ff]Van Buren State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=504"][#0000ff]Warren Dunes State Park[/#0000ff][/url]
[url "http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.asp?id=511"][#0000ff]Yankee Springs Recreation Area[/#0000ff][/url].
Families arriving at parks where the Explorer Programs are offered will find a daily program schedule posted near the park office, restrooms or campground host’s camping site.
Day-use visitors to the park are invited as well. All programs are free, but a state park motor vehicle permit is required for entry into the park or recreation area.
For more information on other special events taking place this summer at Michigan State Park and Recreation Areas, [url "http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_11859---,00.html"][#0000ff]visit the DNR Calendar of Events[/#0000ff][/url].
[signature]