Summer is winding down and kids are heading back to school, but there's still plenty of outdoor fun and learning coming up next month! Read on for a few examples, and then check Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar for a full events schedule.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors Jamboree
Presented by Pheasants Forever in partnership with the DNR, the Great Outdoors Jamboree — Sept. 13 at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County — features free fun for the whole family, including archery, BB gun shooting, crafts, kayaking, a food truck and much more. All ages are welcome, and all equipment will be provided.
Celebrate fall with harvest festivals
As temperatures cool and leaves change color, many state parks host harvest festivals starting in September. These family-friendly events offer activities like hayrides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails, nature programs and more. While many activities are reserved for registered campers only, and camping reservations do fill up quickly, there are some festivities open to day visitors.
Discover the dunes
Take in the beauty and science of the dunes on a guided, 90-minute dune interpretation walk at Muskegon State Park Sept. 11. Learn how dunes and Lake Michigan were formed, explore the unique shoreline ecosystem and hear fascinating insights into local history. This engaging experience is perfect for adults and families, with a suggested minimum age of 7.
See the stars and solar system
For two nights, Sept. 18-19, astronomers from across southeast Michigan will offer daytime solar telescope viewing and evening observations with a variety of telescopes during Astronomy at the Beach at Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County. Nightly presentations in an enclosed tent will cover topics like the solar system, comet making, life in the universe and auroras. Each evening concludes with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. For all ages.
Learn about foraging, waterfowl hunting
In September, the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy will offer opportunities to learn about two different kinds of hunting: for foraged foods and waterfowl.
Family Fungi and Foraging, Sept. 26 at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, covers the basics of safe foraging — the practice of searching for, finding and gathering wild food or supplies in nature — and includes a lesson on uses of foraged finds and a walk through the woods to find what's in season. Learn about what it takes to become a foraging expert and sample some of the provided goods.
At the Sept. 26 Waterfowl Hunting Clinic, at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, you'll learn how to choose a spot, scout effectively, select and set decoys, conceal a layout or blind, call ducks and geese with confidence, and understand licenses, stamps and core regulations. You'll leave with practical, first-hand experience to boost your odds this season.
Delve into Underground Railroad history
The Heritage Gathering, Sept. 12 at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, is an annual conference for those interested in Michigan's Underground Railroad heritage. Presented by the Michigan Freedom Trail Commission and the Michigan History Center, the conference will provide a variety of opportunities for learning and networking through keynote speakers and group and individual presentations. This year's Heritage Gathering will focus on the Battle Creek region's contribution to the Underground Railroad.