Grayling Visitors Bureau

The Bay Area Big Band Orchestra will be performing on Friday, September 24 at Camp Grayling’s Officers Club. This will be a dinner show, doors open at 5:30pm.Bringing to life an era of big bands and ballroom dancing, the Bay Area Big Band generates an electricity and excitement guaranteed to bring you out of your seat. The swinging sounds of jazz, one of America’s purist art forms, is the foundation of this group.

Building on a proud tradition of such historical bands as; Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, and more the Bay Area Big Band creates a musical experience not to be missed. The band’s commitment to excellence and passion to carry on this rich musical heritage will turn any event in to a memory not soon forgotten.

The Bay Area Big Band was founded and directed by Chris Bickley. Chris is a recognized artist, leader, and educator that has performed extensively for over 30 years. The band’s 16 musicians feature world class local talent that includes such recognizable artists as: Rick Culver, Pete Asch, Steve Stargardt, Mike Hunter, Jack Dryden, John Lindenau, and more.

• From swing to contemporary, rich ballads to latin, the bands music reaches across generations, cultures, and all musical tastes. The arrangements and rich orchestrations highlight both the ensemble and individual talents.
• From corporate events to concert halls the Bay Area Big Band’s commitment to musical excellence and determination to create a musical memory offers the perfect balance. We look forward to sharing our music with you!

Tickets $25 per person, available at Riverland, The Avalanche, AAA (at the Mini Mall) and Xpress Copy. For more information, call DJ at 989-348-4330. Tickets must be purchased by September 17 in order for an entry list to be made for the Camp Grayling Post. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Contact Person            Dan Bonamie
Au Sable Valley Recreation Expo
Phone Number            989-710-1194
Email                           danbonamie@gmail.com
Website                       www.ausableexpo.com

AUSABLE EXPO ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS

(Grayling – April 19, 2010)  AuSable Expo Chair Dan Bonamie announced today that the 2010 Expo will include an art show by eight Watershed Art Project artists.  “The artists will include local painters Dan Feldhaeuser, Jackie House, and Terry Dickinson; two photographers, a lamp maker, and a designer/maker of soft sculpture items.  The Expo Team believes the addition of the artists creates added value for the entire Expo,” stated Bonamie.  The 2010 Expo is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, at the Ramada Inn-Grayling.

Craig Kasmer, Naturalist at Hartwick Pines State Park, will introduce Expo attendees to various types of habitats that birds found in Crawford County “flock” to.  The Kasmer presentation, titled Bird Watching in Crawford County,” will take place from 10:15 – 10:55 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, in the Birch Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling.  He will outline the equipment the beginning birder should have in the backpack and challenge the audience to identify some of the birds being shown on the screen.

From 11:00 – 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, Expo attendees can learn all about the Crawford County Air Terminal and how it opens a new portal for visitors to this area to access the outdoor recreation opportunities here.  The air terminal facility will also provide an opportunity to learn to fly for those who dream of “slipping the surly bonds of earth.”  This presentation will take place in the Birch Room, Ramada Inn-Grayling.  Presenter Stan Prevost is a commercial pilot and instrument flight instructor, and also is a member of the Crawford County Airport Board which oversees the Crawford County Air Terminal, a new general aviation facility at McNamara Field.

Sunday presentations include a “Track Casting Workshop,” “Michigan Elk Management,” and “How to Develop Permanent Wildlife Food Plots.”  Track casting offers a wonderful family activity for young and old alike; one can learn how to identify animal tracks found in northern Michigan and make a cast of a track to take home.  Each participant will take home a track guide and at least one plaster track cast.  There is a fee of $1 per kit for materials.  Each kit will make two plaster casts.  For more information, contact Susan Thiel at thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989) 348-6371 x. 7440.  Location for this workshop will be announced at the Expo; the workshop will take place from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 25.

Wildlife biologist Brian Mastenbrook, MDNR, will present “Michigan Elk Management” on Sunday from 2:00 – 2:40 p.m., in the Birch Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling.  Mastenbrook will give a brief history of elk management in Michigan and how elk are intertwined with management of the Pigeon River Country.  Attendees will view an uplifting slide show and learn about the natural history of Michigan’s elk population.

Wildlife food plots are becoming a popular alternative to baiting, whether for hunting or just wildlife viewing.  Larry Holley, the owner of Field of Dreams, a company that establishes wildlife food plots, will explain how to establish and manage wildlife all purpose food plots as well as how to tailor them for specific species.  He will review different seed mixes, fertilizers, and maintenance activities needed to establish and maintain a successful permanent food plot.  Join Larry for “Developing Permanent Wildlife Food Plots” in the Birch Room, on Sunday, from 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.

The Grayling Promotional Association and the North Central Michigan Community Foundation are sponsors of the 2010 Expo.  For more information about the upcoming Expo, contact Expo Chair Dan Bonamie at 989-710-1194, or check online at www.ausableexpo.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Contact Person Dan Bonamie
Au Sable Valley Recreation Expo
Phone Number 989-710-1194
Email danbonamie@gmail.com
Website www.ausableexpo.com

NATURE JOURNALING, GEOCACHE AMONG AU SABLE EXPO PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

(Grayling – April 9, 2010) Nature artist Sherry Graziano will conduct a workshop titled “Nature Sketching and More: A Nature Journaling Workshop” from 12:30 – 3 p.m. on April 24, in the Oak Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling, located off the main Grayling exit, #254. Graziano will introduce attendees to nature journaling, which is a way to record and re-create an image experienced in nature. By combining drawing and writing, individuals use their senses to record what they feel, see, hear, and touch at a particular point in time. Individuals may find starting a nature journal intimidating; however, Sherry will stimulate your creativity and teach you some tips and tricks of nature journaling. Each participant will take home his or her own personalized journal to jumpstart his or her own nature journaling experience. The workshop is limited to twelve participants; pre-registration is recommended. A kit fee of $10 is due at the start of the workshop. For more information or to pre-register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989) 348-6371 x. 7440.
Expo Chair Dan Bonamie explained that “The AuSable Expo Planning Team wants to increase awareness about the wide variety of recreation possibilities that exist here. We are thrilled that Expo team member Susan Thiel has arranged such an impressive line up of presenters. The presentations and workshops, of course, add to the overall atmosphere of the Expo.”
Grayling resident Dennis Wallace will present “An Introduction to GeoCaching” on Saturday, April 24, from 10:00 – 10:40 a.m., in the Birch Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called a geocache, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Expo visitors can learn about the sport of geocaching and how you can use your GPS unit to enjoy this outdoor treasure hunting. Put your geocaching skills to work at an event scheduled for Saturday morning with a wrap up lunch at the Days Inn. For more information, contact Geocacher Dennis Wallace at ss_dsk@yahoo.com.
On Saturday, from 1:45 pm – 2:25 pm, Jerry Regan, a long standing river guide and historical resident of the AuSable Valley area, will present a unique perspective on the historic AuSable River. Regan will give a brief history of the AuSable River Boat, relay some of his many river experiences, and review use of historical fly patterns used on the river. Regan’s presentation, “Fishing the Historical AuSable: The Boats and the Flies,” will take place in the Birch Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling.
Sponsors of the AuSable Expo are the Grayling Promotional Association and the North Central Michigan Community Foundation. For more information about the upcoming Expo, contact Expo Chair Dan Bonamie at 989-710-1194, or check online at www.ausableexpo.com, or at http://www.upnorthlive.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Contact Person Dan Bonamie
Au Sable Valley Recreation Expo
Phone Number 989-710-1194
Email danbonamie@gmail.com
Website www.ausableexpo.com

TAXIDERMY DISPLAY AT AU SABLE EXPO

(Grayling – April 2, 2010) The AuSable Expo will feature a taxidermy display on April 24 – 25, at the Ramada Inn-Grayling, off the main Grayling exit #254. Bob Parkey, General Manager of the Wildlife Gallery – Parkey’s Taxidermy in Indian River, Michigan, has been doing taxidermy since 1980. Over the past years he has competed at State, National, International, and World taxidermy competitions. Parkey is the winner of more than one hundred ribbons and trophies and is one of only nine taxidermists in the world to achieve the Grand Master status and is a three time International champion. Parkey has served on the board of directors for the International Guild of Taxidermy, the Northeast Michigan Chapter of Safari Club International, and the Michigan Involvement Committee. Bob Parkey has judged several state and international taxidermy competitions and has given taxidermy lessons to people over the past several years.
Expo Chair Dan Bonamie stated, “The Expo Team is pleased to add Bob Parkey’s taxidermy display to the 2010 AuSable Expo. We believe this display will be an informative addition to the Expo experience.”

Other attractions at the expo…
ATVs are used in just about every type of activity today; work, play, and law enforcement. Our public lands have a multitude of trails 50 inches wide designated for riding an ATV. The recent opening of county roads to ATVs has increased the opportunities to ride. Certified ATV instructors from the Happi Trails ATV Club will present the history of ATVs and outline the opportunities to ride ATVs in the AuSable Valley area as well as provide tips on how to ride safely and legally. Join the Club later in the afternoon for an Expo ATV Ride in Crawford County. This presentation will take place from 9:10 – 9:50 a.m. on April 24, in the Birch Room, Ramada Inn-Grayling. Expo team member John Chad explained, “An ATV ride is perfect for anyone, whether one is young, old, or disabled, and is a perfect family outing.” For more information about this presentation, contact John Chad at jlc4403@hughes.net.

A variety of children’s activities will be offered throughout the Expo to entertain the younger attendees. Children will be able to touch a variety of native Michigan animal furs, including a black bear, a beaver, and a rabbit; learn about wildlife tracks; and go on a scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded daily in the Expo coloring contest which highlights your favorite recreational activity.

Nature photographer Tom Haxby will conduct a workshop titled “Beyond the Basics: Hands-on Digital Photography” on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Oak Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling. Bring a digital camera and cameral manual, and join Haxby for a hands-on workshop. This workshop is limited to 25 participants; pre-registration is recommended due to space limitations. A workshop fee of $15 is due at the time of registration. For more information or to pre-register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989) 348-6371 x. 7440.
Expo hours on Saturday, April 24, are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Sunday, April 25, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For Expo updates check out www.ausableexpo.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Contact Person Dan Bonamie
Au Sable Recreation Expo
Phone Number 989-710-1194
Email danbonamie@gmail.com
Website www.ausableexpo.com

AU SABLE EXPO ANNOUNCES MICHAEL HACKNEY AS FEATURED PRESENTER

(Grayling – March 29, 2010) Dan Bonamie, Chair of the Au Sable Expo Planning Team, announced today that Michael Hackney will be the featured presenter at the Expo on Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25.
Bonamie stated that “The Expo Planning Team is thrilled to bring Mr. Michael Hackney, as our feature presenter, to the Expo in its second year. Michael Hackney, who describes himself as an “Eclectic Angler,” lives in central Massachusetts near the Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers. The 2010 Expo will feature various presentations and workshops throughout the entire Expo. Our featured presenter will give a presentation on Saturday and will hold a workshop on Sunday.”
Hackney teaches individuals the basic techniques of creating and assembling reels and has a web forum to allow for continued communication and input. His workshop describes the tools, supplies, and materials needed to begin the craft of reelsmithing, various techniques, and how to put it all together. He works with workshop participants to allow them to customize the basic reel and teaches techniques so they can start to design their own fly reels. He recently authored The Reelsmith’s Primer: The Art of Hand-crafting Fly Fishing Reels, available through Whitefish Press. Expo participants can have the support resources of a book and a web forum to help them continue reelsmithing once they get started at the presentation and workshop. On Saturday, April 24, Hackney will give an overview of making fly fishing reels by hand from 2:30 – 3:10 p.m. in the Birch Room at the Ramada Inn-Grayling.
Come learn how to make your own fly reel with a few simple tools and materials. A workshop entitled “A Reelsmithing Primer’s Workshop” will be offered on Sunday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for those interested in constructing their own reel with Michael’s personal instruction. This workshop will help you construct a fly fishing reel by guiding you through the steps of construction and assembly using simple tools. Participants will learn the basic techniques of design and construction so they can design and construct their own fly reels. Material kits are available for purchase; the workshop is limited to eight participants. Pre-registration is recommended. To register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989)348-6371 ext 7440. For more information about Michael Hackney and reelsmithing, visit www.reelsmithing.com.
Sponsors of the AuSable Expo are the Grayling Promotional Association and the North Central Michigan Community Foundation. For more information about the upcoming Expo, contact Dan Bonamie at 989-710-1194, or check online at www.ausableexpo.com, or at http://www.upnorthlive.com/.

Jim Brickman revolutionized the sound of Adult Contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano and the romantic popular song. Jim’s remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three #1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003, a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for “The Gift.”   Jim has established a reputation for his collaborations with many gifted musical artists that include: Martina McBride, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond and Olivia Newton-John.   For more information visit the Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts.

AuSable Valley Recreation Expo;
The 2nd Annual AuSable Valley Recreation Expo will call attention to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available throughout the Grayling area. Expo attendees will see fly tying and fishing demonstrations, among others. Exhibitors will include makers of canoes and kayaks, geocache, clothing stores and clothing manufacturers, campgrounds, habitat restoration, and trail riding. In addition to exhibits the Expo will offer a full schedule of informative and interesting presentations. April 24 & 25, 2010 at the Grayling AuSable Ramada, located off the main Grayling exit #254.

Presentation Schedule for the AuSable Valley Recreation Expo 2010

Saturday April 24th: Expo hours 9 am – 6 pm

9:10 am – 9:50 am: ATVing for the Young, the Old, the Disabled, For the Family! – The Birch Room
ATV’s are used in just about every type of activity today; work, play, and law enforcement. Our public lands have a multitude of trails 50 inches wide designated for ATVing. The recent opening of county roads to ATVs has increased the opportunities to ride. Certified ATV instructors from the Happi Trails ATV Club will present the history of ATVs and outline the opportunities to ride ATVs in the AuSable Valley area as well as provide tips on how to ride safely and legally. Join the Club later in the afternoon for an Expo ATV Ride in Crawford County. For more information, contact John Chad at jchad@hughes.net.

10:00 am – 10:40 am: An Introduction to GeoCaching, – The Birch Room

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Come learn about the sport of geocaching and how you can use your GPS unit to enjoy this outdoor treasure hunting. Put your geocaching skills to work at an event scheduled for Saturday morning with a wrap up lunch at the Days Inn. For more information, contact Geocacher Dennis Wallace at ss_dsk@yahoo.com.

10:45 am -11:25 am Firewise by Paul Lyden, USFS, Mio – The Birch Room

Although southern California gets most of the publicity about forest fires destroying homes the same thing can happen right here in northern Michigan. We just never hear about it. It’s not a question of if the forest will burn but when it will burn. Find out what you can do to help make your home more fire resistant.

11:30 am – 12:10 am : Dutch Oven Cooking demonstration – Outside by Side Entrance

Grayling Boy Scout Troop 995 will host a Dutch oven cooking demonstration. There are hundreds of delicious meals that can be made in Dutch ovens using the most basic of ingredients. The Boy scouts will have free samples of delicious cobbler made in a cast iron Dutch oven with charcoal as fuel. The scouts will also be raising funds by selling grilled sausage and hot dog sandwiches.

12:30 am – 3:00 pm: Nature Sketching & More, A Nature Journaling Workshop – The Oak Room

Join artist Sherry Graziano for an introduction to nature journaling, a way to record and re-create an image experienced in nature. By combining drawing and writing, individuals use their senses to record what they feel, see, hear, and touch at a particular point in time. Individuals may find starting a nature journal intimidating. Let Sheri stimulate your creativity and teach you some tips and tricks of nature journaling. Each participant will take home his or her own personalized journal to jumpstart his or her own nature journaling experience. The workshop is limited to twelve participants, so pre-registration is recommended. A kit fee of $10 is due at the start of the workshop. For more information or to pre-register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989) 348-6371 x. 7440.
12:15 am – 1:40 pm: Enhancing Riverfront Property: Simple Steps Landowners Can Take to Improve Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat – The Birch Room

Huron Pines RC&D will present techniques to enhance your riverfront property while also improving water quality and wildlife habitat. Topics covered will include planting native greenbelts, controlling fertilizer runoff, proper septic system maintenance and others. Informational handouts and step-by-step guides will be available to participants.

1:00m – 1:40 pm AuSable Fisheries Habitat Management –The Birch Room

Join MDNR Fisheries Biologist Steven Sendek as he introduces you to the background of the AuSable River watershed and why it is so special, species present, the current habitat needs, and problems facing it. He will outline some of the many habitat projects on the river that are unique and innovative to try to protect and improve this special resource.

1:45 pm – 2:25 pm Fishing the Historical AuSable: The Boats and the Flies – The Birch Room

Join Jerry Regan, a long standing river guide and historical resident of the AuSable Valley area as he presents a unique perspective on the historic AuSable River. Jerry will give a brief history of the AuSable River Boat, relay some of his many river experiences, and review use of historical fly patterns used on the river.

2:30 pm – 3:10 pm:A Reelsmithing Primer: The Art of Hand-crafting Fly Fishing Reels – The Birch Room
Join the Eclectic Angler, Michael Hackney, as he gives an overview of making fly fishing reels by hand. Living in central Massachusetts near the Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers, Mr. Hackney has authored the book “The Reelsmith’s Primer: The Art of Hand-crafting Fly Fishing Reels”, has taught classes, and developed a web forum to support reelsmithing enthusiasts. Come learn how to make your own fly reel with a few simple tools and materials. A workshop will be offered on Sunday for those interested in constructing their own reel with Michael’s personal instruction. For more information, visit www.reelsmithing.com.

3:10 pm – 4:00 pm:Digital Photography 101: Tips to Improve your Digital Photos, – The Birch Room
by Photographer Thomas Haxby – Tom Haxby is a Northern Michigan resident and award winning nature photographer with images published in books, magazines and calendars. Join Tom as he gives a presentation on how you can improve your photographs, using some of his award winning photos as examples. Tom has taken photography courses from John Shaw, the Rocky Mountain School of Photography, Arizona Highways, George Lepp, and others. Haxby is a member of the Traverse Area Camera Club and the North American Nature Photography Association. Visit www.TomHaxbyPhotos.com.

4:00 pm – 4:40 pm: 75 Years of Hartwick Pines-The Birch Room

For the last 75 Years, Hartwick Pines State Park has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Michigan. This park has preserved one of Michigan’s last stands of old growth white pine and interprets the importance of this forest and Michigan’s lumber history to thousands of visitors every year. Hartwick Pines Logging Museum’s Site Historian Rob Burg will present a history of the park over the last 75 years since its dedication in 1935 and share some of the experiences of past park visitors and people who love Hartwick Pines State Park.

4:50 – 5:30 pm: An Introduction to Disc Golf – The Birch Room Andrew Moore

Join Andrew Moor as he introduces you to Grayling’s newest, fresh air and exercise, recreational outdoor activity, Disc Golf. Learn more about the sport and the Grayling Rotary Club funded PDGA Disc Golf Course that is now under construction at Hanson Hill’s Recreation Center… just west of town. Disc Golf is fun, good exercise, suitable for all ages, and best of all, its free (donations for course maintenance accepted). Course construction should be completed early in May 2010. Come join us for an intro to disc golfing and be prepared to join us later for a round of Disc Golf at the new, world class, Grayling Rotary Disc Golf Course at Hanson Hills.

Throughout Saturday: AuSable Expo Art Show sponsored by the Watershed Art Project – The Ramada Inn

Sunday April 25th: Expo Hours 10 am – 4 pm

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Beyond the Basics: Hands-On Digital Photography Workshop with Tom Haxby – The Oak Room

Bring your digital camera and cameral manual and join nature photographer Tom Haxby for a hands-on workshop. This workshop is limited to 25 participants. Pre-registration is recommended due to space limitations. A workshop fee of $15 is due at the time of registration. For more information or to pre-register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989) 348-6371 x. 7440.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: A Reelsmithing Primer’s Workshop by Michael Hackney, the Eclectic Angler – Location to be announced.

Come join Michael Hackney, reelsmith and author, as he helps you construct a fly fishing reel, guiding you through the steps of construction and assembly using simple tools. Participants will learn the basic techniques of design and construction so they can design and construct their own fly reels. Material kits are available for purchase at a cost of $75 per kit. The workshop is limited to 8 participants. Pre-registration is recommended. To register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989)348-6371 ext 7440. For more information on the fly reel you will learn how to make, visit www.reelsmithing.com/forum.

10:15 am – 10:55 am: Bird Watching in Crawford County – The Birch Room

Craig Kasmer, Naturalist at Hartwick Pines State Park, will introduce you to the various types of habitats that birds found in Crawford County “flock” to. He will outline the equipment the beginning birder should have in their backpack and challenge the audience to identify some of the birds being shown on the screen.

11:00 am – 11:40 am: General Aviation Access to Recreational Opportunities in the Crawford County Area – The Birch Room

Stan Prevost is a commercial pilot and instrument flight instructor, and also is a member of the Crawford County Airport Board which oversees the Crawford County Air Terminal, a new general aviation facility at McNamara Field. Stan will tell all about the Air Terminal and how it opens a new portal for visitors to this area to access the outdoor recreation opportunities here. The facility will also provide an opportunity to learn to fly for those who dream of “slipping the surly bonds of earth.”

11:45 am – 12:25 pm: The Old AuSable: Grayling’s Historic River Highway – The Birch Room

The AuSable River has always been the most identifiable part of the Grayling area. The Native Americans used this and the nearby Manistee River as an easy canoe route between Lakes Huron and Michigan. This opened the region to the fur trade and logging. Today, it is one of Michigan’s most popular canoeing and trout fishing rivers. Join Hartwick Pines State Park Historian Rob Burg as he retraces the rich history of the AuSable River in this presentation.

12:30 – 2:00 pm: Lunch with the Legends of the AuSable Canoe Marathon – Crawford Station Restaurant

Come share historic memories and stories about people and the annual canoe adventure that helped to define the Grayling area. Lunch is included with the event. Tickets will be available at the Expo.

2:30 – 3:30: Track Casting Workshop – The Oak Room

A wonderful family activity for young and old alike, come learn how to identify animal tracks you would find in northern Michigan and make a cast of a track of your favorite track to take with you. Each participant will take home a track guide and at least one plaster track cast. There is a fee of $1 per kit for materials. Each kit will make two plaster casts. For more information or to pre-register, contact Susan Thiel at Thiels1@michigan.gov or call (989) 348-6371 x. 7440.

2:00 pm – 2:40 pm: Michigan Elk Management – The Birch Room

Michigan is in the midst of developing a new Elk Management Plan. Join wildlife biologist Brian Mastenbrook, MDNR as he give a brief history of elk management in Michigan and how elk are intertwined with management of the Pigeon River Country. Come view an uplifting slide show and learn about the natural history of Michigan’s elk population.

2:45 pm – 3:30 pm: Development of Permanent Wildlife Food Plots – The Birch Room

Wildlife food plots are becoming a popular alternative to baiting, whether for hunting or just wildlife viewing. Larry Holley is the owner of Field of Dreams, a company that establishes wildlife food plots. Join Larry as he explains how to establish and manage wildlife all purpose food plots as well as how to tailor them for specific species. He will review different seed mixes, fertilizers, and maintenance activities needed to establish and maintain a successful permanent food plot.

Throughout the Expo: Children’s Activity Table:

A variety of children’s activities will be offered throughout the weekend to entertain the younger attendees! Children will be able to touch a variety of native Michigan animal furs, including a black bear, beaver, and rabbit. Learn about wildlife tracks, and go on a scavenger hunt. Also plan to join the Expo coloring contest highlighting your favorite recreational activity, with prizes being awarded each day.