Grayling Visitors Bureau

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced that the Michigan Forest Visitor Center at Hartwick Pines State Park will host its 13th annual Forest Fest on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Forest Fest will provide fun, educational activities designed to help children and families learn about this important natural resource.

Children will receive a natural resource activity booklet and can earn stamps by visiting each activity station. Events include children’s games, exhibits and displays on a variety of forest and natural resource-related topics. Guests can also learn about the health of Michigan’s forests and find out where to go for specific questions and help managing forests on their own private land. Educational handouts will be available, providing information on forest management and health as well as tips on preventing and suppressing wildfires.

Wildlife organizations will be on hand, including the A.R.K., a local animal rescue organization. At 2 p.m., wildlife biologist, and semi-retired taxidermist Jan VanHosen will present a live animal show.

Later that evening, entertainer Bill Jamerson will present a music-filled program, “Songs of the Lumberjacks.” The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum amphitheater.

Hartwick Pines State Park is located at 4216 Ranger Road in Grayling. The Forest Fest is a free event. However, all motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a 2010 Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance or online through the Michigan E-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8.

For more information about this program or other natural resource-based and historical programs offered at Hartwick Pines State Park, visit www.michigan.gov/hartwickpines and click on the link to the Michigan Forest Visitor Center, contact Craig Kasmer at kasmerc@michigan.gov or Tina McFalda at mcfaldat@michigan.gov, or call the Michigan Forest Visitor Center at 989-348-2537.

Beginning Oct. 1, the $10 Recreation Passport replaces the state park sticker for access into all state parks, recreation areas and boat launches. To get the Recreation Passport, Michigan residents can check “YES” on their license plate renewal forms. The Recreation Passport also helps preserve forest campgrounds and trails, historic and cultural sites in state parks, and local parks. Where can $10 take you? Visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport for more information.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 11, 2010
Contact: Craig Kasmer, 989-348-7068