Grayling Visitors Bureau

Hartwick Pines State Park is hosting a variety of programs this Labor Day weekend, where campers and visitors are invited to learn about stars, trees, bogs, birds and lumber. Hartwick Pines encompasses an area of nearly 10,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Northern Lower Michigan. The park contains one of Michigan’s last stands of majestic old-growth pine forests, a hands-on visitors center and a Logging Museum.

Friday Sept. 3 at 2:00 p.m. learn about Hartwick Pines’ best kept secret: the bog. There will be a short presentation in the Visitor Center classroom then afterward, those who are interested can follow the naturalist in their cars and drive down to the bog to experience the rare wildflowers and carnivorous plants found in this unique ecosystem. This program lasts about 1 hour.

On Friday, Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. campers at Hartwick Pines State Park will have the chance to learn more about how our night sky: how to identify major constellations, some of the stories about how they got their names and much more about outer space. All families that participate will receive their very own star chart to take home with them. This star chart can be used year ’round as the chart can be moved to reflect the month and time of year in which the constellations overhead can be seen. This program lasts 1 hour.

Saturday, Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. meet in the Visitor Center and join Ranger Jim for “Tree-mendous” as he tells some interesting facts, legends and stories about two of Michigan’s most loved and most used trees: the eastern white pine and the red pine. This program lasts about 1 hour.

Sunday Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. watch baseball as it was played in the 1860s, with no gloves! The Hartwick Pines Swampers Vintage Base ball team will take on the Northville Eclipse Baseball Club. Seating is limited, so bring a blanket or a chair and claim your spot near the ball diamond is next to the picnic shelter.

Monday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. join Historian Rob Burg at the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum for “The Labor of Logging.” This 90-minute program introduces the various jobs in a 19th-century logging camp, the working conditions in a logging camp and the pay rate for these extremely tough jobs.

Monday Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. is “Beaks and Feet” at the Visitor Center. Birds in Michigan vary greatly in their plumage, behavior and songs. Much can be learned about a bird by observing their beaks and feet. Join Ranger Dale Marie for about one hour to learn more about how a bird’s beak and feet help them to survive in the avian world.

For more information, call (989) 348-2537 or visit www.michigan.gov/hartwickpines. or www.michigan.gov/dnrevisitorcenters and click on Michigan Forest Visitor Center and Logging Museum.

All state park interpretive programs are free for park visitors. 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.

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.

Contact: Craig Kasmer or Rob Burg 989 348-2537 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014