Share or view as webpage? |? Update preferences

DNR Events/Get Involved ? January 2024

red lantern hanging from hook in snowy forest

In this combined DNR Events/Get Involved roundup, we share a few ways to get out and enjoy ? and a few ways to help take care of ? Michigan?s natural and cultural resources in January. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at?Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar. For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit?Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Volunteer at state parks, help protect high-quality natural areas

two stewardship volunteers in field holding saw and shrub clippers

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays this month. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 6, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 6, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 7, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 7, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at Ludington State Park (Mason County).
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 20, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County).
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 20, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Learn to ice fish from the pros

person holding fishing pole on frozen lake with ice fishing hole in foreground

The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers a chance to learn how to ice fish with professional anglers during its one-day ice fishing clinics, Jan. 6 and Jan. 21 at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac?s Mitchell State Park.

Instructors from Clam Outdoors, HT Enterprises, Vexilar, K-Drill, Fish Bones and more will spend the day teaching you what you need to know on the ice this year. Focusing on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike, the class includes a hands-on ice fishing experience and covers everything from how to set up equipment and how, where and when to fish to ice safety and rules and regulations. Cost is $30, which includes instruction, lunch and a goodie bag.

Next month, look for two, more in-depth Outdoor Skills Academy ice fishing classes,?Advanced Hard Water School Feb. 2-4?and?Hard Water School Feb. 17-18.

Take in fresh air, scenic views during cross-country ski and snowshoe events

person cross-country skiing along lantern-lit trail

Winter?s here, and state parks are serving up some fun ways to get out and enjoy it this month, including:

Candlelight cross-country ski at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Lapeer County Jan. 20, weather permitting. Cross-country ski a groomed trail, or snowshoe alongside the groomed ski track, through the park illuminated by candles at night. Then warm up by the fire with a refreshment. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event.
Guided snowshoe hike at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon Jan. 27. This 2.5-hour, guided snowshoe hike covers 2 miles in the beautiful, deep snow of the Porcupine Mountains. We will ride the chairlift to the top of the ski hill, snowshoe to the East Vista view then make our own trail back down the mountain.
Lantern-lit trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon the evening of Jan. 27. Enjoy the Lake Superior Trail with the stars above and the snow trail lit by the flickering lights of kerosene lanterns. Walkers, snowshoers and skiers are all welcome on the easy, 1-mile, looped trail beginning across from the Porkies Ski Hill entrance. Stop by White Birch Cabin and warm up by the fire during your visit.

Find winter adventure on the dunes during Silver Lake fat-tire biking season

Cyclists can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes during the fat-tire biking season at Silver Lake State Park in Mears, continuing through March 15. There is no cost or registration.

Michigan also has some of the best fat-tire trails in the country ? learn about other riding opportunities around the state on our fat-tire biking webpage.

Get away with a weekend of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Enjoy a self-guided cross-country ski and snowshoe getaway weekend at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon Jan. 19-21.

Perfect for couples, friends or families, the all-inclusive weekend includes cabin-style lodging, five meals, hot cocoa, snowshoe rentals and easy access to outdoor adventure. The options for outdoor fun are endless! Explore miles of evergreen-lined trails on-site, visit Hartwick Pines State Park's old-growth forest or check out the Grayling/Roscommon area.

Each all-inclusive ticket is $240 per person or save $20 by adding a guest ticket and sharing a room.