Share your love of the outdoors with visitors to state parks this summer ? and help them learn a bit more about nature, too!

As a seasonal Explorer Guide or member of the visitor center education staff, you can work in over 40 locations across the state this summer. You'll have the opportunity to connect people to nature by leading hikes, teaching outdoor skills, creating activities and presenting fun programs that feature each park's unique resources.

The DNR offers training in hands-on environmental education activities, nature interpretation and other core job skills. Program supplies are provided. Need an internship? Positions may be adapted to fulfill your specific requirements.

These positions are great for college students, teachers and retired folks with an interest in educating others about parks, natural resources and outdoor activities. Most positions are 30-40 hours per week, depending on location, and pay starts at $15 an hour. Housing is not provided, and applicants should be willing to work a varied shift that may include weekends, evenings and holidays. The season generally lasts from mid-May through Labor Day weekend.?

View State Park Explorer Program and DNR visitor center openings at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.

Questions? Contact Holly Vaughn, State Park Explorer Program Coordinator, at 248-459-7917?or [email protected].?

Did you know this year marks the 125th anniversary of the automobile ban on Mackinac Island? To mark the occasion of this notable feature of the famed destination, Mackinac State Historic Parks has several things planned this summer.?

A special event July 22 includes an 1886 Benz Motorwagen on display outside Fort Mackinac; a commemorative logo on merchandise at MSHP museum stores, as well as on license plates on carriages throughout the island; and a new vignette, written by former Mackinac State Historic Parks director, Phil Porter.?

It?s all part of what?s in store at Mackinac in 2023. Other highlights include:

• The new ?Soldier?s Gear and Quartermasters? Storehouse? program at Fort Mackinac, showing what soldiers would have been issued at the fort in the 1880s.
• New exhibits at McGulpin House, one of the island?s oldest residential structures and a rare and excellent display of French Canadian domestic architecture.
• A new art exhibition ? ?A Mackinac Day? ? at the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum May 12 through Oct. 8.?
• Favorites such as the Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge (May 13), the annual vintage ?base ball? game (July 29), special Fourth of July activities, night sky programs at Fort Holmes and Arch Rock, and much more.

If trips to Mackinac historic sites and state parks are on your summer wish list, start planning now. Get visitor information, hours of operation and other important details at MackinacParks.com.

Questions? Contact Dominick Miller at 906-847-3328.