July
19, 2005
Northern Michigan citizens and visitors can participate in what is
being billed as the largest outdoor recreation event in the country on
Saturday, July 23, as Project GO – Get Outdoors kicks off at 10 a.m.
that day.
“Project GO – Get Outdoors will emphasize the importance of outdoor
recreation to our state’s quality of life,” said Department of Natural
Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. “Michigan is blessed with amazing
natural resources, and Project GO is one way we can showcase them to our
citizens and visitors.”
Project GO – Get Outdoors will take place in state parks, recreation
areas and water access sites around the state. A motor vehicle pass is
required for entrance to a state park or recreation area, however, 50
participants at each event will receive “GO Passes,” which can be
redeemed for a free visit to a state park before Dec. 31, 2005.
All activities start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. In northern
Michigan, residents can choose from the following activities:
 | Harrisville State Park in Alcona County: There will be a
Wellness Nature Walk and displays of health information and the latest
in recreational equipment. A 1940s-era campsite will be on display.
|
| Young State Park in Charlevoix County: An interpretive hike
around the shoreline of Lake Charlevoix is on tap, along with fishing
in Mirror Pond, beach volleyball and a sand sculpting contest. |
| Aloha State Park in Cheboygan County: There will be a
T-ball game for all ages in the day-use area. |
| Burt Lake State Park in Cheboygan County: There will be a
hike along Burt Lake and product displays of new boats and boating
equipment. |
| Cheboygan DNR Field Office in Cheboygan County: This field
office next to the State Street Bridge will host a fishing tournament.
Participants should bring fishing gear and life jackets for children.
Bait will be provided, along with hot dogs and beverages. A water
rescue will be demonstrated later in the afternoon. |
| Cheboygan State Park in Cheboygan County: A hike featuring
an area lighthouse is on tap. A local historian will give a
presentation about the lighthouse. Additional activities begin at
12:30 p.m. at the day-use pavilion including kite flying and a water
balloon toss. |
| Historic Mill Creek State Park in Cheboygan County: This
park will feature historic logging demonstrations. |
| Wilson State Park in Clare County: There will be a
fly-casting and fly-tying demonstration along with boating and fire
safety programs. |
| Hartwick Pines State Park in Crawford County: A kids’
fishing tournament with prizes will highlight the day. Also, there
will be guided tours of the old growth pine stands at 11 a.m. and 2
p.m. A vintage baseball game between the Hartwick Pines Lumberjacks
and the Mighty River Hogs of Midland County begins at 1 p.m. |
| North Higgins Lake State Park in Crawford County: There
will be a fitness trail hike beginning at 8 a.m. Participants should
meet at the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum parking area. |
| Michilimackinac Historic State Park in Emmet County: There
will be historical re-enactments of life at the fort in the 18th
century. |
| Oden State Fish Hatchery in Emmet County: The events at the
fish hatchery start at 11 a.m., and include a guided tour of the
hatchery, kids’ fish art sidewalk drawings and an interpretive hike.
|
| Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Emmet County: Interpretive
tours of the lighthouse will be offered from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Petoskey State Park in Emmet County: A contest to find the
largest Petoskey stone on the beach area of this park is the highlight
of the day. |
| Wilderness State Park in Emmet County: A nature hike from
the Big Stone Trail to Goose Pond Trail will explore the unique
habitats of this park. At 3 p.m., there will be a decorated bike
parade at the campground. Nebo Cabin, accessible by foot or bicycle,
will be open all day with a resident storyteller on location. |
| Traverse City State Park in Grand Traverse County: A
bike-a-thon is planned from the park to downtown Traverse City and
Open Space Waterfront. There will be prizes and special treats along
the way. Sand castle building, pie/ice cream eating contests, face
painting and chalk drawing will be available at the park throughout
the day. |
| Au Sable Rivermouth Access Site in Iosco County: The U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary and DNR’s Law Enforcement Division will conduct
complimentary boat safety inspections. |
| Leelanau State Park in Leelanau County: A fun run/walk
along the park’s trail system will take place. Northport Emergency
Medical Services will perform blood pressure checks at the trail head.
The trail is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
for universal access. |
| Otsego Lake State Park in Otsego County: Enjoy the Michigan
National Guard’s military equipment display and a variety of kids’
craft projects to show support for troops serving in the Middle East.
Campers will be invited to decorate their campsites in a patriotic
theme. |
| Hoeft State Park in Presque Isle County: A nine-mile family
bike ride on the paved biking trail from the park to downtown Rogers
City is on tap. Additional events throughout the day include
volleyball and horseshoe tournaments, along with a nature hike and a
program on bats. |
| South Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon County: There
will be an interpretive nature hike on the Marl Lake Trail that
explores the park’s more rustic side. |
| Tippy Dam Campground in Wexford County: Participants can
learn the secrets of fly-fishing and tying flies at All Tied Up, an
instructional event at the campground’s boat launch area. |
| Mitchell State Park in Wexford County: Events planned at
the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at this park near
Cadillac include a family fishing event. Bait and tackle will be
provided, but adults will need a Michigan fishing license. A two-hour
interpretive hike “Exploring Wetlands” will take place at 2 p.m. on
the Heritage Nature Trail. |
“Project GO-Get Outdoors celebrates outdoor recreation and the role
it plays improving the quality of life in Michigan,” said DNR Parks and
Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “Whether biking, hiking, camping,
swimming, boating, fishing, hunting or simply exploring nature, park and
recreation facilities provide opportunities for people of all ages and
all backgrounds to enjoy our state’s diverse natural resources.
Participants can improve their health and show their support for
Michigan’s recreation opportunities.”
A complete list of statewide Project GO-Get Outdoors events is available
at the DNR Web site.
