Arrows Away Program: Free Event

Many of you know that I am an avid fan of "free events." That's really why the blog started! I am also an avid scouter and enjoy taking the kids outdoors. We do have our own archery equipment but don't use it often enough, and that's one reason to share this fantastic FREE event.

The Arrows Away program is a free program at the Waterloo State Recreation area (and other state lands) that teaches the traditional outdoor skill of Archery through fun, safe instruction. All equipment and instruction is provided for kids ages 8 and up. I have attended several sessions with my children and have even taken scouting groups out there! To make the date even longer, we hiked some as well as explored the Eddy Discovery Center!

Dates for the program vary throughout the summer and all programs are at the Eddy Discovery Center. Be sure to check their weekly listing for this wonderful program!

Free Sharon Mills Historic Tour

Did you know that Henry Ford had a strong influence on the area? Want to learn more about the areas rich heritage? How about exploring one of the many great parks throughout Washtenaw County available to families?


Then take the family to Sharon Mills (5701 Sharon Hollow Rd., Manchester) Sundays, 1:00-5:00 p.m in May through October for a docent guided tour. Learn about the varied uses of this 1850's mill, view a collection of relevant artifacts, and learn about Henry Ford’s influence at Sharon Mills Park and see a demonstration of the hydroelectric generator that was used during Village Industry days. It's a free tour, a beautiful site along the River Raisin and a great way to learn about local history for your children and teens.

Free Fishing Weekend and Ann Arbor Ice Fishing Derby's

Photo courtesy of the Scheel family

I don't know why this has been top of mind this year. Maybe it is the lakes being mostly frozen...  Perhaps it is my desire to learn new skills or filling my bucket list. At any rate, I really want to try ice fishing. I don't want a new hobby or anything, I just want to try it once. It's a good thing that Michigan offers a free fishing weekend free fishing weekend this month! Now I can try ice fishing.

On February 16-17, Michigan has their free fishing weekend. Families can certainly find friends to take them out, however sometimes pre-planned programs are the best way to try out ice fishing. The closest free fishing weekend events are an Ice Fishing Derby at  Seven Lakes State Park (14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly) on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be loaner equipment available, as well as refreshments, prizes and a warm fire!

I also found an Ice Fishing for Beginners program at Kensington on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Come test the waters and take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend on the beautiful Kent Lake. The program will begin indoors at the Nature Center to learn about the basics of ice fishing which will include various aspects of ice safety, proper technique for drilling your hole in the ice, and how to attract the fish. Participants will then head outside and hit the ice so you can try it yourself. If possible, bring your own ice fishing rod (inexpensive and available at many sporting stores). Dress to be outside, waterproof boots are highly recommended. If you want to have a seat while waiting for your big catch, a 5 gallon bucket is a great choice. Bait will be provided. Ages 6 and older. The cost is $5 and please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

If that weekend is not convenient for your desire to try ice fishing, Independence Lake will be holding their annual Ice Fishing Derby. The  annual Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation program is being held February 10 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on February 10. Participants can catch and release Northern Pike, Bass and Crappie. Gift cards and other prizes will be given to contest winners. You will however need to bring your own bait. The cost for the event is $10 for kids (12 & under)/ and $15 for adults which includes lunch. There is a discount for pre-registration.

The whole family will enjoy the outing, so bundle up and get pumped to try your hand at ice fishing. You can find alternative February free fishing weekend options for ice fishing at the DNR website.

Photo courtesy of Scheel family.

Visiting the Sugarbush: Maple Syrup Events for the Family

I love real maple syrup. It's yummy on pancakes and waffles and even used as an ice cream topping! I even love making homemade maple syrup with the family, it's easy to do and yields wonderful results. If you don't want to make your own though, in Washtenaw County and close to Ann Arbor, there are several places where families can go to learn about maple syrup, it's history and how to make your own maple syrup!

March 23: Visit Belleville for Maple Sugaring Through the Ages (10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.) at the
Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center (17845 Savage Road, Belleville, MI 48111). Learn about the methods used to collect maple sap and how the maple tree sustained early Americans. Preregister at (734) 782-3956.

Starting February 24 on weekends at the  Hudson Mills Activity Center (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter) families can Journey to the Sugar Bush on a guided tour traveling back in time to experience how maple syrup has been made over the years. While you are there, enjoy an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast served from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The guided tour (10:00, 11:00 a.m. and noon and by appointment) is $5/Adult or $3/Children  Breakfast (additional):  $6/Adults or $4/Children.  Please pre-register at (734) 426-8211

Starting February 23, Arbor families can take a short drive to visit learn "Maples Sweet Story" at Kensington Metropark (2240 W. Buno Rd., Milford). Tours are given every half hour from noon until 3:00 p.m. where families can learn about maple sugaring. Stop in for a hot breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Farmhouse Grille, and then head on a guided tour to the sugar bush to see the maple sugaring process, including tapping trees and boiling down the sap. You might even see some Native American re-enactors telling the tale of the sugarbush!  For more information call 800-477-3178800-477-3178. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark in addition to a small fee of $3/adults and $1/seniors and children 3 to 12 years; kids under 3 are free.

Real maple syrup is very much worth the effort and worth checking out, so if your children would enjoy trying something a little different, be sure to check out the full list of Metroparks Maple Syrup programs and events around Ann Arbor in the coming month! Or if you feel up to the challenge try your hand at making maple syrup with your family, it's really easy to do.

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Winter Fun Fest

Get your Winter Fun Fest passport stamped
at three events and get a free t-shirt and tote bag!

Many of my readers will know that I am a scout leader for both of my children. My son is now in Boy Scouts and I am his Assistant Scoutmaster and my daughter is a Junior Girl Scout. What makes scouting amazing to me is the amount of outdoor activities the scouts do. The non scouting part of me also likes to be outdoors - Playing sports, hiking, sitting in the woods or foraging for good eats. Basically the outdoors is a big part of our lives.

This winter your family can enjoy the outdoors too during the Winter Fun Fest happening throughout Washtenaw County. Winter Fun Fest runs from January 27th until Feburary 25th with over 20 fun winter events in three weeks! Whether you like warming up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or tromping through the freshly fallen snow, we've got something for everyone to enjoy.

 At the first event you attend you can pick up your Fun Fest Passport - if you attend three events in the next three weeks, you will win a free T-Shirt or Tote! A full list of Winter Fun Fest events can be found here: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/activities/winter-fun-fest/calendar-of-events-winter-fun-fest

Did I mention that these are free events? Certainly there may be some parks that require an entry fee but get ready to have some free fun with the family!

Fall Color Hikes

Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors. The weather is cool and crisp and the colors are bold and beautiful. To experience fall in it's full glory though, why not consider taking a fall color hike? The Ann Arbor Mom blog has pulled together a couple options for fall color hikes too.

On October 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Scio Woods Preserve, spend the afternoon hiking with a naturalist led program enjoying the beautiful changing colors while hiking through beech maple forests. For more information, contact (734) 971-6337 ext 330 or boldak@ewashtenaw.org.

The annual Fall Color Hike, presented by the Potawatomi Trail Committee is another excellent way to see Michigan's color in all of it's glory. The 5-mile hike is perfect for families to enjoy and costs just $5/person (cash, check or credit card) and happens this year on October 14 and 15. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. although hikers can stay on the trail until 4:00 p.m. To participate, hikers will begin and end at Camp Munhacke (20120 Bartell Rd. Gregory).

My family has hiked the Potawatomi Trail several times, even when my daughter was as young as 4! It's a good hike and very well marked. Typically there are many that you will encounter along the way, so this is a perfect event for novice hikers.

When you head out for your fall hike, be sure to take a lightweight pack with snacks, water and your camera!

Take a Hike at Hewens Creek

My family loves being outdoors spending time with nature. We have spent countless hours at one of our local parks too, it's close to home, offers fishing, and has plenty of wildlife, bird species and fabulous hiking trails. I consider it my rural backyard! Where is this park you ask? The main entrance is located in a tiny parking lot less than a quarter mile west of Hitchingham on Bemis Road. The name of the park is Hewens Creek (6515 E Bemis Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197).

 As a parent, I have taken my Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts there. I have picked up trash with the family, and helped remove invasive species (garlic mustard) with my family and my scouts. I have had my children see turtles laying eggs, we have observed a hummingbird in her nest, and been able to identify many species of birds. We have picnicked there and spent days hiking, fishing and wading in the small creek catching critters. We have ventured into the park since moving in more than 12 years ago.

For me it's perfect. Its convenient and quiet. Mostly though I have enjoyed watching the trails become expanded and improved. It is now my go-to sanctuary and quiet zone.

It is an Ypsilanti Township Park in addition to offering mountain bike trails which allow me to hike several miles in a single day. When you arrive, be sure to garb a trail map, or even download one if you have the QR Code. There is another map of some of the trails available at Map My Ride.

Where are the best family photo spots in Washtenaw County?

Some of the best places to take photos of 
your family are found alongside the road. 
Here my daughter is enjoying playing 
among thousands of yellow flowers.

I think one of my favorite things to do during the fall, is to take outdoor photos of my children. I actually search for unique, but beautiful locations to capture the moments. Maybe it's the changing of the leaves or knowing that we're about to be concealed in darkness for the next four or so months, however I instantly get the "itch" to grab the camera and get snappy! Feeling a little unsure of your skills behind the camera lens? Don't worry.

"Try to capture natural moments and true personalities in a relaxed setting and don't worry about a perfect portrait, that's what professional are for," said Kimberly Kratzer of Captured Memories by Kimberly. "Find one small area where you can capture your child's photo. A nice tree, a colorful fence, a small area within a park. You don't need much space to create beautiful moments that you'll have for a lifetime."

Still intimidated getting behind the lens? Here are some tips to get you started.

There are many roadside farms
stands and cider mills
throughout Washtenaw County
where you can snap some
wonderful family memories! 

• Be Candid: Sometimes the best and most cherished shots are not of your child's face, but of them in the setting, walking away from you, or absorbed with something in the setting. The beauty of digital photography is that you can delete what you don't want to keep, so just keep snapping until you find that one glimpse into your child's life. 
• Action is Key: Many digital cameras have an action setting used for sports, if the light is good, switch to the action setting and let it fly! Rapidly snapping photos guarantees you'll get at least one great photo or a fun succession of action that can be used for the scrapbook! 
• Get at the Child's Level: Standing above children distorts their image. To get realistic proportions, get on your knees, sit or crouch to their level while taking their photo. 
• Zoom Zoom: Eliminate the clutter in the background of the photo by carefully considering what is behind your kids - It will mean a clear, crisp, clean photo you will have forever. 
• Timing is Everything: Check the light. The best time to take photos outdoors is the first or last hours of daylight or when the light is soft, warm and diffused. Bright sunlight will increase the chance that your children are squinting and may create a harsh lighting effects and strong shadows or washed-out complexions. 

Each year we like to visit Dixboro General Store
for great photo opportunities for the family!

So where can you go to capture some great images? Everywhere really. Keep your eyes open when driving, you'd be surprised at what you'll find. To get you started however, here are some of my favorite locations to take photos of my children. (In no particular order!)

Gabby enjoying a quiet morning at
Independence Lake in 2009.

1. Wiard's Orchard (Ypsilanti) 
2.  Jenny's Farm Stand (Dexter)  
3. Parker Mill (Ann Arbor) 
4.  Prospect Park/Frog Island Park (Ypsilanti) 
5.  Hudson Mills (Dexter)  
6. Domino Farms (Ann Arbor) 
7.  University of Michigan Law Quad (Ann Arbor) 
8. Bandameer Park (Ann Arbor) 
9.  Barton Dam (Ann Arbor) 
10. The Arb (Ann Arbor) 
11.  Matthaei Botanical Gardens (Ann Arbor) 
12.  Dixboro General Store (Dixboro) 
13.  Areas throughout Depot Town (Ypsilanti)  

Zach Mayrend gazing at the
river at Parker Mill in Ann Arbor

So where are your personal favorite locations for family photo ops? Do you stop somewhere along the road when you see a picturesque back-drop? Where do the colors and setting best capture your family? Where should I head next for fun photos? It's supposed to be beautiful fall weather this weekend, so get out there and get snappy; years from now you will be glad you did! 

Content originally published on annarbormom.com. 

Perseid Meteor Shower 'Meteors & S'mores' Events

Make memories. Take the kids outdoors to
view the Perseid Meteor Shower!

Unless you have been living under a rock, it is no secret that the Perseid Meteor Shower is happening. Kids, like adults will feel the thrill of seeing hundreds of meteors streaking brightly across the night shy. The trouble is, here in town it can be a bit difficult to catch a glimpse of this rare event. To solve this dilemma though, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting and event August 10-13 called 'Meteors & S'mores' at area state parks across the state.

During the event, day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, camp chairs, bug spray and snacks to enjoy the night stargazing in a designated viewing area. Families can also enjoy complimentary s'mores and campfires. During the free event, the State Parks will stay open later. A State Park pass or entry fee will apply to access the parks.

For more information on "Meteors & S'Mores," contact Stephanie Wirtz at wirtzs@michigan.gov or call 989-274-6182. State Parks closest to Washtenaw County participating in the 'Meteors & S'mores' event:

August 10

• 8:00-11:00 p.m. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Dark Sky Park - Lenawee County) 

August 12

• 8:30-11:00 p.m. Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) 
• 9:00-11:00 p.m. Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) 

August 13

• 9:00-11:00 p.m. Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) 
• 10:00-11:30 p.m. Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) 

See the Michigan DNR 'Meteors & S'mores' event page for information, tips or to find other participating parks, Get outdoors, spending that time with your kids will build memories to last a lifetime!

Free National Parks Pass

Swimming while visiting the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

We were exceptionally excited to learn about the new program "Every Kid in a Park" which grants families of fourth grade children free admission into our National Parks. We got our pass this past year and have already visited the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. We do have plans later this summer to visit the River Raisin Battlefield, Gettysburg, and Assateague Island National Seashore as well as many other national treasures. My daughter especially appreciated that SHE was able to get this free pass for us too!

So how do you get YOUR free National Park pass? Started September 1, 2015, the National Park Service granted all fourth grade students the opportunity to sign up for a free pass into the park. The program is being offered in the year to come too. The National Parks Service is celebrating 100 years this year so this is an excellent time for this awesome opportunity. To sign up for your free National Park Pass visit everykidinapark.gov today!

4th graders across the nation get FREE entry into America's National Parks.
Register today for your free pass.

Autism Swim Day at Rolling Hills

On Saturday, June 18 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. children with autism can experience the Rolling Hills Water Park in a safe setting. Simply show up at the gate to participate. The park will not be open to others, so this is truly a special time for autistic children.

Prices for the water park are $8.00/$6.00 for residents. After the swim, if your child is up for it, stay for the free Summer Block Party at Rolling Hills too!

Summer Block Party at Rolling Hills

On Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. families can enjoy a "Summer Block Party" at Rolling Hills Park. This free event (with paid entry into the park) will offer a hist of fun experiences including free food, yard games, sand volleyball, t-shirt dying and other summer vacation favorites. It sounds like a fantastic not-to-be missed event!

Backyard Camping - The Great American Backyard Experience!!!

Aaaah, the smell of burnt (I mean toasted) marshmallows over a campfire, fireflies dancing across the clear-blue sky, children gazing towards the stars hoping to catch a glimpse of an elusive falling star, and the neighbor from the house next door yelling to her children, "come inside it's time for bed..." Can that be right? Why yes it is! This weekend is the National Wildlife Federations Great American Campout.

On June 25, 2016 communities throughout the US, including backyards and non-traditional "campgrounds" are "pitching" in on the fun - Vist the NWF website to register your backyard event of check out area happenings.

Locally in Ann Arbor, families can experience the Great American Backyard Campout at the Leslie Science & Nature Center where kids of all ages to enjoy nature-based programs, tent space, campfires, dinner and breakfast, and much more!  It's all happening, June 25 at 4:00 p.m. - June 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the center, and costs only $50 for the entire family! Advanced pre-registration is required in person, over the phone at the Leslie Science and Nature Center website.

Whether in your own backyard, or at a local event, inspire your children and get them outdoors with a family campout. You WON'T regret it!

National Trails Day Hike

Scouts from Troop 446 (Saline), myself, a dog
and one Brownie hiked 6.2 miles in 2015
as part of the first Iron Belle Trail Hike.

June 4, 2016 is National Trails Hike Day and the country’s largest celebration of trails! Events will take place in every state across the country and will include hikes, biking and horseback rides, paddling trips, birdwatching, geocaching, gear demonstrations, stewardship projects and more. If you are interested, you should see what events are available in your area.

Ann Arbor Area Hiking Events:

Stewardship Work Day - Bird Hills Nature Area
Volunteer Work Day - County Farm Park
National Trails Day - Waterloo Recreation Area
Hike It Baby - Nichols Arboretum
National Trails Day Hike - West Lake Preserve

Last year, my scout troop participated in the inaugural Iron Belle Challenge hike which we are doing again this year. In fact, my son will be in the Ann Arbor area hiking with Boy Scout Troop 446 (Saline) while I am in Mackinaw City hiking the same trail at the same time with Girl Scout Troop 76032 (Belleville). How is that possibly you ask?

The Iron Belle Trail continuously runs from Belle Aisle to Ironwood Michigan (hence the name) and covers some of the more scenic parts of the state. Some of the trails even connect with parts of the larger North Country Trail. In 2015 scouts from around Michigan hiked over 14,000 miles on the trail on the same day in an attempt to hike the entire trail in one day! Scouts who participated received a special patch.

This year the hike will be bigger and better too and will be held on National Trails Hike Day. To participate in this hiking event, interested Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts should contact Raymond Rustem at 517-284-6070 or rustemr@michigan.gov to participate.

Inexpensive Family Camping Weekends

As a child I loved to camp and did so often with the family. My kids now love to camp however it gets expensive and there is rarely anywhere nearby that we can camp reasonably. There is now a solution to that.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks camping is available to families and groups for as low as $30-40/night. Throughout the summer, May 1-mid October families can enjoy rustic camping at the The Lower Huron Metropark (off of I-94 and Haggerty Rd - exit 192) for only $20 a night (plus vehicle entry fee). Stony Creek is offering many family campout weekends too and many of the other Metroparks have dedicated camping areas and lodges available.

There is also an opportunity to participate at two Family Campout sessions at Rolling Hills through Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation on August 6-7 or August 13-14. We have participated in this program for several years and highly recommend it to friends. Set up your tent and enjoy the park or the water park, families can also enjoy the campfire, hikes, educational programs for the kids and breakfast the next morning! Find out more about the Rolling Hills Family campout here. Camping is only $7 per person too, which makes this a very affordable way to camp!

Another WCPR option is Family Camping at Independence Lake on September 10-11. Are you looking for a great opportunity to spend a night out under the stars with your family? Join us for the Independence Lake County Park Family Campout! You'll enjoy fun activities like zany crafts, relaxing fishing at the dock, intriguing nature programs, delicious s'mores, a sizzling campfire and a scrumptious pancake breakfast! You won't want to miss out on this spectacular event. Cost is $8/person.  Registration is open, please fax, mail or drop off the registration form to save your spot for this great event.  Email Hannah Cooley, cooleyh@ewashtenaw.org, or call (734)449-4437 ex 201, for more details.

Canton also gets into the family camping experience with Family Camp Out and Movie Night on July 15-16  at Heritage Park (1010 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton 48188). Families are invited to set up around the amphitheater and enjoy a move at dusk. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., there will be plenty to do before the movie including games, activities and entertainment for the entire family. The cost is only $20 overnight camping fee or $5 per person to participate in the evenings activities (if not camping overnight). Dinner & concession items will be sold Friday evening. Canoeing on Friday and a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning will be available for a nominal fee. Tent set up begins at noon on Friday July, 15. RV’s and tents are both welcome.

Don't let not owning a tent stop you, the last time we attended a Rolling Hills campout, two families brought their 10x10 easy up tents with bug netting and tarps to cover the sides at night! So whatever you do, pitch a tent in your back-yard or find a low cost camping option for your family. It will produce a lifetime of memories.

Ypsilanti-Lincoln Soccer Club Try Outs

I wanted to highlight the club my kids have been playing with - The Ypsilanti-Lincoln Soccer Club. My daughter only played one year but my son has been there for the last several and has grown much as a player. It is a very reasonably priced local club with great parents and coaches. We have very much enjoyed being part of the club and found it to be that step up from rec leagues that my son needed.

If your child is ready for a step-up, please check out the Ypsi-Lincoln Soccer Club. Try out dates are June 20-21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Ford Heritage Park.

Teen Event: Try Rowing For Free

Teens can try rowing for free at Bandemer Park, May 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Have you wondered what it's like to be in one of those long narrow shells rowed by a crew? Teens (age 12+) and adults can try it for free at a National Learn to Row Day event hosted by the Ann Arbor Rowing Club and University of Michigan Men's Crew Team. Just show up at (N. Main St. to Lake Shore Dr.) any time between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. After signing a waiver, you'll receive brief instruction on land, and then shove off in a 50' long shell, stabilized by experienced rowers, and instructed further by a coach in an accompanying safety launch.For more information contact Info@a2crew.com,

Geocaching 101

On Saturday, May 14, experience Geocaching 101 at the Eddy Discovery Center  (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea | (734)475-3170). Families will learn the basics of this popular past-time at one of three instructional sessions (11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.) Learn to use a GPS unit (or bring your own) and have fun hunting for prizes. Instructions and clues for the hunt will be available inside the Discovery Center with GPS coordinates provided. Just show up for this fun and free event!

Rockhounding Basics

Fun family event: Rockhounding 101 at the Eddy Discovery Center.

My children and I have really gotten into rock-hounding the past few years. So much so, that on any given beach you will find rocks in our pockets, in backpacks, wrapped in blankets and sometimes in our shoes! The goal is now to find the BEST rock of a specific kind. 

I have actually found a lot pleasure in collecting specimens and learning to identify them. Gliding my fingers across their rough surface or enjoying the cool smoothness. It is soothing and exhilarating.  I have gotten so good in fact that I now am a merit badge counselor for Boy Scouts and have several presentations that I have delivered to the school my children attend (sometimes not even to their classes!). It's a hobby I have really enjoyed and my son's principal has actually asked me to submit to be a substitute teacher after seeing one of the presentations. 

Certainly I have had this love since I was a small child. My grandpa had a huge rock tumbler in his basement and I will forever remember him showing me rocks fresh from the tumbler. My love of rocks was rekindled though when my kids and I attended a free event at the Eddy Discovery Center.

The next Rockhound Basics course will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. Families will discover what you can learn about ancient Michigan from looking at a rock, walk along the rock walk at the Eddy Discovery Center ( 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118) and get to pick the brain of area geologist Larry Bean. You will even learn how to “read” the story told by rocks and help you to identify specimens at a local quarry. 

Meet at the Discovery Center before driving to the quarry to do some collecting. Advance registration is requested at 734-475-3170. Cost: $2 per person/$5 per family. 

Sketching Nature for the Family

On Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m., families who enjoy drawing will have the opportunity to develop their hidden artistic talent sketching nature at the Eddy Discovery Center (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118). Participants will meet with scientific illustrator Jen Koppin, who will teach drawing techniques and observational skills. The class will then head outdoors to practice sketching and color exercises.

The cost for this event includes entry into the State Park and is $2/person or $5/family plus an additional $2 materials fee for supplies (unless you bring your own). Advance registration for this program is required at 734-475-3170.