www.metroparks.com • Sept. – Nov. 2013

HERON SURVIVES NEAR-FATAL LANDING

TAKE A COLOR TOUR

FALL FOR HAYRIDES

FALL INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES

&RUSTIC CAMPING

ROCKET THROUGH SPACE

WHAT’S inside...

CLINTON RIVER

HURON RIVER

HURON RIVER

HURON RIVER

CLINTON RIVER

LAKE ERIE

LAKE ST. CLAIR

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AUBURNHILLS

LIVINGSTONCOUNTY

OAKLANDCOUNTY

MACOMBCOUNTY

WAYNECOUNTY

WASHTENAWCOUNTY

DETROIT

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Get Out & Golf

Rustic Camping

Take a Color Tour

Rocket Through Space

Heron survives near-fatal landing on osprey nest

Fall for Hayrides

Interpretive Activities

Map & Directory

Metroparks 2014 annual permits make great Christmas gifts for anyone on your list. Order yours online today at www.metroparks.com.

MetrOparkS 2014 VehiCle eNtry feeS:Annual $30 regular, $20 senior (62 and

older)Daily $7

BOat lauNChiNg feeS: Annual $35 regular, $20 senior (62 and

older)Daily $7a discount is available to business and government units purchasing quantities of 50 or more permits. Call 1-800-47-parkS for details.

MetrOparkS/OaklaNd COuNty parkS paSSa $54 annual motor vehicle entry permit allows entry into eight Oakland County parks and all 13 Metroparks. Call the Metroparks at 1-800-47-parkS for details.

NOT TRANSFERABLE

METROPARKS

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2014

2014

GIFT cards

2014 annual permits

Metroparks gift cards make perfect gifts! gift cards can be redeemed for golf fees, annual permits, picnic shelter rentals, marina fees, and more, and can be purchsed online at www.metroparks.com or at any park office or the Metroparks administrative Office in Brighton.

iN yOur iNBOx Join our email list to receive updates on parks and activities. Sign up at www.metroparks.com. Addresses are not shared with third parties.

ON faCeBOOk & twitter“like” huron-Clinton Metroparks on facebook and follow @MiMetroparks on twitter. Share your photos, get updates and see what’s happening!

GeT connected

BoatingAndOutdoorFest.com

Food, Live music & Tiki BarBob Bitchin Appearance & Cruising Outpost Party

Kids events & lots of fun for the whole family!Angler’s Dream Bass Tournament of Champions

Outdoor Nation Summit!Try scuba in the Be A Diver Pool

September 19-22 Lake St. Clair MetroparkOfficial Magazine of

the MBIA Boat Shows

Win $50,000 to spend at the show!

$50,000 September 19-22 Lake St. Clair Metropark

Hundreds of boats from 10 – 60 ft. in

water and on land!

Sailboats, fishing boats, cruisers, pontoon boats, personal

watercraft, kayaks and more! Great end of season prices!

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DIRECTORYplease call ahead for course conditions and tee times.

1-800-23-gOlf-4 or direct:

&GET OUT

GOLF

Fall rates start OctOber 1! affordable rates, including junior and senior rates.

Book your tee time on your phone or online at www.metroparks.com

get the hurON-CliNtON app fOr yOur phONe!

Hudson Mills near dexter/ann arbor

734-426-0466

Huron Meadows near dexter/ann arbor

810-231-4084

Indian Springs near white lake

248-625-7870

Kensington near Milford/Brighton

810-227-8916

Lake Erie in Brownstown734-379-0048

Lower Huron (par 3) near Belleville734-697-9181

Lake St. Clair (par 3) near Mt. Clemens

586-463-4581

Stony Creek near rochester/

washington township586-781-9166

Willow near New Boston

734-753-4040

Wolcott Mill in ray township

586-749-3415

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STOnY CREEK METROpARKRidgewood Campground

4300 Main park road Shelby township, Mi 48316

586-781-4242

CAMpInG DAYSOctober 11-13

(halloween-themed weekend)

LOWER HUROn METROpARKWalnut Grove Campground

17845 Savage road Belleville, Mi 48111

734-697-9181

CAMpInG DAYSdaily through mid-October reservations recommended

ruStiC campingget out and camp this fall close to home at a Metropark!

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TOUR

tall oaks, maples and birches, ready to be painted by Mother Nature, can be found at most Metroparks. wildflowers, such as New england asters, blazing star and goldenrod are in bloom now. Native grasses are changing color, from green to gold. although colorful trees and wildflowers can be found at all 13 Metroparks, nature areas at indian Springs, kensington, Oakwoods and Stony Creek Metroparks are the most popular spots to visit.

Meandering rivers and serene lakes, expansive woodlands and tranquil wetlands provide dramatic backdrops to any outdoor outing. wildlife viewing peaks as migrant waterfowl, songbirds and raptors take flight toward winter habitats.

autumn afternoons can be spent hiking the trails, biking the paved pathways, or just enjoying a drive along a scenic park road. interpretive centers offer hands-on activities, guided walks and special events that enhance any visit. hayrides at kensington Metropark farm Center and Stony Creek Metropark, or wagon rides at wolcott Mill Metropark farm Center add special memories to any autumn afternoon.

here is a sampling of the most popular ways to take in nature’s finest colors in Southeast Michigan this fall at the huron-Clinton Metroparks:

paved hike/bike trails, ranging in length from three to eight miles, are located at hudson Mills, indian Springs, kensington, lake erie, lake St. Clair, lower huron, Oakwoods, Stony Creek and willow Metroparks. a 3.2–mile paved connector path between willow and lower huron gives users 15 miles of continuous trails through lower huron, willow and Oakwoods Metroparks. Bike rentals are available at Stony Creek and willow. foot trails wind through wooded areas at lake St. Clair, wolcott Mill, Stony Creek, indian Springs, kensington, huron Meadows, hudson Mills, lower huron, Oakwoods and lake erie Metroparks.

look no further than Southeast Michigan to discover 25,000 acres of autumn’s best colors coming this fall to 13 huron-Clinton Metroparks!

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fall color tours are offered on the “island Queen ii,” a 37-passenger pontoon boat moored on kent lake at kensington Metropark. points of interest on kent lake are highlighted during these 45-minute tours offered weekends through October 13, from noon to 6 pm. Children 3 to 12 years of age and senior citizens can ride for $3 per person; adults are $5 per person. Children 2 and younger are free.

the peak of the fall color season in Southeast Michigan is generally the second or third week of October, although weather conditions can change the peak color dates considerably.

interpreters at hudson Mills, indian Springs, kensington, lake erie, lake St. Clair, Oakwoods, Stony Creek and wolcott Mill Metroparks can provide information on the best places to find colorful trees, wildflowers or to see migrating birds. for details on the best places and times to see the autumn colors, call 1-800-47-parkS.

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Rocket through space and sail among billions of stars and galaxies with pBS-tV “Star gazers”host dean regas at the “17th annual astronomy at the Beach” on friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28, at kensington Metropark.

keynote speaker regas will guide you through the mind-boggling scale of the universe, using amazing simulation software during his talk, “tour of the universe: you are here,” at 9 pm both nights. along the way he’ll stop at the moon and individual planets, and then jump to light speed and head to interstellar space to see all the galaxies in the universe.

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“astronomy at the Beach” begins at 6 pm each night, rain or shine, and ends at midnight. Come early to view sunspots, prominences, and other features of the sun through safe white-light and incredible hydrogen-alpha solar telescopes. Stay late and observe dozens of celestial objects until midnight through the many high-powered telescopes provided by the glaaC members.local astronomy and physics professors, and amateur astronomers will give talks on topics such as how to choose and use a telescope, introduction to astronomy, fire and ice (featuring fire tornadoes and fun with dry ice), how cold outer space is, and

why light pollution is making it harder to see stars and what you can do to help reverse the trend.

for kids, there will be a comet-making demonstration, a portable planetarium for simulation tours of the constellations and other current objects, and a Children’s Sky tour treasure hunt.Camera Mart, great red Spot astronomy, and other vendors will have various astronomy products including telescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, books and computer software on display and for purchase.

kensington Metropark Nature Center and the great lakes association of astronomy Clubs (glaaC) host the event. for more information, go to: www.glaac.org/kensington-astronomy-at-the-beach or call kensington Metropark at 248-685-1561.

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a great blue heron returned to kensington Metropark on august 9, thanks to quick rescue efforts following the bird’s unexpected encounter with ospreys and their nest. local photographer and osprey watcher Jane purslow captured the entire scene on her camera.

On thursday, august 1, a great blue heron tried to land on the osprey nesting platform on kent lake east of the farm Center. Mistaking the hapless heron for a predator, the resident ospreys mounted a fierce defense of their nestlings, landing the heron in the water with a large

gash on its head. Birders watching the attack from the east side of the lake called heavner Canoe for assistance. Once help arrived, Nick rudofski, of heavner Canoe, and osprey watcher lou waldock paddled a canoe to the injured bird and took it ashore where it was then transported to the howell Nature Center’s wildlife Clinic, where waiting staff quickly attended to its head wound and treated it for shock. the bird recuperated for a week at howell Nature Center before it was deemed healthy enough to be released at the park.

Staff from kensington Metropark and howell Nature Center released the bird from the boardwalk on wildwing lake at kensington Metropark on friday, august 9, where it quickly flew away, landing nearby on the water to rest, and then flew over to the nearby rookery. “we are grateful for our osprey watchers, as well as heavner Canoe and howell Nature Center, who all pitched in to help this beautiful bird return to kensington,” said kimberly Jarvis, huron-Clinton Metroparks western district park superintendent.

Heron survives near-fatal landing on osprey nest

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Slow your pace by taking a scenic fall hayride at these Huron-Clinton Metroparks:Evening Hayride & Bonfire fridays, September 20 & 27, October 4 & 25 at 6 pm, Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center. enjoy a fun hayride followed by cider and donuts, plus a fireside program sure to make your evening an enjoyable one. fee: $7 per person. preregistration required.

Evening Lantern Tours fridays and Saturdays, October 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7 pm and 8:30 pm, Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center. take a hayride followed by a lantern-lit hike around our nature trails where a host of interesting characters are sure to make you laugh, learn and have a great time. enjoy cider and cookies in the Nature Center before embarking on a hayride back to your car. fee: $12 per person. advance ticket purchase is required.

Tractor-drawn Pick Your Pumpkin Hayrides October weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm and weekends from noon to 4 pm, kensington Metropark farm Center. take a hayride to and from the farm’s pumpkin patch where you can select your perfect Jack-O-lantern pumpkin. they grow pumpkins and gourds in a variety of popular colors, shapes and sizes. hayride fees are: $5/adult, $3/child & senior, children 2 years and younger, free. pumpkins and gourds are priced according to size.

Chartered Hayrides kensington Metropark farm Center. privately chartered hayrides can be reserved any day throughout the year. pile approximately 20 passengers into our straw-filled tractor drawn wagon for a scenic ride along the huron river. evening charters are available on the hour at 5, 6, 7 and 8 pm on fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. evening rate: one-hour/$150, two-hour/$250, three-hour/$375, four-hour/$500. extend your evening with a bonfire, which our staff will start for your group, for $50. daytime charters are available from 10 am – 4 pm wednesdays and thursdays all year, and Monday through friday in May and October. daytime rate: one-half hour/$50.

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Moonlight Wagonrides/Campfire Songs fridays, October 4, 11, 18 and 25 beginning at 7:30 pm, Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center. enjoy the beauty of the fall season with a nature-themed wagon ride through woods and fields, followed by a campfire with cider and donuts, plus live music. fee: $6 per person. preregistration and prepayment beginning two weeks prior to the event is required.

Scout Moonlight Wagon Rides thursday, October 24 between 6 pm and 9 pm, Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center. Visit the Nature Center exhibits, and then take a wagon ride through woods and fields, followed by cider and donuts around the campfire. fee: $6 per person. reservations and prepayment are required, and are accepted beginning October 1.

Pumpkin, Cider & Donut Wagon Rides Saturdays and Sundays, October 5, 6, 12, 13, 20, 26 & 27 from 11 am to 4 pm, wolcott Mill Metropark farm Center. take a wagon ride down the farm lane to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin, and then stop for a cup of cider and a donut. this year, the farm’s 5-acre corn maze is accessible by foot from the pumpkin patch. fee: $6/adult, $4/ child & senior. pumpkins are priced according to size.

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*Please preregister for programlake St. Clair park eVeNtS

586-463-4581SEpTEMbER 19-22 fourth annual Boating and Outdoor festival $

lake St. Clair Nature CeNter586-463-4332

SEpTEMbER 7 hummingbird & Monarch festival, 11 am – 3 pm 8 *preschool Nature Club – who lives in a tree?

1 pm $ 14 *hunger games: Survival Skills – wild edibles and

useful plants, 1 pm $ 20 *Sounds of the Night hike, 8 pm $ 22 *family Nature Club – fairy houses, 1 pm $ 28 get Out and play – Macomb, 11 am – 3 pm OCTObER 6 *hunger games: Survival Skills – Orienteering,

1 pm $ 11 *american girl Campfire, 7:30 pm $ 12 *webelos: forester, 1 pm $ 19 *hunger games: Survival Skills – archery, 1 pm $ 25 *family Nature Club – halloween and Campfire,

7:30 pm $ 27 *preschool Nature Club – tots’ halloween, 1 pm $ nOVEMbER 2 *webelos Outdoorsman, 1 pm $ 8 *Coexisting with Coyotes, 7 pm $ 9 *hunger games: Survival Skills – fire Starting

and knot tying, 1 pm $ 17 *family Nature Club – Birds at the feeder, 1 pm $ 23 *preschool Nature Club – thanksgiving Story time,

1 pm $

BeSt BetSHUMMInGbIRD & MOnARCH FESTIVALSeptember 7Celebrate the fall migration of hummingbirds and monarchs with crafts, informative programs and more!

FOURTH AnnUAL bOATInG AnD OUTDOOR FESTIVAL September 19-22 an exciting boat and outdoor recreation show featuring boats in water and on land, outdoor exhibits, live music in the tiki Bar, family fun and more!

GET OUT AnD pLAY - MACOMbSaturday, September 28get outdoors for fall family fun! enjoy a variety of activities, crafts, music and even healthy snacks. this event is co-sponsored with healthy kids and the healthy futures Coalition for Macomb County.

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*Please preregister for programwOlCOtt Mill hiStOriC CeNter

586-749-5997SEpTEMbER 8 Johnny appleseed festival, 11 am – 3 pm $ 21, 22 times to remember Quilt Show, 10 am – 5 pm 22 Mill antique Car Show, 10 am – 5 pm

(weather permitting)OCTObER 5 *Candlelight walk, 7 pm $ 5, 6 Civil war Skirmish, 10 am – 5 pm $ 13 *haunted halloween houses, 11 am & 2 pm $ 20 *haunted halloween party, 1 pm $ 26, 27 fall Cider & donut weekend, 10 am – 5 pm $ nOVEMbER 9, 10 Volunteer holiday decorating party,

call for times $ 17 *Old-fashioned thanksgiving with genot picor,

2 pm $wOlCOtt Mill farM CeNter

586-752-5932SEpTEMbER 8 *harness & hitch, 1 pm $ 14-20 fall Babies, Babies, everywhere, 10 am & 1 pm $ 15 *harness & hitch, 1 pm $ 21 *Old Skool Classic Cross Country race, 6 am – 3 pm 22 *harness & hitch, 1 pm $ 22 *Spooky gingerbread house, 10 am $ 29 *harness & hitch, 1 pm $

OCTObER 5, 6 pumpkin, Cider & donut wagon rides,

11 am – 4 pm $ 12, 13 pumpkin, Cider & donut wagon rides,

11 am – 4 pm $ 19 *2nd annual Zombie Chase 5k &

Monster Mash Mile, call for time $ 20 pumpkin, Cider & donut wagon rides,

11 am – 4 pm $ 20 farm halloween, noon – 4 pm $ 26, 27 pumpkin, Cider & donut wagon rides,

11 am – 4 pm $ 26 trick-or-treat at the farm, 5 pm – 9 pm $nOVEMbER 9 *gingerbread Barn, 10 am & 1 pm $

BeSt BetSQUILT SHOW AnD AnTIQUE VEHICLE SHOWSaturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22See an extensive collection of quilts, including original design and antique quilts. Quilting programs and demonstrations will be given. the antique car show will be held on Sunday only, weather permitting. $

CIVIL WAR SKIRMISHSaturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6relive history at this Civil war re-enactment with crafts, cannon demonstrations, battles, camp life and other activities. Candlelight walk October 5. $

2nD AnnUAL ZOMbIE CHASE 5K & MOnSTER MASH MILESaturday, October 19a frightfully great time will be had by all. Can you out run the undead? Serious racers, fun walkers, and zombies are welcome. Join us for a barbeque and entertainment after the race. $

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*Please preregister for programStONy Creek park eVeNtS

586-781-4242OCTObER 6 Mega March – www.michiganhumane.org, 10 am $

StONy Creek Nature CeNter586-781-9113

SEpTEMbER 3 *homeschool: Stories & Craft frog lunch, 11 am $ 4 *homeschool: Creepy Crawly Critter Catchin’,

11 am $ 6 *Nature wagon ride, 7 pm $ 8 *walkin’ with My grandparents, 1 pm $ 10 *homeschool: Stories & Craft

“the Very lonely firefly,” 11 am $ 11 *homeschool: all tied up! 11 am $ 14 *Birding with ruth, 9 am $ 18 *homeschool: wildlife prepares for winter, 11 am $ 20 *Nature wagon ride, 7 pm $ 25 *homeschool: autumn adventure & wagon ride,

11 am $OCTObER 4 *Moonlight wagon rides/Campfire Songs, 7:30 pm $ 6 *webelos: forester activity, 2 pm $ 11 *Moonlight wagon rides/Campfire Songs, 7:30 pm $ 12 *Birding with ruth, 9 am $ 13 *webelos: geologist activity, 2 pm $ 18 *Moonlight wagon rides/Campfire Songs, 7:30 pm $ 24 *Scout Moonlight wagon rides, 6 pm – 9 pm $ 25 *Moonlight wagon rides/Campfire Songs, 7:30 pm $ 26 *halloween Characters, fun & games, noon $

nOVEMbER 2 *webelos: forester activity, 11 am & 2 pm $ 3 *webelos: forester activity, 2 pm $ 6 *homeschool: Orienteering, 11 am $ 9 *Birding with ruth, 9 am $ 9 *webelos: geologist activity, 11 am & 2 pm $ 10 *webelos: geologist activity, 2 pm $ 13 *homeschool: geocaching, 11 am $ 20 *homeschool: turkey talkin’, 11 am $ 24 *Bear Cub Scouts: Native american life,

11 am & 2 pm $

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BeSt BetSHUROn VALLEY OpTIMIST pUMpKIn HUnTSaturday, October 12Search for the perfect pumpkin to make your 2013 Jack-O-lantern, get your face painted and have fun with rosco the Clown along with many other seasonal activities for the family. $

* Please preregister for programiNdiaN SpriNgS

eNVirONMeNtal diSCOVery CeNter248-625-7280

SEpTEMbER 7 *tot time – wildlife Safari, 10 am $ 7 *young explorers Club, 1 pm $ 7 *Salamander Seeker, 1 pm $ 8 *frog gone it! 1 pm $ 14 *Owl prowl, 8:30 pm $ 14, 15 wildlife weekend, 11 am – 4 pm $ 15 live Birds of prey presentation, 11 am & 2 pm $ 21 *prairie discovery Backpack hike, 1 pm $ 28 *Boy Scouts: Soil and water Conservation Merit

Badge i, 10 am $ 29 *family lab day: Sound! 1 pm $OCTObER 5 *tot time – Creepy Crawlers, 10 am $ 5 *young explorers Club, 1 pm $ 5 *Brownies: Bugs, 1 pm $ 6 *Boy Scouts: Soil and water Conservation Merit

Badge ii, 10 am $ 12 *huron Valley Optimist – the great pumpkin hunt,

11 am & 2 pm $ 13 *family lab day: reptiles and amphibians, 1 pm $ 19, 20 *webelos Badge day: Naturalist,

geologist & forester, call for times $ 26 *webelos: Scientist, 10 am & 1:30 pm $ 27 *haunts and hoots – edC halloween party, 1 pm $nOVEMbER 2 *tot time – Bird Bonanza, 10 am $ 2 *young explorers Club, 1 pm $ 3 *Spy Science, 1 pm $ 9 *Orienteering, 10 am $ 9 *intro to gpS and geocaching, 1 pm $ 10 *Junior girl Scouts: geocacher, 1 pm $ 16 *Brownies: hiker, 10 am $ 17 *fossils – do you dig ‘em? 1 pm $ 23 *Bears & webelos: Space, 10 am $ 23 *family lab day: Birds, 1 pm $ 24 *wolf Scouts: your living world, 1 pm $ 30 *tracking the wild turkey, 1 pm $

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* Please preregister for programkeNSiNgtON farM CeNter

248-684-8632Horse-Drawn Hayrides · Weekends noon - 4 pm $

SEpTEMbER 7 *farmer for a day, 10 am – 3 pm $ 12 fun on the farm: farmer’s dog, 10 am $ 21 *farmer for a day, 10 am – 3 pm $ 26 fun on the farm: hens, 10 am $OCTObER

pick your pumpkin Hayrides Weekends noon – 4 pm $ · Weekdays 10 am – 2 pm $

5, 6 fall festival, noon – 4 pm $ 31 fun on the farm: halloween party, 10 am $nOVEMbER 14 fun on the farm: tractors, 10 am $

keNSiNgtON Nature CeNter248-685-0603

SEpTEMbER 1, 2 *Voyageur Canoe trip, call for times $ 8 *pottery workshop: Native american techniques,

1 pm $ 8, 15, 22 kensington Critters, 2 pm 12 *homeschool: plants & their historic uses, 1:30 pm $ 14 *tot time: Bird Buddies, 10 am $ 20 *Calling all Owls, 8 pm $ 21 *Nature detectives for kids, 10 am $ 27, 28 astronomy on the Beach, 6 pm – midnightOCTObER 5, 6 *webelos: Outdoorsman, 2 pm $ 10 *homeschool: predators and prey, 1:30 pm $ 11 *Calling all Owls, 7:30 pm $ 12 *tot time: fall fun, 10 am $ 13 *leave No trace Camping for Scouts, 1 pm $ 19, 20 *webelos: geologist, 2 pm $ 26 *trick-or-treat along the trail, call for times $ 27 rosco and the raptors, noon – 4 pmnOVEMbER 2 *Survival Saturday: how to get unlost, 1 pm $ 3 *Survival Sunday: Shelter Building, 1 pm $ 9 *tot time: fall’s the time to get ready, 10 am $ 9, 10 *webelos: forester, 2 pm $ 14 *homeschool: Native pottery, 1:30 pm $ 16, 17 *webelos: Naturalist, 2 pm $ 23 *Cadet girl Scouts: trees, 2 pm $ 24, 30 *Chickadee Chowdown, 2 pm $

BeSt BetSKEnSInGTOn CHALLEnGE XXXSaturday, September 14Nearly 1,000 runners will compete in a one-mile fun run, a 5k run or a 15k run. fee for entrants.

ASTROnOMY On THE bEACHFriday & Saturday, September 27 & 28View planets and stars through powerful telescopes; hear discussions on outer space and more.

FALL FESTIVAL Saturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6Join the fun with rosco the Clown, crafts, hayrides and pumpkin picking. $

* Please preregister for programkeNSiNgtON park eVeNtS

810-227-8910SEpTEMbER 14 *kensington Challenge xxx, 7 am $OCTObER 6 Mega March – www.michiganhumane.org, 10 am $

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* Please preregister for programhudSON MillS aCtiVity CeNter

734-426-8211SEpTEMbER 7 *end of Summer hike, 8 am $ 21 *Calling all Owls, 6:30 pm $OCTObER 5 *fall into autumn hike, 8 am $ 5 *Brownies – Bugs Badge, 1 pm $ 20 *halloween fun, 10 am & 1 pm $ 26 *Cadettes – trees Badge, 10 am $nOVEMbER 2 *autumn hike, 8 am $ 2 *Brownies: hiker Badge, 1 pm $ 9 *Junior girl Scouts: animal habitats Badge, 1 pm $ 16 *webelos: forester, 10 am $ 16 *webelos: Naturalist, 1 pm $ 29 *Burn Off the turkey hike, 10 am $

park NewSnEW TRAIL OpEnInG SOOn! late this fall, you can walk, jog, bicycle or in-line skate from hudson Mills Metropark to the village of dexter! Once construction of the final link of the west river trail is completed, you will be able to traverse this scenic 5-mile paved hike/bike trail along the west side of the huron river. this trail connects to the 3-mile looped trail in the park at North territorial road, and follows south to dexter.

go to www.metroparks.com or call the park for details. get outdoors and join the fun at hudson Mills Metropark!

MEET MARK IRISH Meet park interpreter Mark irish, who joined the hudson Mills Metropark staff last april. Mark, who graduated from university of Michigan-dearborn, started with the huron-Clinton Metroparks as a volunteer at lake erie Metropark’s Museum and Nature Center for 10 years before being hired in 2005 as an interpreter. the next year, he started working with the Metroparks’ outreach program through the Mobile learning Center. in 2013, long-time interpreter Jennifer hollenbeck accepted a promotion as a district supervising interpreter, and Mark transferred to hudson Mills. he is interested in wetlands and rivers, and all the creatures that live there. whether you meet Mark on his monthly Saturday morning hikes, or at a different program, you’ll love his enthusiasm for the outdoors!

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*Please preregister for programOakwOOdS Nature CeNter

734-782-3956SEpTEMbER 7 *tadpoles, 2-5 yr. olds, 10 am $ 7 *explorer’s Club, 8-12 yr. olds, 10 am $ 7 *end of Summer Canoe tours, 10 am, noon & 2 pm $ 14 *wildflower folklore, 10 am $ 15 *Backyard Boneyard investigation, 2 pm $ 20 *evening hayride & Bonfire, 6 pm $ 21 *animals of Oakwoods, 10 am $ 27 *evening hayride & Bonfire, 6 pm $ 28 fall festival, 10 am – 4 pm $OCTObER 4 *evening hayride & Bonfire, 6 pm $ 5 *tadpoles, 2-5 yr. olds, 10 am $ 5 *explorer’s Club, 8-12 yr. olds, 10 am $ 5 *Michigan Mysteries hike, 6 pm $ 11, 12 *evening lantern tours, 7 pm & 8:30 pm $ 18, 19 *evening lantern tours, 7 pm & 8:30 pm $ 25 *evening hayride & Bonfire, 6 pm $ 26 *this Ole Cemetery, 10 am $nOVEMbER 2 *tadpoles, 2-5 yr. olds, 10 am $ 2 *explorer’s Club, 8-12 yr olds, 10 am $ 2 *Owl festival, 6 pm $ 8, 9 *evening Owl prowl, 6 pm $ 9, 10 *Boy Scout Mammal Study, 10 am – 4 pm $ 16 *evening Owl prowl, 6 pm $ 23 *Mammals of the woods, 10 am $ 30 *evening Owl prowl, 6 pm $

BeSt BetSFALL FESTIVALgames, crafts, cidermaking and programs highlight this celebration of all things autumn. Bring the family out for cider and a hayride, too!

OWL FESTIVALOwls are the stars of the night with owl-themed crafts, games, and programs. Be sure to join in one of the owl prowls, as we go in search of our resident owls.

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*Please preregister for programlake erie park eVeNtS

734-379-5020SEpTEMbER 21 Nashville in the Neighborhood, 6 pm – 8 pm

lake erie MarShlaNdS MuSeuM aNd Nature CeNter

734-379-5020SEpTEMbER 7 *Crack O’ dawn Coffee Club, 7 am donation 14 *Minnows: Butterflies, 10 am $ 14 *Calling all kids: Monarchs, 2 pm $ 21, 22 hawkfest, 10 am – 5 pm 28 *plovers-a-plenty, 10 am $ 29 *leNSCap, 2 pm donationOCTObER 5 *Crack O’ dawn Coffee Club, 7 am donation 5 *fall-fun-for-all, 10 am – 2 pm $ 6 *October Outing, 2 pm $ 12 *Calling all kids: animals we love to hate, 2 pm $ 12 *erie Skies: ford astronomy Club, 7 pm $ 19 *Minnows: Owls, 10 am $ 26 *halloween history, 10 am $nOVEMbER 2 *Crack O’ dawn Coffee Club, 7 am donation 9 *Calling all kids: Voyageurs, 2 pm $ 16 *Minnows: deer, 10 am $ 17 *talkin’ ‘bout turkeys, 2 pm $ 23 *Natural dyes from plants, 10 am $ 24 *leNSCap, 2 pm donation 30 *Marshside Meander, 10 am $

BeSt BetSnASHVILLE In THE nEIGHbORHOOD 99.5 wyCd is bringing Nashville in the Neighborhood to lake erie Metropark! Come out and see paulina Jayne and JJ lawhorn at this concert, free with park entry!

HAWKFEST the annual fall migration of birds of prey - hawks, eagles, falcons, owls and vultures - is celebrated at this premier hawkwatching site. See live birds, demonstrations and exhibits.

nterpretive activities

MISSION statementthe huron-Clinton Metropolitan authority, a regional park system created in 1940 by the citizens of Southeast Michigan, provides excellent recreational and educational opportunities while serving as stewards of its natural resources. Our efforts are guided by the belief that the use of parks and exposure to natural environments enhance society’s health and quality of life.

CLINTON RIVER

HURON RIVER

HURON RIVER

HURON RIVER

CLINTON RIVER

LAKE ERIE

LAKE ST. CLAIR

14

52

36

59

59

5959

397

53

29

19

53

53

150

15

24

52

14

14

153

85

3

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39

10

1

102

23

23

23

12

9494

96

75

75

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75B.L.

75

75

275

275

696 696

94

94

94

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96

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FOWLERVILLE

HOWELL

PINCKNEY

CHELSEADEXTER

MANCHESTER

SALINE

MILAN

YPSILANTI

PLYMOUTH

NORTHVILLE LIVONIA

WESTLAND

ROMULUSBELLEVILLE

GIBRA

LTAR

ANNARBOR

BRIGHTON

HOLLY

ORTONVILLE

FRASER

WARREN

THE P

OINTS

ROMEOARMADA

MT.CLEMENS

PONTIAC

MILFORD

WIXOM

SOUTHFIELDNOVISOUTHLYON

AUBURNHILLS

LIVINGSTONCOUNTY

OAKLANDCOUNTY

MACOMBCOUNTY

WAYNECOUNTY

WASHTENAWCOUNTY

DETROIT

1

234

5

6

78 9

101112

13

1) lake St. Clair 2) wolcott Mill 3) Stony Creek 4) indian Springs 5) kensington 6) huron Meadows 7) hudson Mills 8) dexter-huron 9) delhi 10) lower huron 11) willow 12) Oakwoods 13) lake erie

HUROn-CLInTOn METROpARKS

GeT OuT and play

HuRON-CLINTON metroparksPARK directory

DELHI METROpARK(park Office at hudson Mills Metropark)

734-426-8211

DEXTER-HUROn METROpARK(park Office at hudson Mills Metropark)

734-426-8211

HUDSOn MILLS METROpARK8801 North territorial road, dexter, Mi 48130

734-426-8211

HUROn MEADOWS METROpARK8765 hammel road, Brighton, Mi 48116

810-231-4084

InDIAn SpRInGS METROpARK5200 indian trail, white lake, Mi 48386

248-625-6640

KEnSInGTOn METROpARK2240 west Buno road, Milford, Mi 48380-4410

810-227-8910

LAKE ERIE METROpARK32481 west Jefferson, Brownstown, Mi 48173

734-379-5020

LAKE ST. CLAIR METROpARK31300 Metro parkway, harrison twp., Mi 48045

586-463-4581

LOWER HUROn METROpARK17845 Savage road, Belleville, Mi 48111

734-697-9181

OAKWOODS METROpARK(park Office at lower huron Metropark)

734-782-3956

stOny creeK METROpArk4300 Main park road, Shelby township, Mi 48316-4907

586-781-4242

WILLOW METROpARK(park Office at lower huron Metropark)

734-697-9181

WOLCOTT MILL METROpARKHistoric Mill

63841 WOLCOTT ROAD, RAY, MI 48096-2434 586-749-5997

FArM center65775 WOLCOTT ROAD, RAY MI 48096-1823

586-752-5932

pARK EnTRYannual $25 • Senior $15 • daily $5

ADMINISTRATIVe offices13000 high ridge drive, Brighton Mi 48114-9058

phone or tty: 810-227-2757 or 800-47-parkS www.metroparks.com

email: mail@metroparks.com

BOARD OF commissionersbOARD OF COMMISSIOnERS

JOhN C. hertel JOhN e. la Belle Governor Appointee livingston county

harry e. leSter rOBert w. MaraNS Wayne county Washtenaw county

aNthONy V. MarrOCCO tiMOthy J. MCCarthy Macomb county Governor Appointee

Jaye QuadrOZZi oakland county

STAFF officersJOhN p. MCCullOCh

Director

geOrge phifer executive secretary

deNiSe SeMiON paige haSeNBuSCh editor Graphic Artist

CriStiN perry staff Writer