Ranger-led Hikes Continue in April

Visitors on a spring hike learn about life on the Treat family farm at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

News Release Date: March 26, 2010

Contact: Jennifer Wurts, 231-326-5134

Whether you are a new or frequent visitor, spring is an excellent time to enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can detect glacial remains; observe migratory waterfowl; discover the history of hidden farms. Join a Park Ranger as they share some of their favorite places to enjoy spring during Saturdays at the Lakeshore in April.

Every Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., a Park Ranger awaits you at the Visitor Center in Empire off of M-72 to introduce a topic and then lead a car caravan a short distance to where the walk will begin. Each week features a different topic and location. 

• April 3 - Beach and Dune Walk – View the sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Point from the beach. Discover how the dunes got here and how both they, and Lake Michigan, are related to the continental ice sheets of the last glacial period.
  
  
• April 10 - Spring Love is in the Air – Discover why birds travel thousands of miles to find love here. Spend some time viewing the Lakeshore’s ducks, geese, and swans. If you have binoculars, bring them along, but the Lakeshore will also have pairs for use.
  
  
• April 17 - A Hidden Treat –Just as wildflowers and wildlife emerge after tough Northern Michigan winters, so too did the early settlers. Discover a hidden 1880s farm and appreciate the hardships and life of farming settlers.
  
  
• April 24 - National Junior Ranger Day – Special morning and afternoon activities will be held for everyone to earn their Junior Ranger badge. Details on this and other National Park Week celebration events will be announced separately.

Participants need only purchase the park entrance pass or have an annual pass to join in the fun. Reservations are not required, but are suggested if you wish to bring a group. Please call 231-326-5134, extension 328, for details.