The Department of Natural Resources would like to encourage mid-Michigan families to celebrate the return of spring to the wetlands at Bay City State Recreation Area's 12th annual Wetland Wake-Up Day on Saturday, April 19. Activities are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day for children and their parents.

Wetland Wake-up Day is a "No Child Left Inside Day" event that helps youth and their families discover ways that they can enjoy and conserve Michigan's wetland wildlife resources through simple, innovative backyard habitat improvement projects. This event is also designed to make families aware of the significance of the upcoming International Migratory Bird Day, through the event's annual Migratory Bird Kite Clinic and Fly-Up. This fun-filled, outdoor celebration is co-sponsored by the Friends of Bay City State Recreation Area and Bay Area Community Foundation.

Free "make and take" workshops will be offered throughout the day which focus on wetland animals, such as orioles, bats, frogs, owls, butterflies and turtles. Participants in each workshop will learn about the featured animal's conservation story, its habitat requirements and ideas on how to share with it their backyard space. Free projects include butterfly houses, oriole feeders, toad houses, bluebird nest boxes, suet feeders and bat houses.

Guided wetland birding and wildflower hikes will be offered in the morning and afternoon. Bird banding demonstrations will be conducted by the Saginaw Audubon Society. Families will be able to see live reptiles and amphibians and learn about why they need our help from Central Michigan University herpetologist. Children participating in the free Kite Clinic will learn about the thousands of migratory birds staging in and around the Saginaw Bay. Children will select one of these birds to decorate their kite with, assemble it and then enter it in the Kite Fly-Up along the shores of the Saginaw Bay. Youngsters will also be able to enjoy the Wetland Wonders Puppet Theater and make fun wildlife art projects in the Kids Kraft Korner throughout the day. Families may want to bring along their digital cameras for a one of a kind Wildlife Photo Safari, a unique way to explore the marsh and maybe even win a prize.

Admission to this event is free; however, a 2008 Michigan State Park motor vehicle permit is required for entrance to the recreation area. Permits are $6 for a resident daily permit and $24 for an annual permit. The annual permit provides entry into all 96 state parks during 2008.

Other activities coming soon at the Bay City State Recreation Area include:

• Run By the Bay on Saturday, May 17. This is an annual fundraiser for the Play by the Bay three-acre playground located in the park. The 5K, 10K walk/run is along the shores of the Saginaw Bay and is followed by a one-mile children's Fun Run.
• Free Fishing Festival, on Saturday, June 7. This Michigan Free Fishing Weekend event features a Family Fishing Derby, Youth Fishing Clinic, Kid's Kasting Kontest, free hot dog picnic lunch, Minnow Races, Fish Crafts and special how-to programs on fly fishing, fly tying, fish identification, water safety, angler ethics and Michigan Fisheries issues. One hundred free fishing poles will also be given away in a free kids raffle.

For more information on any of these activities, contact the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, located at the Bay City State Recreation Area at 989-667-0717.