The Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center today announced its spring programs for 2009. The Department of Natural Resources' visitor center is located at 3377 US-31 in Oden, five miles east of Petoskey.

On Saturday, April 25, the visitor center will host at Earth Day Celebration with activities taking places from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Saturday, May 2, the center will host its 4th Annual Youth Fishing Clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This clinic is for children in grades 4-8. Preregistration is required and begins on Friday, April 3. For more information, call the center at (231) 348-0998.

Saturday, May 23, is the official opening day for the visitor center. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day.

All programs at the visitor center are free. Tours of the Oden State Fish Hatchery are offered by reservation, and hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale at the visitor center.