The Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at the Bay City State Recreation Area is now booking naturalist-guided field trips for school groups in the region. The programs are designed to teach and reinforce learning objectives in Michigan's Grade Level Content Expectations for Science and Social Studies, while offering children a chance to learn more about nature.

Teachers may select from 32 different age-appropriate field trips options or may arrange for a customized experience to fit their students' needs. All programs are free.

Spring program topics include: ecology hikes, geology and glaciers, migratory birds, predators and mammals, beachcombing and fishing clinics. A new program for 2009 is Archery in the Parks -- a four-station short program focusing on wildlife management, wildlife populations, archery safety and skills. Students also would be able to try their hand at archery target shooting. For a complete list of programs, contact the Visitor Center.

"The Department of Natural Resources has joined with educators and organizations across in the country in an initiative to connect children with the outdoors," said DNR Park Interpreter Valerie Blaschka. "This initiative, 'No Child Left Inside,' helps connect children with Michigan's abundant natural resources and reinforces the importance of conservation and protection of those resources."

Last year, more than 20,000 school children visited Bay City State Recreation Area on field trips. The recreation area is a National Natural Landmark, preserving one of the best examples of a coastal freshwater ecosystem on the Great Lakes.

In case of inclement weather, indoor options are available, using the resources of the award-winning Saginaw Bay Visitor Center and its hands-on Saginaw Bay Museum. The recreation area and visitor center are universally accessible.

For more information about school field trip options and arrangements, please contact Valerie Blaschka at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at (989) 667-0717 Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information on the Bay City State Recreation Area, visit its Web site at www.michigan.gov/baycity.