A series of events are scheduled for the Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park in June, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. The petroglyphs are the only known prehistoric rock carvings in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. They are carved on a fragile sandstone outcropping and are a unique artifact for the public to view.

On Friday, June 20, visitors are invited to watch the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe conduct their "Summer Solstice Anishinabemowin Immersion Cultural Teaching & Feast and Grandmothers' Petroglyphs Cleansing Ceremony." This program is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Saturday, June 21, a work bee is scheduled for the park. Volunteers at the site will work from 10 a.m. until noon on projects such as trail maintenance and park clean-up. Lunch will be provided and anyone interested in helping should pre-register with Park Supervisor George Lauinger by contacting him at 989-856-4411.

An Open House is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of demonstrations will be conducted, such as flint-knapping and Native American flute playing. Interpretive displays will include atlatls (ancient spears), extensive taxidermy and history exhibits. History and archaeology staff will be on hand to conduct tours of the petroglyphs.

The Sanilac Petroglyphs have been rapidly deteriorating over the past few years and a Friends of the Sanilac Petroglyphs group is forming to help the park prevent further erosion of the sandstone carvings. Information about joining this group can be found at the above events, or by contacting George Lauinger.

The site is open to the public until late August, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Driving directions to the park are: from M-53 (about 23 miles north of Marlette), turn east on Bay City-Forestville Road and go four miles to Germania Road. Turn south and go a half-mile to the park entrance on the west side of the road. To obtain directions to the site using an on-line mapping service, enter 2501 Germania Rd, Cass City, Michigan.