The Department of Natural Resources encourages citizens to get outdoors by attending one of the many enjoyable programs held at the Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center in Oden, near Petoskey.

Saturday, Oct. 4: Fall Colors and Nature Photography 101. Join the staff and discover how to take beautiful fall pictures. Take a stroll down the nature trail. Program begins at the visitor center at 12 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11: Join local photographer Kevin Johnston as he shares images from his gallery and tips on capturing quality images without disturbing wildlife in their natural habitat. Program takes place at the visitor center at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18: Project W.E.T. (Water Education for Teachers). Become certified in Project W.E.T. and learn activities to bring back to your classroom or home school group. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program meets in visitor center. Activities take place inside and outside, and participants are asked to dress for the weather. There is a fee of $30 for printed materials, lunch and snacks will be provided for free.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween Hoopla! Join us at the visitor center at 12 p.m. for all sorts of pumpkin fun. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes.

Saturday, Nov. 1: Project W.I.L.D (Wildlife in Learning Development). Become certified in Project W.I.L.D. by attending half-day workshop of enjoyable activities you can use in your classroom or home school groups. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program meets in visitor center. Activities take place inside and outside, and participants are asked to dress for the weather. There is a fee of $30 for printed materials, lunch and snacks will be provide for free.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Oden's Annual Turkey Trot. This annual hike on the center's one-mile nature trail will begin at 12 p.m. at the visitor center.

The Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center is located at 3377 U31 in Oden, five miles east of Petoskey. The center is open during special programs throughout the fall and winter months. Hatchery tours are offered by reservation, hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale at the center.