The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon today announced its fall program schedule featuring bats, snakes and live birds of prey. The center also welcomes canoeist/author Doc Fletcher for a program on his book, "Weekend Canoeing in Michigan," and don't miss an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular fall color changes during a special autumn hike through the dunes. All programs are free.

Seating is limited for all programs except the dunes hike, so reservations are recommended. Seats may be reserved by calling the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at (231) 798-3573. Programs are sponsored by the Gillette Nature Association and a grant from the Muskegon Community Foundation.

• Saturday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m. The World of Bats. The Organization for Bat Conservation presents a fascinating program featuring live bats. The 50-minute presentation in the visitor center auditorium discusses the role bats play in the environment, the relationship between bats and humans and current conservation efforts.
• Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 p.m. Canoeist/author Doc Fletcher will present his book "Weekend Canoeing in Michigan." Fletcher will discuss what makes certain rivers fun favorites and provide information on both fast water and family friendly rivers. Book signing and refreshments to follow the author's presentation.
• Saturday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. Michigan Snakes by Nature discovery. See live Michigan snakes in the visitor center auditorium and learn about their life histories during this one-hour program.
• Saturday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m. Autumn in the Dunes. Come join us as we experience the fall color changes at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. We will be taking a leisurely hike through the backdune forest in search of nuts, berries and mushrooms. We also will observe animal activities as they prepare for winter. As we walk the trails we will collect leaves for an activity following the hike.
• Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m. Birds of Prey by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. See live birds of prey in the visitor center auditorium and hear their life histories.

Hoffmaster State Park is located at 6585 Lake Harbor Rd., southwest of Muskegon. The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center and all indoor facilities are ADA accessible. For more information on these and other programs at the visitor center, please call (231) 798-3573.

All motor vehicles entering a park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.