The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center today announced a wide array of nature programs taking place in October and November aimed at getting people outdoors. All programs are free of charge.

• Fall Color Walks: Saturday, Oct. 11, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Take a gentle stroll with us and enjoy the beautiful fall season. Learn why trees change color in the fall, view several common Michigan tree species and learn how to identify them.

• The Big Sit! Bird-A-Thon: Sunday, Oct. 12, from 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Join the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo to document as many species of birds as possible. Participants are encouraged to bring a chair and be sure to dress for the weather. If you have them, bring binoculars, scopes and field guides. We will have some on hand for those without. Meet at the large white tent behind the visitor center. Light refreshments will be served and the visitor center will be open during these programs.

• Pumpkin Carving Contest: Saturday, Oct. 18, at 10:30 a.m. Carve your best Jack-o-Lantern. While you create you'll learn some fun pumpkin facts. Adult supervision and preregistration are required. Space is limited. Pumpkins and tools are provided.

• Owl Prowl: Saturday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. Join us to learn about the amazing owl. Participants will learn how these creatures can hear a mouse beneath the snow, how they capture their prey and what their habitat requirements are. We will take a walk through the woods in an attempt to hear and see the owls that live on the grounds of the fish hatchery. The visitor center will be open shortly before and after the program.

• Grossology: Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Things that make you go EEEEW! Lamprey and leeches, tape worms and ticks, all the things that make your skin crawl.

• Beginner's Birding: Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. The grounds of the Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery are one of the best places in the area to see waterfowl and other birds. Check out what species are headed south during the fall migration. If you have them, bring binoculars, scopes and field guides. We will have some on hand for those without.

• Feeder Birds 101: Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. Learn about the common and uncommon birds that visit Southwest Michigan feeders throughout the winter months with the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo. Participants will learn how to attract and identify a large variety of species.

All programs are approximately one hour in length unless otherwise noted. Walk during programs is not strenuous and approximately one mile or less. Be sure to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes. All ages welcome.

The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is located in Mattawan at Hatchery Road and M-43, six miles west of US-131. For more information, contact Shana McMillan at 269-668-2876.