Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling is hosting two snowshoe-making workshops this winter at the Michigan Forest Visitor Center. The first of the weekend workshops is Dec. 13-14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the second workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 28-March 1.

Snowshoe styles available will be the 46-inch Huron Snowshoe and the 36-inch Green Mountain Bearpaw. While making their shoes, participants will learn about the history of snowshoes and why their popularity is growing. The workshops are very informal; participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and bring a sack lunch. The visitor center will provide a variety of hot beverages.

Class sizes are limited and reservations are needed. The $160 registration fee includes all materials and equipment needed to make one pair of snowshoes. A $25 deposit is required and the reservation deadline for the December workshop is Dec. 3. For more information and to request a registration packet, please call (989) 348-2537 or e-mail burgr@michigan.gov.

Hartwick Pines is offering several other programs this winter. These include cross-country skiing by lantern light Jan. 3, 17, 31 and Feb. 14 and 28, and guided snowshoe hikes Jan. 24, and Feb. 7 and 21.

The park also will be hosting a "Winter Trails Day" snowshoeing event Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to come out and try a variety of snowshoes for a guided snowshoe hike or attend an interesting nature program.

Also plan to attend the winter lecture series of historical topics to be held on the following Sunday afternoons: Dec. 21, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 8. Times to be announced. For more information, please call (989) 348-2537 or go online at www.michigan.gov/hartwickpines or www.michigan.gov/loggingmuseum.

Hartwick Pines State Park is located on M-93 (Hartwick Pines Road), two miles east of I-75, exit 259. All motor vehicles entering a Michigan State 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.