The Department of Natural Resources would like to encourage Mid-Michigan families to "GO-Get Outdoors" and explore the natural treasures found within one of Michigan's National Registered Landmarks -- the Bay City State Recreation Area. Programs will be offered weekly at the recreation area. Children attending at least six programs can earn their Wetlands Junior Ranger patch.

The following programs are scheduled for June 23-27:

Tuesday, June 23
Fishing in the Park. From 6 to 8:30 p.m., families are invited to come fishing at the recreation area. Fishing poles and bait will be provided free of charge, however, a driver's license is required to check out equipment. A prize will be awarded for best catch, and children can take part in a different Angler Challenge each week, designed to teach and improve the basic skills of fishing. Meet at the fishing dock on Tobico Lagoon.

Wednesday, June 24
Wetland Friends Adventure Hour. At 10:30 a.m., find out why turtles are special and why they need wetlands to survive through stories, games, crafts and outdoor exploration. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center.

Play by the Bay. At 1 p.m., children are invited to learn about "Birds of Prey That Play by the Bay" during an educational program that focuses on birds of prey. At the conclusion, children will make a birds of prey kite. Meet at the "Play by the Bay" Playground.

Thursday, June 25
Outdoor Explorers. At 10:30 a.m., the center will offer a program for children in grades 3-6 that focuses on a different wildlife species each week. This week, the program will focus on Deer Tracks and Trails.

Archery in the Park. At 1:30 p.m., children are invited to learn basic archery skills through the Archery in the Park program. Instruction and equipment will be provided. Children can practice for accuracy and participate in a fun competition. Only DNR archery equipment is allowed on the range. Meet at the all-new Archery Range located in the reserve parking lot near the visitor center.

Friday, June 26
Wetland Friends Adventure Hour. At 10:30 a.m., find out why turtles are special and why they need wetlands to survive through stories, games, crafts and outdoor exploration. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Marsh Mystery Hike. At 1 p.m., families are invited to a self-guided, do it at your own pace exploration of the park using the new trail, a new map and a new set of discovery clues each week. This week's hike focuses on Wetland Trees. Pick up a map and self-guided exploration key at the Visitor Center front desk between 1 and 4 p.m. Earn a special reward for completing the hike.

Outdoor Explorers. At 3:30 p.m., investigate the wonders of wetlands by focusing on the deer family. Meet at the campground host site.

Archery in the Parks. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m, children are invited to learn basic archery skills through this program. Archery equipment and instruction will be provided. Only DNR archery equipment may be used. Meet at the all-new Archery Range located in the reserve parking lot near the visitor center.

Saturday, June 27
Marsh Mystery Hike. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are invited to a self-guided, do it at your own pace exploration of the park using the new trail, a new map and a new set of discovery clues each week. This week's hike focuses on Wetland Trees. Pick up a map and self-guided exploration key at the Visitor Center front desk. Earn a special reward for completing the hike.

Beach Wellness Volleyball Tournament and Beach Bash Concert. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be two-on-two and four-on-four teams competing in the 2nd Annual Beach Volleyball Tournament. Entertainment includes five Michigan bands performing between noon and 7 p.m. on the outdoor stage. Refreshments will be available for purchase, and all proceeds go to the park's beach cleanup program.

Kids Kamp Kraft. At 4 p.m. a unique wetlands and wildlife exploration using nature as inspiration for art will be offered. This week, learn about Michigan's frogs and toads, and craft a special toad house for your garden. Meet at the campground host site.

Nocturnal Adventures. At 8 p.m., night hikes, Native American tales, star gazing and nocturnal creatures will be the focus of Saturday night activities. This week's program focuses on Michigan bats. Meet at the campground host site.

All summer nature programs are free; however, a State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the recreation area. Permits are $6 for a daily and $24 for an annual for Michigan residents. For nonresidents, the permits are $8 for a daily and $29 for an annual. Permits are available at the recreation area's entrance. For more information about Bay City State Recreation Area, visit them online at www.michigan.gov/baycity.

For more information about the summer nature programs, please stop by the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center, located in Bay City State Recreation Area, or call (989) 667-0717.