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Outdoor Adventure Center – JANUARY-APRIL 2019 SEE INSIDE! • Zombie Survival Archery • Lumberjack Weekend • March is Reading Month

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Page 1: Outdoor Adventure Center – JANUARY-APRIL 2019...Employee Spotlight Meet Missy Sharp Missy joined the Outdoor Adventure Center team just a year ago and has made a big impact on the

Outdoor Adventure Center – JANUARY-APRIL 2019 SEE INSIDE! • Zombie Survival Archery • Lumberjack Weekend • March is Reading Month

Page 2: Outdoor Adventure Center – JANUARY-APRIL 2019...Employee Spotlight Meet Missy Sharp Missy joined the Outdoor Adventure Center team just a year ago and has made a big impact on the

Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Staff Natalie Cypher Samuel Delia Jackie Hoskins Tess Miller Missy Sharp Frank Toarmina Linda Walter

Hours of Operation Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday : noon – 5:00 p.m.

Admission Fees Adults (age 13 - 61): $5 Seniors (age 62 and older): $3 Children (ages 2 - 12): $3 Children under age 2: Free Annual family membership: $50

Table of Contents Afternoon Adventures for Adults: 43 Archery Programs: 10 Behind the Scenes at the OAC: 6 Church Programs: 44 Employee Spotlight: 5 Field Trips for School, Camp: 44 General Information: 2 Group Retreat Experience: 44 Heritage Girls Badges: 45 Special Programs Backyard Nature: 14 Citizens Science: 16 Get Outside: 23 Grown-Up Gatherings: 15

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Just for Fun: 26 Just for Kids: 28 Live Animals: 31 The More You Know: 33 Special Events: 38 WOW-Thrilling Thursday: 13 Meeting/Event Space Spotlight: 7 Members-Only Adventure Packs: 3 NEW Preschool Classes: 3 Recreation Passport: 44 Refund Policy: 45 Scout Badge Workshops: 45 Who Wore It Best?: 42

You Ought to Visit: 7 Sunday, April 21 – We will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

New Registration Software Now Available! We have recently launched our new registration software! By clicking on this link: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/michigan-dnr/catalog, you will find our catalog of classes and events that are scheduled through the end of April. In order to register, you will need to create an account using your email address and a password. This will allow you to securely check out once you register. You will also be able to view past registrations and activities. If you have any questions about this site, please email [email protected].

Annual Family Membership An annual membership can be purchased for $50 for up to five members of the same household. For an additional $25, you can bring up to two guests any time you visit the OAC. Benefits of membership include: • Free admission for one year from the date of purchase. • 30 percent discount on Lodge birthday parties. • Exclusive, early admission to select special events. • First glance (before the General Public) of all newsletters. • Members-only adventure packs (for use during your visit). • Special pricing or early registration for select events. • Early seating for popular programs. CURRENT MEMBER BENEFITS Sunday, April 14

Page 4: Outdoor Adventure Center – JANUARY-APRIL 2019...Employee Spotlight Meet Missy Sharp Missy joined the Outdoor Adventure Center team just a year ago and has made a big impact on the

12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Down on the Farm in Downtown Detroit – Upland Hills Farms at the OAC MEMBER BENEFIT: Members can arrive at 11 a.m. to visit the farm animals. Saturday, January 19 2:00 p.m. Michigan Mammals with Howell Nature Center MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Saturday, February 16 2:00 p.m. Live Raptors with Michigan Avian Experience MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Sunday, March 10 2:00 p.m. Understanding Owls with Leslie Science and Nature Center MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Saturday, March 30 2:00 p.m. Black to Gray (Grey): The Story of Michigan’s Rat Snake MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Members-Only Adventure Packs Adventure packs are available for loan to OAC Family Membership holders for a one-day use. Each pack will be filled with supplies to help guide you in your own outdoor experience, from birding to animal track identification and more... there is an adventure pack for all interests! Check in with our front desk staff to learn more or to check one out during your next visit.

Attention teachers: NEW preschool CLASSES We’ve recently updated our school program offerings to include preschool-specific programs. These three programs include story time, rhymes, songs, dress-up activities, and hands-on exploration to keep our youngest learners interested and engaged. Classes include: “Animal ABC’s,” where students will practice spelling while exploring different types of Michigan wildlife; “Forest Friends,” where students learn the importance of trees as a habitat and the animals that live in them; or “Pond Pals,” where students explore the special characteristics shared by creatures who live in ponds and wetlands. We are very excited to offer these new options so that we can continue to provide high-quality experiences for our youngest visitors! View classroom experience options.

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WOW – Thrilling Thursdays Our family-friendly free evening of fun has moved to Thursday nights! The last Thursday of each month, we will offer free admission from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for all our visitors. Each month will feature a specific topic with special programs, plus guests will enjoy all the regular exhibits at the Outdoor Adventure Center. When you visit, you can also earn digital badges through Detroit Public TV’s Digital Adventure Program. SEE PAGE 13 FOR EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Celebrate 100 years of Michigan’s State Parks! You’re invited to celebrate 100 years of freshwater fun, starry nights and memories made in Michigan’s greatest places as we look back and give forward during the 2019 centennial of Michigan state parks. Share your state park stories and photos on our online story map, learn more about park history, and do the Centennial GeoTour. From storytelling to volunteering, there are 100 ways to celebrate 100 years of state parks. Learn more learn more at michigan.gov/stateparks100.

SAVE the DATE! Overnight Family Campout August 17 - 18, 2019 Follow us on Facebook to receive event notifications and links to register!

Employee Spotlight Meet Missy Sharp Missy joined the Outdoor Adventure Center team just a year ago and has made a big impact on the services we offer. Missy has brought great improvements to our reservation system and is mid-way through the implementation of a much more user-friendly software for our guests. She and Rujeania Vance are developing our Volunteer Program (look for opportunities to volunteer in early 2019). She has a great understanding of the components needed for great programming – both from the educational and the experiential side of things. She began her parks and recreation career as a lifeguard and then Recreation Director in Grosse Pointe Woods for 12 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. While teaching fourth grade at Woodward Academy, she enjoyed bringing the outdoors to the classroom to conduct experiments and encourage the love of science and nature to her students.

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Missy has been married for 14 years to Matt, who also works in Parks and Recreation. They are the proud parents of two great children: Nathan (12) and Genah (10). The family also includes Maverick, a two-year-old mixed breed Chow & Shephard puppy and Goose, a 6-month-old Blue Heeler puppy. The Sharps spend most of their free time outdoors. They love to go hiking, camping and boating. Some of their favorite campgrounds are Port Crescent, Fisherman’s Island, and the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. They also camp in Florida every year for Spring Break and their new favorite campground is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park on Cape San Blas, which sadly, was just hit by Hurricane Michael in October. When asked what she loves most about working at the OAC, Missy says, “My favorite thing about working at the OAC is sharing in the excitement of first-time visitors. This building and the surrounding area is such a unique destination and seeing the reaction of new visitors always brings a smile to my face. My favorite exhibit is the yurt because I’ve always wanted to camp in a yurt!” Missy’s sincere and hardworking approach to serving our guests has been a pure delight! We are thrilled that Missy has joined our team and we look forward to making many more great memories, together.

Behind the scenes at the OAC Petoskey stone at the OAC Michigan’s state stone is the Petoskey stone. It is a fossilized coral that lived during the Devonian Period, around 350 million years ago When wet or polished, a distinctive pattern emerges. A 93-pound (42-kilogram) Petoskey stone was illegally removed from Lake Michigan. When rock hunting in Michigan state parks, please remember that you may take no more than 25 pounds of rock or minerals per year from state parks, recreation lands and Great Lakes bottomlands. The great staff from the Michigan DNR Minerals Management polished two portions of the large stone to bring out the beautiful honeycomb pattern. The story has a happy ending, as the large stone has been placed at the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit where thousands of visitors can see its beauty. You will find the Petoskey stone at the base of the indoor waterfall, near the turtles. This stone is one of the many state symbols highlighted at the OAC. Try to find the others on your next visit!

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The Friends of the Outdoor Adventure The Friends of the Outdoor Adventure is a small group of local professionals who strive to advance the mission of the Outdoor Adventure Center through fund development, community engagement and outreach. They volunteer their time, network, and professional skills to increase awareness, recruit volunteers, and raise donations to supplement existing programs and exhibits at the Outdoor Adventure Center. If you are interested in joining this Board, or donating to our Friends Group, please e-mail mailto:[email protected] for more information. Board members: Harvey "Chip" Amoe III, Carter Bundy, Charlie DeVries, Andrea LaFontaine, and Kevin Vettraino. Meeting/Event Space Spotlight Looking for a unique venue to hold your corporate meeting, retreat or team-building event? Check out the Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC). The OAC is on Detroit’s waterfront and is surrounded by the Dequindre Cut, Riverwalk and Milliken State Park! The OAC has six rooms for meetings and events. One of our most requested space is the Riverview Loft. This room has a total capacity of 182. It’s a beautiful industrial loft and comes equipped with its own LCD projector, screen, podium and mic, all complimentary Our meeting and event spaces can be set to your specifications using the following with our compliments: • All audio and visual equipment in our inventory • 60” round tables (8 chairs each) • 5x2 rectangle tables • 6x2 rectangle tables • Comfortable chairs • Free Parking Some of our clients include: The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Ford Motor Company, Wayne State University and Quicken Loans, Inc. just to name a few. We are booking events and weddings for 2019! Call our Promotional Agent, Jackie Hoskins at 1-844-622-6367 or email her at [email protected] for more information about renting space at the Outdoor Adventure Center

You ought to visit… Fisherman's Island State Park Fisherman's Island State Park is not actually an island, but a 2,678-acre park located on Bell's

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Bay Road in Charlevoix. The interior terrain consists of rolling dunes covered with maple, birch and aspen broken up by bogs of cedar and black spruce. This park boasts over six miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The island in which the park was named no longer exists. Due to years of lower water levels in Lake Michigan the island has become a peninsula now lush with native wildflowers. There are 80 rustic campsites with 15 of those nestled in the dune area, along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and a three-mile trail.

THE OAC BY THE MONTH JANUARY Saturdays, January – Page 23 OAC Outdoors: Wonderful Winter 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 6 – Page 11 Archery-Explore It 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 6 – Page 13 Shoe Year’s Hike 12:30 p.m. Sunday, January 13 – Page 11 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 13 – Page 18 Bird Beaks and What They Eat 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday(s), January 13 – February 3 – Page 11 Archery 101! 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. Saturday, January 19 – Page 28 Cub Club: Burrowing Buddies 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19 – Page 37 Explore Paddling with an Expert! Missouri River Voyage: 86 Days in a 17 Foot Canoe 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19 – Page 31 Michigan Mammals with Howell Nature Center

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2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19 – Page 18 The Great Opossum Migration 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 20 – Page 23 MLK Day of Service 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 20 – Page 11 Zombie Survival Archery 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 20 – Page 18 Nut Crazy… Love a Squirrel Day 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 26 – Page 26 Happy Birthday Michigan! 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, January 27 – Page 11 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 27 – Page 12 Archery-Graduate Shoot 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 27 – Page 19 World Wetlands Day 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 27 – Page 16 Science Olympiad Workshop: Amazing Arthropods 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 31 – Page 13 WOW – Michigan Owls 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. FEBRUARY Friday, February 1 – Page 15 Girl’s Night Outdoors: Archery 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 2 – Page 40 Girl Scout Lock-In 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sunday, February 3 – Page 11 Archery-Explore It 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

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Friday, February 8 – Page 15 Girl’s Night Out: “Gal”entines Day 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9 – Page 37 Explore Paddling with an Expert! The Best Way to See the World is From the Seat of a Kayak 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 10 – Page 10 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, February 10 – Page 16 Science Olympiad Workshop: Wildlife Safari – Reptiles and Amphibians! 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 16 – Page 28 Young Explorers Club: Detroit River Fish and Introduction to Ice Fishing 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16 – Page 31 Live Raptors with Michigan Avian Experience 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 16 – Page 40 Overnight Family Campout Check in at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 16 – Page 23 OAC Outdoors: Michigan Free Fishing Weekend 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17 – Page 26 Random Acts of Kindness Day 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.. Sunday, February 17 – Page 23 OAC Outdoors: Michigan Free Fishing Weekend 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17 – Page 17 Great Backyard Bird Count 2:00 p.m. Sunday(s), February 17 – March 10 – Page 11 Archery 101! 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. Sunday, February 17 – Page 11 Zombie Survival Archery

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12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Saturday, February 23 – Page 34 Beekeeping Basics 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 23 – Page 41 Meet Michigan’s Alien Invaders! 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 23 – Page 19 Bats and Engineers: A History of Fascination and Design 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 24 – Page 10 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, February 24 – Page 17 Science Olympiad Workshop: Weather or Not 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24 – Page 34 Meet Coretta Scott King 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24 – Page 12 Archery-Graduate Shoot 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Thursday, February 28 – Page 13 WOW – A Sweet Taste of Michigan 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. MARCH Month of March – Page 26 Wildlife March Madness March is Reading Month – Page 28 Sunday(s), February 17 – March 10 – Page 11 Archery 101! 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. Sunday(s), March 17 – April 7 – Page 11 Archery 101! 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. Friday, March 1 – Page 15 Girl’s Night Outdoors: Archery 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

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Saturday, March 2 – Page 19 National Public Sleeping Day: Camping Outdoors 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2 – Page 24 National Old Stuff Day 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2 – Page 20 The Journey of Maple Syrup 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3 – Page 33 Career Day – Wild for Wildlife 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3 – Page 11 Archery-Explore It 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 3 – Page 35 Meet Local Author, Jaimie Ruthenberg: “Miles Finds a New Friend” 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 3 – Page 17 Science Olympiad Workshop: Weatheror Not 2:00 p.m. March 8 – Page 38 Lumberjack Days Farm-to-Table, Maple-Flavored Plaid-Tie Dinner 7:00 p.m. March 9 – Page 39 Lumberjack Days Annual Lumberjack 5k & .5k Pancake Fun Run 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. March 9 – Page 39 Lumberjack Days Lumberjack Day 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. March 9 – Page 39 Lumberjack Days Michigan Lumbering Days and Camp Life: When the Big Trees Fell Presented by David and Al Eicher 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10 – Page 20

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Fauna of the Forest 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 10 – Page 10 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 10 – Page 31 Understanding Owls with Leslie Science & Nature Center 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15 – Page 41 Homeschooler Jamboree 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16 – Page 33 The Real Weasels of the Wolverine State 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16 – Page 29 Cub Club: All About Beavers! 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16 – Page 24 Prohibition History Hike Along the Detroit Riverfront 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17 – Page 12 Archery-Graduate Shoot 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17 – Page 20 Fossils in Michigan 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17 – Page 11 Zombie Survival Archery 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Saturday, March 23 – Page 21 March Mascot Madness 12:00 –1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23 – Page 26 Family Game Day: Minute to Win It 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 23 – Page 21 Pollinators Unite! 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24 – Page 35

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The Legend of Sleeping Bear at the OAC 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24 – Page 35 A Beaver Tale: The Castors of Conners Creek Presentation by local author and illustrator Gerry Wykes 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 24 – Page 10 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Thursday, March 28 – Page 13 WOW – Archery! 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 17 – Page 30 Let’s Get Crafty! 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30 – Page 31 Black to Gray (Grey): The Story of Michigan’s Rat Snake 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30 – Page 27 Pisanki (Pisanky) Egg Decorating 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 31 – Page 12 Archery-Graduate Shoot 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31 – Page 36 “Paddle to the Sea” at the OAC 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. APRIL Saturday, April 6 – Page 21 Michigan’s Mink 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6 – Page 36 Benson’s Adventures in Michigan at the OAC Presentation by authors Shannon Cooper-Toma and Tracy Foster 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7 – Page 21 International Beaver Day 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7 – Page 25

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Our Senior’s Nature Photo Stroll in the Park 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7 – Page 11 Archery-Explore It 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Saturday, April 13 – Page 24 Ring-necked Pheasant Morning Hike 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 13 – Page 25 Spring into Action: Dequindre Cut & Milliken State Park Community Cleanup 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13 – Page 34 Grasslands are Great! 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13 – Page 22 Egg-celent Adventure 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14 – Page 41 Michigan Farm to Table 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 14 – Page 32 Down on the Farm in Downtown Detroit – Upland Hills Farms at the OAC 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 14 – Page 22 National Astronomy Day 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20 – Page 25 Dequindre Cut Graffiti Hike 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20 – Page 30 Young Explorers Club: Signs of Spring 11:00 a.m Saturday, April 20 – Page 22 Earth Day Extravaganza 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27 – Page 25 Hiking the Paper Trail: An Origami-Themed Hike 2:00 p.m.

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Thursday, April 25 – Page 13 WOW – Teachers’ – Night 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday April 27 – Page 22 Arbor Day 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28 – Page 27 Plant an Indoor Herb Garden 12:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28 – Page 10 Archery Try-It! 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, April 28 – Page 12 Archery-Graduate Shoot 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28 – Page 14 Make a Pollinator Hotel! 2:00 p.m.

Archery at the OAC Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Center’s Archery Range! We have different archery experiences you can choose from; they range in price from free to $12 an hour. To enhance your target practice, we offer standard National Archery in the Schools Program targets, 3D animal targets, paper targets and much more! Archers will have the opportunity to practice shooting distances of both 10 meters and 15 meters, in the advanced classes. For all archery classes: • Participants must be 8 years of age or older. • All equipment is provided. Participants cannot use outside equipment on our range. • A signed waiver for all participants must be on file before accessing the range. • Children under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Archery Try-It! This is your opportunity to give archery a try. This 30-minute session will cover the basics steps of shooting, allowing participants to learn how to stand, handle a bow and shoot several arrows. Children, adults and families are welcome. All equipment is provided. Limited to 12 guests each half-hour.

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Pre-registration is not available for this class. Participants must sign up on-site at the Outdoor Adventure Center on the day the class is offered. Sign-up will begin at noon and is on a first-come, first-served basis. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Sunday, Jan. 13: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 10: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 24: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, April 28: 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. and 12:45 – 1:15 p.m. ARCHERY Explore It! This one-hour class will give participants the opportunity to learn about the sport of archery. This class covers range safety, rules, equipment, the 11 steps to shooting, arrow retrieval, and target scoring. Children age 8 and older, adults and families are welcome. All equipment is provided. Class maximum is 18 participants. FEE: $12 per class. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Sunday, Feb. 3 : 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 3: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, April 7: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Archery 101 This four-week course will offer a more in-depth archery experience in a safe and fun environment. Each week students will focus on a different part of the shot process with fun drills and games to help you learn the sport of archery in a hands-on learning style. The course will cover equipment care and maintenance, the steps of shooting, how to retrieve arrows, and, of course will provide plenty of shooting opportunities for students to refine their skills. Children age 8 and older, adults and families are welcome. All equipment is provided. Class maximum is 18 participants. FEE: $60 per class. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Sunday, Jan. 13 – Feb. 3: 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. (Four classes) Sunday, Feb. 17 – March 10): 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. (Four classes)

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Sunday, March 17 – April 7: 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. (Four classes) Zombie Survival Archery Whether you’re a Walking Dead fan, wonder if you can survive the zombie apocalypse, or are just looking for a different style of archery class; then this is the archery class for you! Join us as we learn the steps of shooting with shot practice shooting paper zombie targets. Students will leave with a zombie apocalypse survival certificate they can hang with pride at home. All equipment is provided. Class maximum is 18 participants. FEE: $12 per class. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Sunday, Jan. 20: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Sunday, March 17: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Graduate Shoot Graduate open shoot is available to students who have taken the Exploring Archery (Explore-It), Intro to Archery (Archery 101), or the Zombie Survival Archery classes. Sessions will allow returning students the opportunity to practice their skills without having to go through the instructional portion of a class. Archery games may be offered to shooters upon request. All equipment is provided. Maximum 12 archers per range hour. FEE: $12 PER PERSON Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Sunday, Jan. 27: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 31: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Girls Night Outdoors (GNO) Archery For a listing of classes jump to the Grown-Up Gathering page!

Comments from OAC visitors “Enjoyed very much as I am in a wheelchair and there are many things to see and experience here!” DeAndre R., Southfield

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“Wonderful experience for my 2 year old” - Tyrone B., Detroit “Arron loved to climb the tree. Ezekiel loved everything. Jamar was able to meet his fear of heights. Vion liked the waterfall.” - Bunche Academy, Detroit “Three adults enjoying an afternoon of fun on a rainy Friday.” - The Zangs

WOW – Thrilling Thursdays Thursday, January 31, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. WOW – Michigan Owls Do you know how many owl species can be seen in Michigan? Join us this evening to learn which species call Michigan home, and what makes these nocturnal predators built for hunting in the dark. Activities will include an owl pellet dissection and a weather-dependent “owl prowl” night-time hike. Complimentary admission. Thursday, February 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. WOW – A Sweet Taste of Michigan Have you ever wondered where maple syrup comes from? Would you like to learn more about this seasonal tradition? Come by to learn about that special maple tree, the process of syrup-making and where you can visit this season to participate in maple syrup-making. Guests may also enjoy a sweet treat. Complimentary admission. Thursday, March 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. WOW – Archery Have you ever wanted to try archery but didn’t know where to start? Join us for the Outdoor Adventure Center’s first-ever archery WOW! Discover the various archery bows, arrows, and equipment commonly used in modern archery classes. Guests will also learn about the rich archery history of the United States and why the sport has seen so much growth in the past decade. Guest who attend this event will have the chance to shoot a few arrows after going through a quick eye dominance and stance instruction tutorial. Archery will be available on a first come first serve basis and the last archery lessons will begin at 7:45. Complimentary admission. Thursday, April 25, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. WOW – Teachers’ Night Teachers, have you considered a field trip for your students at the OAC? This month's event is just for you! Join us for an evening of information and activities all about our offerings for students visiting the OAC. See some of our teaching materials with examples of programs that you could select for your students during a field trip and learn how to register your class for a visit. We will have raffles for prize baskets filled with materials you can take back to your classroom, as well as a lemonade bar for you to enjoy during this relaxing and informative

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event! Complimentary admission.

Backyard Nature Make a Pollinator Hotel! Sunday, April 28, 2:00 p.m. Learn how to make your yard a haven for beneficial pollinators this spring! We’ll start with a presentation about our native pollinators, then we will create a “pollinator hotel” that you can take home with you to add to your garden to attract these beneficial species! We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Admission to the OAC plus $10 per bee hotel. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event.

Comments about the OAC from visitors: “Best Day Ever!” - Emerson M., Grand Blanc “Thank you and WOW!” - Tipton Academy, Detroit “Thank you from Toronto” - The Green Family “A wonderful testament to Michigan’s beautiful, natural resources and our responsibility to protect.” - Katie W., Washington D.C.

Grown-Up Gatherings Girl’s Night Outdoors: Archery Friday, January 11, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Friday, February 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Join us at the Outdoor Adventure Center with your girlfriends for a night of archery and fun. This evening will feature an introductory archery class with a supreme hot cocoa bar and snacks. We will also have fun activities to guide your exploration of the OAC. FEE: $20

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Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Girl’s Night Out: “Gal”entines Day Friday, February 8, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m Bring your closest friends to the OAC to celebrate “Gal”entines day, outdoor style. We will have a winter bonfire with a deluxe s’mores buffet, followed by a mystery outdoor activity. FEE: $10 Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD 2019 Attention: Elementary Science Olympiad Coaches and Participants Is your child competing in the Elementary-Level Science Olympiad this year? Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! We are offering four workshops to help elementary participants and their coaches prepare for the 2019 Science Olympiad. Science Olympiad Workshop: Amazing Arthropods Sunday, January 27, 2:00 p.m. This workshop is designed specifically for students competing in the Elementary-Level Science Olympiad. Students will examine and dig into the major arthropod groups. This workshop will also test students’ recognition and differentiation skills and include a practice test. Each child attending must be accompanied by an adult. This workshop is intended for competing students and parents and/or coaches only. Participants must sign in and pick up a wrist band at the front desk. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Science Olympiad Workshop: Wildlife Safari – Reptiles and Amphibians Sunday, February 10, 2:00 p.m. The workshop will run for one to one and a half hours and will cover relative content and include a practice test. Please bring with you the Reptiles of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Field Guide. Each child attending must be accompanied by an adult. This workshop is intended for competing students and parents and/or coaches only. Participants must sign in and pick up a wrist band at the front desk. FEE: Included with the price of admission.

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Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Science Olympiad Workshop: Weather or Not Sunday, FEBRUARY 24 or MARCH 3, 2:00 p.m. The workshop will run for one to one and a half hours and will cover relative content and include a practice test. Each child attending must be accompanied by an adult. This workshop is intended for competing students and parents and/or coaches only. Participants must sign in and pick up a wrist band at the front desk. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event.

Citizen Science Great Backyard Bird Count Sunday, February 17, 2:00 p.m. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a citizen science project managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It allows the general public worldwide to gather and contribute data about their local birds that will assist scientists and natural resource managers in their research and management of these bird species. Join us for a hike along the riverfront and Milliken State Park to help count and identify our local birds and send our findings to this great citizen science project. All skill levels are welcome – this is a great program for anyone looking for an introduction to birding. A small number of binoculars will be available for loan. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission.

Featured Interactive Exhibit These exhibits will be located either in our classrooms (Discovery Lab 204 or 205) or at one or more tables in the general exhibit area. Each will have a specific focus topic and may include educational hands-on activities and exploration, a game, and/or a craft led by one or more of our education staff. These are intended as “drop-in” activities that will be available throughout

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the duration of the program while materials last. No registration is required to participate, just drop in! Bird Beaks and What They Eat Sunday, January 13, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Have you ever looked closely at a bird beak before? Here is your chance to examine a wide verity of bird beaks at the Outdoor Adventure Center. From meat and seeds to fish and nectar, uncover how bird beaks are specialized for what they eat. Try our hands-on activity to see if you can identify the adaptions that are specific to a specific bird and its food source. FEE: Included with the price of admission. The Great Opossum Migration Saturday, January 19, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Wait, opossums don’t migrate! Or do they?! About a century ago you could not find a single Opossum in our state and today they can be found throughout almost all our Lower Peninsula. Discover the origins of marsupial life in North America and how they eventually found their way to Michigan. Try your hand at our “cute or ugly” challenge to see if you can figure out if opossums are truly cute or just plain ugly. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Nut Crazy… Love a Squirrel Day Sunday, January 20, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. All of us have been annoyed by a squirrel at least once in our lives. They cross streets without looking both ways; they dig holes in our yards. Beyond their playful and mischievous ways, squirrels are quite helpful to the environment. Join us to learn more about them and appreciate them. FEE: Included with the price of admission. World Wetlands Day Sunday, January 27, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m Did you know that the Outdoor Adventure Center and surrounding area was wetland habitat years ago? Learn about the importance of wetlands and get a sneak peek at some wildlife you are likely to see if you visit a wetland in southeast Michigan! We’ll also give you some recommendations of our favorite wetlands to visit this spring. FEE: Included with the price of admission.

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Bats and Engineers: A History of Fascination and Design Saturday, February 23, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Bats are fascinating creatures humans continue to study to grow an understanding of their complex world. Their existence has inspired many great minds such as Leonardo Da Vinci, who created inspiring flying machine designs; and Lazzaro Spallanzani, who pioneered our understanding of echolocation. Engineers today now team up with biologists to find innovative ways to stop the spread of white nose syndrome. Stop by this education table to learn more about bat biology, the creations bats have inspired, and how you can help protect Michigan bats. FEE: Included with the price of admission. National Public Sleeping Day: Camping Outdoors Saturday, March 2 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Let’s get comfy with the outdoors. Learn about the state parks that accommodate various camping options like renting yurts, cabins, or space for your own tent. Let us help you prepare for your next outing to a state park and learn how to pitch a tent in your own backyard. FEE: Included with the price of admission. The Journey of Maple Syrup Saturday, March 2, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Stop by our education station to learn how maple syrup is made as we discover the whole process from sap collection to the final step of bottling. Information on the historical origins of maple syrup and its role and evolution in Michigan culture will also be available for table visitors. Try your hand at rolling up maple taffy as we boil down maple syrup and pour it over ice, creating a hardball candy for you to enjoy. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Fauna of the Forest Sunday, March 10, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Forests play an important role in Michigan’s past and present. We have always depended on them for our own needs, but tons of other species do, too! Learn about some forest-dwelling friends and why forest habitats are so important for them. FEE: Included with the price of admission.

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Fossils in Michigan Sunday, March 17, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. From extinct corals to extinct mammals Michigan has been found to be a source of a wide range of fossils. Join us at the OAC to learn about the many different kinds of fossils and where you can go fossil hunting to add to your own collection. Guests will also have the opportunity to take home their own fossil cast. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pollinators Unite! Saturday, March 23, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. In celebration of National Plant a Flower Day, we are offering the chance to plant and take home a flower to nurture for the pollinators in your neighborhood. Learn about birds, bees and other pollinators and why they are so important to plant life and even to our own survival. Help them get the job done by taking home a packet of seeds to plant this spring. FEE: Included with the price of admission. March Mascot Madness Saturday, March 23, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Are you a huge fan of college basketball? Have you ever wondered the origin of team mascots? If so, then join us in celebration of March Madness in Detroit by delving into the history of different schools’ mascots and their animal counterparts in Michigan. We’ll include paper stamping, crafts, and interactive displays of animal pelts. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Michigan’s Mink Saturday, April 6, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Found across the Great Lakes region, the mink lives a semi-aquatic life. With partially webbed toes, the mink is an excellent swimmer diving up to 15 feet underwater. Join us at the OAC to learn more interesting facts about the mink, while you examine a mink skull, prints and pelt. FEE: Included with the price of admission. International Beaver Day Sunday, April 7, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate our wonderful, water-dwelling beavers! Learn about how they earned their nickname as “nature’s engineers,” their habitat, and their important role in the fur trade.

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FEE: Included with the price of admission. Egg-cellent Adventure Saturday, April 13, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. We’ll celebrate the upcoming nesting season by exploring wild bird nests and eggs. Examine the materials of a real bird nest and explore how wild bird eggs compare to the familiar chicken egg. We’ll have crafts and story time for our young learners. You can even design your own wild bird egg to take home with you! FEE: Included with the price of admission. National Astronomy Day Sunday, April 14, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m Camping out and not ready to end the night? Having a sleepover for the kids and ran out of ideas? We’re so excited for National Astronomy Day that we’re celebrating a week early! Learn how to read a constellation map and enjoy the stars on a night out. Create a starry craft so you can relish those constellations in your home. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Earth Day Extravaganza Saturday, April 20, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Earth is home to all of us, and it is so important that we take care of it! Join us this Earth Day to learn about the positive and negative impact that our everyday actions have on our planet. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in various family-friendly activities to help the Earth, including making reusable shopping bags from old t-shirts (bring your own t-shirt and get an earth-friendly prize!), sampling environmentally friendly cleaning products, and making a craft with recycled materials from Arts & Scraps! Activities may vary throughout the duration of the event depending on the number of participants and available supplies. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Arbor Day Saturday, April 27, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

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Appreciate the beauty and importance of trees this Arbor Day at the Outdoor Adventure Center. Learn which trees are best suited for where you live, get some tips on where to buy native tree species for planting, and learn a bit about how to identify trees on your own! FEE: Included with the price of admission.

Get Outside OAC Outdoors: Wonderful Winter Saturdays, January 12 – March 2 (weather permitting), 2:00 p.m. Join us outside at the OAC for a fun winter activity. From ice fishing and snowshoeing to snow pictionary and sledding; these are all activities that can be enjoyed right outside our front door and across the state. Our activities will be weather and condition-dependent. Check the OAC Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. Throw your winter gear in the car, just in case! FEE: Included with the price of admission. MLK Day of Service Sunday, January 20, 12:00 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. observed, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?” Join us, along with individuals around the country, to take "a day on, not a day off.” We will spend time outdoors cleaning up litter and debris that has settled around the OAC, along the Dequindre Cut, and within the Milliken State Park area. Participants will earn a commemorative 2019 OAC service patch. Throughout the week, we will show a video honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. FEE: Admission complementary upon completion. OAC Outdoors: Michigan Free Fishing Weekend Saturday, February 16, 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2:00 p.m. Take advantage of this opportunity to fish Michigan’s premiere waters! We will learn about proper ice fishing equipment and safety practices. We’ll also provide the equipment and guidance for you to try some ice fishing at Milliken State Park.

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We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. Ice conditions permitting. Dress appropriately to ensure an enjoyable time. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. National Old Stuff Day Saturday, March 2, 2:00 p.m. There is no limit on how you can change up your day. Let’s take a stroll in Milliken State Park and discover some of the oldest things in nature around us. We’ll explore the oldest part of the riverfront and enjoy fellowship on nature trails. We invite and encourage guests to share any personal stories and experiences of the area on this hike. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Prohibition History Hike Along the Detroit Riverfront Saturday, March 16, 12:00 p.m. Before St. Patrick’s Day arrives, join us as we hike down the river front and learn the role prohibition, the Detroit River, and the proximity to Canada had on setting the stage for a hotbed of local bootlegging activity. Discover the role prohibition had on creating a “South Detroit” known as Walkerville and how some of the crafty breweries survived prohibition enforcement in Detroit through product diversification or other means. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Ring-necked Pheasant Morning Hike Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m. Join OAC staff, Detroit Audubon, and Pheasants Forever for a morning hike to look and listen for our resident ring-necked pheasants around the OAC and Riverfront. We’ll discuss the history of this beautiful game bird and why it has found a home here in Detroit. A limited number of binoculars will be available for loan. Be sure to join us for Grasslands are Great!,

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following the hike, at 11 a.m. to learn more about pheasants, grasslands, and other wildlife that depend on this important habitat. Meet at the OAC front doors at 8:30 a.m. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Our Seniors’ Nature Photo Stroll in the Park Sunday, April 7, 2:00 p.m. Join us for a springtime stroll, taking pictures of nature in April. Taking photos of animal life, plant life, and more. This activity is designed for our 60+ friends who like to stroll at their leisure photographing and discussing their picturesque discoveries with their own phones or cameras. Weather permitting. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Spring into Action: Dequindre Cut and Milliken State Park Community Cleanup Saturday, April 13, 2:00 p.m. Calling all who care deeply about our parks and valuable green spaces for urban wildlife! Join us along with Detroit RiverFront Conservancy as we spring into action, hiking down the Dequindre Cut Greenway and through Milliken State Park to collect any garbage and restore the beauty of the park. Participants will earn a commemorative 2019 OAC service patch. FEE: Admission complimentary upon completion. Dequindre Cut Graffiti Hike Saturday, April 20, 2:00 p.m. What do the Hygienic Dress League, Fell300ft, and Malt all have in common? You can find many of their murals just outside our front door on the Dequindre Cut. Join us for an urban hike through the Dequindre Cut and learn the history behind the murals and street art found throughout the trail. The total distance this hike will cover will be two miles. This hike will be dog-and wheelchair-friendly!

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We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. Cameras are encouraged. FEE: Included with price of admission. Hiking the Paper Trail: An Origami-Themed Hike Saturday, April 27, 2:00 p.m. Have you ever gone hiking? How about hiking while doing origami at various points along the trail? Join us for “Hiking the Paper Trail” as we hike through Milliken State Park and learn about the various trees found throughout the park while making some paper folds to build a paper crane! Participants will be given a piece of origami paper at the start of the hike and leave with a completed origami crane by the end of the trail. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission.

Just for Fun! Origami Wildlife Day Craft Saturday, January 12, 2:00 p.m. Develop your origami skills with us at our origami wildlife craft workshop as we go through folding steps at a fun and easy to follow pace. Learn how to make a traditional paper crane in addition to creating origami versions of our favorite local wildlife such as the grey wolf, red fox, bullfrog, and black bear. This educational craft is fun for all ages and origami is a great skill to pick up for passing free time. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Happy Birthday Michigan! Saturday, January 26, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. It’s Michigan’s 182nd Birthday! Come celebrate at the Outdoor Adventure Center. Stop by our featured Michigan exhibit table to learn a little about our great state, observe our state symbols up close, and grab a tasty birthday treat!! FEE: Included with the price of admission.

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Random Acts of Kindness Day Sunday, February 17, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Join us in making craft projects for friends and to send to the VA hospital and Cass Community Social Services. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Wildlife March Madness Month of March This year’s Wildlife March Madness is a battle of the habitats! Vote for your favorite wildlife whether they live in wetlands, forests, prairies, or lakes and rivers! Which habitat is going to be home to this year’s champion?! Cast your vote at the Outdoor Adventure Center on our Facebook Page! Family Game Day: Minute to Win It Saturday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Challenge begins in 3....2...1.... Are you ready to put your skills to the test? Join us at the OAC for a family game day Minute to Win It-style. Using household items competitors will have to work together or cheer each other on to complete challenges. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Pisanki (Pisanky) Egg Decorating Saturday, March 30, 2:00 p.m. The Eastern European art of “writing” on eggs in a batik process for the Easter season. The symbolism in the awakening of spring in the artform of using a stylus and molten beeswax with various dye to write messages on eggs using symbols rather than words. Join instructor Susan Walker and her friends from Riverside Kayak Connection to learn this process. Participants must be 14 or older (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: $15 per person Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event.

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Plant an Indoor Herb Garden Sunday, April 28, 12:30 p.m. What better way to get started on a garden than planting one you can keep indoors? Visit the OAC today to start your very own herb garden. Choose your favorite herb from our selection and plant some seeds in a starter container to take home with some simple care instructions to help it grow! We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. Supplies available on a first come first serve basis. FEE: Included with the price of admission. One container per family while supplies last.

Just for Kids MARCH – March is Reading Month! We have two separate opportunities to win a classic Michigan children’s book, and we will have interactive presentations from the authors of two Michigan-focused children’s books throughout the month. Keep your child on a path to reading here at the Outdoor Adventure Center! Cub Club: Burrowing Buddies Saturday, January 19 11:00 a.m. A special set of opportunities for our youngest guests. Children ages 3-7 will enjoy a story time, arts and crafts, and hands-on nature experiences. This session will focus on animals that burrow to stay warm underground during the winter. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Young Explorers Club: Detroit River Fish and Introduction to Ice Fishing Saturday, February 16, 11:00 a.m. Calling all kids ages 8-12 who want to get outdoors and explore our local nature and wildlife! For each bi-monthly program, we will add entries to a nature journal, which participants can

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make here and bring back each time. February’s program will focus on local fish species, and an opportunity to try some ice fishing at Milliken State Park, dependent on ice conditions. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Cub Club: All About Beavers! Saturday, March 16, 11:00 a.m. A special set of opportunities for our youngest guests. Children ages 3-7 will enjoy a story time, arts and crafts, and hands-on nature experiences. This session will focus on the features and habitat of North America’s largest rodent, the beaver. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Let’s Get Crafty! Sunday, March 17, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Missed out on National Children’s Craft Day on March 14? Satisfy your craving for crafts and create a masterpiece with your crafty kid. Take home a list of crafts ideas for your continued enjoyment. All ages welcome. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Young Explorers Club: Signs of Spring Saturday, April 20, 11:00 a.m. Calling all kids ages 8-12 who want to get outdoors and explore our local nature and wildlife! For each bi-monthly program, we will add entries to a nature journal, which participants can make here and bring back each time. April’s program will focus on the signs of spring. We’ll

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explore the riverfront and Milliken State Park to look and listen for nature’s signs of the warm weather and longer days to come. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event.

Live Animals Michigan Mammals with Howell Nature Center Saturday, January 19, 2:00 p.m. Join Howell Nature Center for a fun and educational program about some magnificent wildlife… Michigan mammals! Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of our state’s mammal residents and their habitats, followed by a Q&A and a chance to get an up-close look at some furry fauna. MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Please check-in at front desk to receive your wrist bands. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Live Raptors with Michigan Avian Experience Saturday, February 16, 2:00 p.m. Join Michigan Avian Experience to meet some of Michigan’s live birds of prey, which may include a hawk, eagle, owl, and/or falcon, to reveal their remarkable survival adaptations and behaviors. Visitors will have the opportunity to feel feathers and explore skulls and other bird parts like feet and bones. MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Please check-in at front desk to receive your wrist bands. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Understanding Owls with Leslie Science and Nature Center Sunday, March 10, 2:00 p.m.

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Join Leslie Science and Nature Center for an opportunity to learn the fascinating characteristics of some nighttime predators … owls! Guests will even get a chance to meet a few of these brilliant birds! MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Please check-in at front desk to receive your wrist bands. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Black to Gray (Grey): The Story of Michigan’s Rat Snake Saturday, March 30, 2:00 p.m. Join us and our live grey rat snake for a presentation on the story of this threatened species. We will discuss how they managed to survive in our state despite habitat fragmentation and unwarranted attacks from humans. Discover the gray rat snake’s valuable natural services and how survival of all Michigan snakes is greatly beneficial to the health of our environment. This is a great program for those fearful of snakes and snake enthusiasts alike. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. MEMBER BENEFIT: Early seating for members. Please check-in at front desk to receive your wrist bands. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Down on the Farm in Downtown Detroit – Upland Hills Farms at the OAC Sunday, April 14, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Agriculture is an important part of Michigan’s past, present, and future. Meet some of our farm animal favorites right here at the OAC. Our archery range will be transformed into a barn, and you will be able to get up close to cows, pigs, chickens, and more! This is a popular exhibit – there may be a wait during hours of operation. MEMBER BENEFIT: Members can arrive at 11 a.m. to visit the farm animals. FEE: Included with the price of admission. We will also be joined by representatives of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and other agricultural associations in Michigan, who will be sharing information and resources about Michigan’s rich agricultural heritage and the importance of farm-fresh food.

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The more you know… Beekeeping Basics Saturday, February 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Interested in becoming a beekeeper? Brian Peterson, founder of Bees in the D, will guide you through the basics of beekeeping. You will learn about honey bees, different hive designs, placement and set- up of hives, beekeeping equipment, and proper hive maintenance. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Meet Coretta Scott King Sunday, February 24, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Rosie Chapman always knew she wanted to be a teacher/actress. As an English major and theatre minor, Bluffton University afforded her the opportunity to perfect her skills as an actress. For the past 20 years, she has graced audiences in Scotland, Australia, Germany, Canada and all over the United States. Her one woman shows portraying Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Madame C. J. Walker, Marian Anderson, Maya Angelou and Mary McLeod Bethune are unforgettable. All ages enjoy her delivery of folktales from around the world. Through audience participation, Rosie’s "edutainment", combining educating, entertaining, involves her audience in a performance that tickles the soul, warms the heart and stimulates the mind. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Career Day – Wild for Wildlife Sunday, March 3, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Have you ever wondered what types of jobs DNR workers take on and the responsibilities they come with? Meet some of the DNR’s finest employees at our very own Career Day — just like the one you used to have in school. This session will introduce ecology and take a dive into how we observe wildlife and help manage it. There will be a 30-minute meet and greet following presentations. School groups are encouraged to attend!

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We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. The Real Weasels of the Wolverine State Saturday, March 16, 2:00 p.m. Michigan is home to eight species of weasel, but the wolverine is not one of them! Join us for this family-friendly program, where we’ll take a look at these secretive animals through an interactive presentation and hands-on activities. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Grasslands are Great! Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. Pheasants depend on high-quality grasslands for nesting and raising their young. Grasslands are important to you and me as well! Did you know that grasslands help to improved air and water quality, and that the animals that live there help to pollinate crops? We’ll talk about different types of grasslands, the creatures that live there and how the DNR manages them for pheasants, deer, songbirds, and more! FEE: Included with the price of admission. At 8:30 a.m. we will take a walk to look for our resident ring-necked pheasant.

March is Reading Month Meet Local Author, Jaimie Ruthenberg: “Miles Finds a New Friend” Sunday, March 3, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. It is time for the fall harvest! In the spirit of good will and sharing, Miles helps his mother by distributing baskets of what they picked from their garden to nearby neighbors. While doing so, Miles meets someone new to the neighborhood, and his name is Henrik! Miles notices that Henrik seems lonely and has yet to find a friend. Because of this, Miles finds a way to be a good friend to someone who needs one most. Find out how Miles’ kindness changes a new friend’s

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life in “Miles Finds a New Friend.” Books and a plush of Miles will be available for purchase after the reading. FEE: Included with the price of admission. “The Legend of Sleeping Bear” at the OAC Sunday, March 24, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. In honor of Reading Month, we’re celebrating the classic Michigan story, “The Legend of Sleeping Bear.” Come by the OAC to participate in a “Sleeping Bear”-themed scavenger hunt throughout the building, and earn a chance to win your own copy of this Michigan classic to take home with you. FEE: Included with the price of admission. “A Beaver Tale: The Castors of Conners Creek”: Presentation by local author and illustrator Gerry Wykes Sunday, March 24, 2:00 p.m. Mr. Wykes will be here with his children’s book, “A Beaver Tale: The Castors of Connors Creek.” Come hear the story of the inspiration for this book, the writing and illustration process, and of course, the story of the first family of beaver to return to the Detroit River in over 100 years! Mr. Wykes will give a lively and informative presentation, which includes hands-on materials. Book sales and signing opportunity to follow. FEE: Included with the price of admission. “Paddle to the Sea” at the OAC Sunday, March 31, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. In honor of Reading Month, we will be celebrating the classic children’s book, “Paddle to the Sea,” by Holling C. Holling. “Paddle” is a small wooden carving of an American Indian seated in a canoe, who is set off on a journey through the Great Lakes all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. During his journey he experiences incredible adventures and meets many friends who help him along the way. Come participate in a fun “Paddle”-themed scavenger hunt in the OAC to earn a chance at winning your own copy of this award-winning classic. FEE: Included with the price of admission. “Benson’s Adventures in Michigan” at the OAC: Presentation by authors Shannon Cooper-Toma and Tracy Foster Saturday, April 6, 2:00 p.m.

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This presentation will inspire students, parents, and educators to start DREAMING BIG! The authors will share their writing journey, as well as engage students in a writing activity with a life-sized postcard. They will also share an exciting video of the student-based project. Tracy and Shannon bring a fun photo booth featuring a six-foot Benson, vintage travel suitcases, and everything MICHIGAN for the families and students to enjoy before and after their presentation. Book signing and sales will follow the presentation. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Explore Paddling with an Expert! Missouri River Voyage: 86 Days in a 17 Foot Canoe Saturday, January 19, 1:00 p.m. Journey down America's longest river with Gary and Linda, paddling 2,341 miles through seven states, starting in Three Forks, Montana and ending in St. Louis, Missouri. Share the highs and lows of their adventure, from paddling through the most beautiful scenery in the country to abandoning the tent and taking shelter in a vault toilet to survive a tornado. Because the Mighty Mo was at flood stage all summer, the current was fast and legal campsites without herds of cows were hard to find. As Gary said later, this trip was not for the faint of heart! Gary and Linda DeKock have paddled together for almost 50 years, and surprisingly, are still married and on speaking terms. After retiring five years ago, they began planning longer paddling trips, including their 2,291-mile Mississippi River Voyage and 1,173-mile Five Rivers Voyage (Wisconsin, Mississippi, Illinois, Des Plaines, and Chicago rivers). They feel privileged to be able to do what they love to support their favorite cause. To date, their voyages have raised over $66,000 for Water For People. We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Explore Paddling with an Expert! The Best Way to See the World is From the Seat of a Kayak Saturday, February 9, 2:00 p.m. Riverside Kayak Connection hosts a presentation with longtime kayak enthusiast Steve Lutsch, Steve began kayaking over 50 years ago. His exploits began as a boy on the Detroit River and have continued to points across the globe. His stories and photographs of kayak adventures have been published in magazines in Canada, the USA, the UK and Europe. Join Riverside Kayak Connection and Steve as he shares stories and photos and learn why he believes "the best way to see the World is from the seat of a kayak." We recommend joining the fun at the start time. We may not be able to accommodate those who arrive more than 15 minutes into the activity.

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FEE: Included with the price of admission.

Special Events 2019 OAC Lumberjack Weekend: Farm-to-Table, Maple-Flavored Plaid-Tie Dinner Friday, March 8, 7:00 p.m. Forget the stuffy Black-tie event, throw on your fanciest flannel and join us for a “Plaid Tie” gourmet four-course meal. In collaboration with our Lumberjack weekend, this farm-to-table dinner will incorporate Pure Michigan maple syrup into the evening’s featured dinner, dessert, and beverage menu. As we keep it local and keep it fresh, we welcome you to join us for a fun, educational and flavorful dinner. Each guest will also receive a surprise take-home treat. All proceeds from this event will support the Friends of the Outdoor Adventure Center; a nonprofit organization that directly supports programming and exhibits at the Outdoor Adventure Center. FEE: $55.00 For more information check the OAC Facebook page or email us at [email protected] Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. 2019 OAC Lumberjack Weekend: Annual Lumberjack 5k and .5k Pancake Fun Run Saturday, March 9 7:30 a.m.: Check in/on-site registration 8:00 a.m.: 5K Run Begins 9:00 a.m.: Costume judging and pancake breakfast 9:30 a.m.: .5K Fun Run Begins 10:00 a.m.: Pancake breakfast continues Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and maple syrup enthusiasts alike! We invite you to join us as we run with the maple sap of our Michigan maple trees. This year, lumberjack runners will have the chance to compete in a two man saw competition, dive into a pile of pancakes covered in pure Michigan maple syrup and show off their unique lumberjack style in our best-dressed competition! A free archery lesson will be given to the top-dressed lumberjacks – be sure to dress to impress with all your flannel and lumberjack swag. Race fee includes: • A flat, fast, there and back course along the Dequindre Cut • Custom medal to first 100 online registrants • Custom buff

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• Pancake breakfast • Admission to the Outdoor Adventure Center on race day FEE: $20 per runner General admission rates apply for supporters, plus $3 for pancake breakfast. Pre-registration is recommended for supporters. Click here to register for this event. 2019 OAC Lumberjack Weekend: Lumberjack Day Saturday, March 9, 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. Grab your favorite flannel and join the Michigan DNR Forest Resources Division and the U.S. Forest Service. We will be celebrating all things related to the forests of Michigan – maple syrup, lumberjack skills, products of the forest, chainsaw artists in action and more! A maple taffy station will be available post run allowing guests to roll up maple taffy onto popsicle sticks. FEE: Included with the price of admission. 2019 OAC Lumberjack Weekend – Michigan Lumbering Days and Camp Life: When the Big Trees Fell, Presented by David and Al Eicher Saturday, March 9, 2:00 p.m. Two-hundred years ago, the early pioneers of the Michigan territory wrote about the majestic forests, the tall white pines, and the great oaks. Come explore Michigan's first settlements and earliest forms of lumber harvesting, and the important roles of diverse groups of people throughout Michigan's forests, sawmills, and towns - back when white pine was King! This presentation is focused primarily towards an adult audience, though children are welcome. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Girl Scout Lock-In Saturday, February 2, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts, come explore the wild side of nature long into the night with Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and the Outdoor Adventure Center! At this late-night lock-in event, girls will explore the interactive nature exhibits, go on a night hike, roast marshmallows over a bonfire, sing camp songs, and so much more. Girls will earn one of four badges, work on the Winter Get Outdoors Challenge, earn the 2019 Global Action Award and earn the Outdoor Education mini-patch for their Outdoor Skills patch.

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FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. This event will SELL OUT! Registration is handled through the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. For more information, please contact 313-870-2638. Overnight Family Campout Check in Saturday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Check out Sunday, February 17 at 9:00 a.m. Join us for the INDOOR campout at the Outdoor Adventure Center! Learn how to pitch a tent, build a campfire, and roast marshmallows. We provide everything for an evening of fun: games and activities for the entire family including – s’mores, bottled water, and a pancake breakfast. Children of all ages are welcome! Each site can accommodate up to six people with an eight-person tent. Please email us with your tent dimensions if you have an oversized tent. Don’t forget to pack a sleeping bag, air mattress and pillow! A limited number of loaner tents are available (be sure to register separately for a loaner tent). Quiet time begins at 11:00 p.m. No alcohol allowed at this event. Utility carts will be available for unloading and transporting equipment to our second-floor campsites. FEE: $15 per person Pre-registration required. This event will SELL OUT! Click here to register for this event. Registration ends on February 11 or when event fills. Meet Michigan’s Alien Invaders! Saturday, February 23, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Have you ever thought about what you can do to help protect our local environment? Learning about the invasive species that threaten our natural areas is a great place to start. Stop by the OAC today to find out who these invaders are and what you can do to prevent their spread through hands-on displays and activities. We will be joined by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission along with other special guests from a variety of natural resource management agencies that are actively working to rid our ecosystems of these damaging pests! FEE: Included with the price of admission.

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Homeschooler Jamboree Friday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Bring your young scholars to the Outdoor Adventure Center to explore different topics set up at a variety of education stations on this day. This event is specifically for homeschool parents and their children who are looking for a fun, educational experience. FEE: Included with the price of admission. Pre-registration required. Click here to register for this event. Michigan Farm to Table Sunday, April 14, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Did you know that there are more than 50,000 farms in Michigan? Or that Michigan farmers produce more than 300 agricultural products? Join us today to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of our State! The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Keep Growing Detroit and other Michigan farm associations will be on site to share information and resources about Michigan farms, agricultural products, nutrition, and careers in agriculture. Also, be sure to stop by our petting farm today, brought by Upland Hills Farm to get up close and personal with some familiar farm animals. FEE: Included with the price of admission.

Who Wore It Best? The adventure buff (a head wrap that can be worn many different ways) is the signature souvenir for the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Submit a photo of yourself, members of your family or a whole group wearing the OAC buff. Each newsletter, we are going to select the best submissions and award prizes. Simply post your best photo to our Facebook page. Start snapping those selfies – we can’t wait to see your best photos.

Afternoon Adventures for Adults Is your senior group looking for a new experience? We have a great new adventure for your consideration. Begin your trip with a lunch in Rivertown then join us at the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center for a self-guided experience or attend a special program just for your group. Looking to make a day of it? Spend your morning at beautiful Belle Isle!

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The following restaurants are available to book a group dining experience - mention the OAC to get special group rates!:

• Andrew’s on the Corner, 201 Jos Campau, 313-259-8325 • Atwater Brewery, 237 Jos Campau, 313-877-9205 • They Say, 267 Jos Campau, 313-446-4682

After lunch, head over to the Outdoor Adventure Center for a self-guided tour (just $2 per person) or add an interesting program. See program options below – for just $2 more per person. Complete your application and submit today – these spots will go fast. Arrival times for Afternoon Adventures are 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Outdoor Adventure Center closes at 3:00 p.m. each weekday. Each class is one hour long. Must have a minimum of 20 guests. Start your reservation at www.michigan.gov/oac, then choose Educate, then Adult Afternoon Programs. Program choices include: Fishing 101 Fishing is a lifetime sport, and it is never too late to try it. If you have never fished, or you are looking for a chance to refresh your skills, this session will include discussion of licenses, fish identification and behavior, strategies, and local water to visit and try your luck. Birding for Beginners The Detroit River is an amazing place for birders. From our regular friends who live and nest here to the thousands who visit us through fly-ways – we are in a great place to begin a birding hobby. You will learn the basics of birding and practice some bird ID along the riverfront. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be available for loan. Dress for the weather. Birth of a Land Ethic Explore Michigan’s White Pine Era and lessons learned about the wise use of natural resources. An interesting journey through Michigan’s history. City Slickers Learn the special adaptations of wild mammals in urban environments. Explore the concepts of predator-prey relationships and identify common wild mammals in Detroit. Weather permitting, this could include a walk on the RiverWalk or Dequindre Cut – both are paved and flat, with no steep grades or hills.

Field Trips for School, Camp and Church Programs Plan a day of adventure and fun.

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Groups of every age will be inspired by the richness of Michigan’s natural resources. All school educational programs align with Michigan’s Grade Level Content Expectations. General admission for groups is $2 per person (both children and adults), available for groups of 20 or more. A class can be added for $2 additional per student.

• Team-building class options for adults and children. • Information to help prepare for your group trip • Field Trip Application for Groups

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 844-622-6367. Groups of 20 or more will not be admitted without a confirmed reservation.

Group Retreat Experience We have expanded our offerings to include a team building experience for corporate clients and for teens. If your company or organizations is looking for a getaway to regroup and refresh – we have lots of options. Active Nature Experience: guided Bird Walk, Wetlands Walk, River Walk, Dequindre Cut or City Mammal walk Active Outdoor Experience: guided Dequindre Cut bike ride with a history of the area, Camping 101, snowshoeing, kayaking (at Belle Isle) Team Building: 1 or 2 hour facilitations for groups can include a meal! Time for Change: 1 or 2 hour facilitations designed to encourage new ideas Goal Setting/Personal Development: designed especially for middle and high school groups Complete an application today and one of our terrific team members will contact you to create a custom experience for your group. Click here for application.

Scout Badge Workshops All badge workshops are by appointment for troops. Open workshops are by pre-registration only. There are a limited number of spots available – please sign up early. Upon the completion of the session, the Scout will have earned the badge described (actual badges awarded by your troop at a later date). Scouts will also be given a special Outdoor Adventure Center patch for their brag vests. Cost is $10 per Scout and includes all-day admission to the Outdoor Adventure

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Center. Must have a minimum of eight Scouts to reserve a badge workshop. NEW! Girl Scout Cadette-Archery Badge Workshop. Please submit the Scout Badge Workshop Application form to register. For more information, please contact us at 844-OAC-MDNR (844-622-6367).

Heritage Girls Badges Beginning in fall 2017, the Outdoor Adventure Center is now offering programs to fulfill badge requirements for the American Heritage Girls! We can help troops meet requirements for the following badges:

• Archery • Fishing • Hiking • Nature and Wildlife • Outdoor Skills • Insects • Our Feathered Friends • Zoology

Our programs will meet nearly all requirements for Girls to earn full badges at the Tenderheart and Explorer levels. If you are looking for ways to meet requirements at the Patriot and/or Pioneer levels, please submit a Scout Badge Application. This can be found at www.michigan.gov/oac. Click here for application.

Refund Policy (Refund policies for contractual programs may differ from DNR Outdoor Adventure Center policies.) To receive a refund for a program or event, you must contact the OAC staff by email ([email protected]) at least two (2) business days prior to the event date. This allows us to place persons on a waiting list in your spot. Without this timely notice, a full refund is not available.

Back Cover Outdoor Adventure Center 1801 Atwater Street • Detroit, Michigan 48207 844-OAC-MDNR (844-622-6367) www.michigan.gov/oac • [email protected]

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This newsletter is posted on our website and is available by email. Visit www.michigan.gov/oac and click on “About Us” then “Contact/Connect” and look for the red envelope to sign up. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.