Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery visitor center offers programs

The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, located near Kalamazoo, is offering fun, family-friendly programs in April, focused on gardening, fishing and birding. Go Green Gardening 101, Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Get geared up for gardening season by attending this special 2.5-hour session where local experts share tips and tricks on how to get started. Part I of the program focuses on attracting wildlife to your yard; Part II focuses on starting your own vegetable garden. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for this special program. Fishing for Cans, Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donate your returnable cans and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery will use the revenue to purchase voluntary youth fishing licenses for kids in Michigan. Children under 17 are not required to have a fishing license. However, the purchase of a voluntary license for kids for just $3 brings in at least double that amount in additional federal funds to support Michigan fishing programs. Spring Fishing Days, Saturday, April 21, at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. All equipment is provided for youth to enjoy catch-and-release fishing. The 8 and 10 a.m. slots are open to youth ages 6 to 16, and the 9 a.m. slot is open to kids ages 3-5. Pre-registration is required. Spring Fling with Wings, Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. The hatchery grounds are one of the best places in the area to see waterfowl and other birds. Bring binoculars if you have them or borrow ours and take a guided stroll along the nature trails. Hatchery tours, which last about 30 minutes, are available weekdays by special reservation only; Saturdays 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m.; Sundays 1, 2 and 3 p.m. only. Spring hours of operation: During April and May, the Visitor Center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. These programs are free and open to all ages and skill levels. The walks are not strenuous and are approximately one mile or less. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. For detailed information on what there is to see and do at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, visit www. michigan.gov/wolflakevc. To pre-register for programs, call 269-668-2876. The center is located at 34270 County Road 652 in Mattawan. 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. Copyright © 2012 State of Michigan Published: Thu, Mar 29, 2012