Spend time outdoors celebrating the start of the spring season by attending events at state parks and recreation areas throughout Michigan. Below is a list of what's happening this April.

Monday, April 4, to Sunday, April 10

International Dark Sky Week
Families and friends are invited to come out to various state parks throughout Michigan to enjoy self-guided stargazing during International Dark Sky Week. Bring a blanket, sit back, relax and enjoy the night sky. Click hereto view a list of participating parks. Please call ahead for hours.

Saturday, April 23, to Sunday, April 24

Trail Marathon Weekend at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County)
The Trail Marathon, now in it's 30th year, includes a five-mile run, half-marathon, marathon and 50K event that all start and end at Silver Lake Beach in the Pinckney Recreation Area. For more information and to register, visit www.trailmarathon.com.

Saturday, April 30

Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at Hayes State Park (Lenawee County)
Families and friends are invited to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the park and helping to plant new trees. Lunch will be provided. Participants should meet at the pavilion and bring gloves. For more information, contact the park at 517-467-7401.

Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1

Spring Volunteer Weekend at Charles Mears State Park (Oceana County)
Spend time outdoors by volunteering to help prepare the park for the summer camping season. Saturday evening, volunteers will celebrate a job well done with a potluck dinner. Free camping will be available Friday and Saturday nights for volunteers. For more information, please contact the park supervisor at 231-869-2051.

For further information about these events and more, visit the online calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors, call the park, or contact recreation programmer Elissa Buck at 989-313-0000 or recreation programmer Stephanie Wirtz at 989-686-2790.

Other Events

Hike It Baby, a national parents organization dedicated to bringing families together and out into nature, hosts a number of volunteer-led hikes on Michigan state trails and in state parks. To find a hike visit https://hikeitbaby.com/find-your-city.

Inside Michigan's Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

Many of these events are free to attend, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

To check camping availability and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Contact: Elissa Buck, 989-313-0000 or Stephanie Wirtz, 989-686-2790