2020 Schedule
Below is the 2020 schedule. The 2020 Schedule at a glance is first, and the details of each event is below that. Check back for updates on possible fall events and the 2021June festival.
All participants must register online. Registration is $10 per adult, and free for those 17 and under.
All participants must register online. Registration is $10 per adult, and free for those 17 and under.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Field trips / hikes / paddles in black
Presentations in blue
Tuesday Evening: June 2, 2020
6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Sunset Paddle
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Managing Michigan’s Large Animals
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drummond Island: Maxton Plains and Beyond
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Government Island Tour
6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Sunset Paddle
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The LSSU Center For Research and Education - Forging a new path for freshwater research at the nexus of the Great Lakes
Thursday, June 4, 2020
5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Birding Munuscong Bay
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Carnivorous Plants in Northern MI
9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hiking the Woollam Preserve
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Citizens Science Program: Michigan Butterflies
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Bark Beetles and Wood Borers
1 p.m. to Early Evening The Fascinating World of Ferns
2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Exploring Search Bay Area
6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Full Moon & Sunset Paddle
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Honey Bees: Their world, work and honey
Friday, June 5, 2020
5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Birding By Ear
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Birding for Warblers and Waterfowl
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Exploring the Leopold Preserve
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Fascinating World of Ferns
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Beginning Birding
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Finding and Identifying Wild Orchids
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MI Paddle Stewards Workshop & Kayak Trip
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. I-Naturalist Program
3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Bring Back the Bats
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Full Moon & Sunset Paddle
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aldo Leopold - Les Cheneaux and Beyond
8:15 p.m. to dark Sunset Birding for Grassland & Marsh Birds
Saturday, June 6
5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Birding By Ear
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Grassland and Marsh Birds
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Birding for Warblers and Waterfowl
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Birding the Narnia Trail
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Exploring for Wildflowers
8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Carnivorous Plants in Northern MI
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Water Quality Experiments
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children’s Hike through the Birge Preserve
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children’s Hike through the Derby Preserve
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Amazing Migration of Birds in Les Cheneaux
3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch
4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Water Quality Experiments Results
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunset Paddle
7 p.m.to 8 p.m. A Picturesque View of Les Cheneaux
8:15 p.m. to Dark Sunset Birding for Grassland & Marsh Birds
Sunday, June 7
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Birding for Grassland and Marsh Birds
7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Birding the Narnia Trail
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Finding and Identifying Orchids
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Exploring for Wildflowers
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Les Cheneaux Farmer's Market
6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Sunset Paddle
|
Registration, Maps and Programs
available all weekend at the Hessel School House 3206 W. Cedar Road Hessel, MI 49745 Phone: 906.484.1333 office@hesselschoolhouse.net |
Detailed Schedule of Events -
Field Trips / Hikes / Paddles in Black
Presentations in Blue
TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 2
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave., Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount code ALDO)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: Managing Michigan’s Large Game Animals
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: David Jentoft, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
David Jentoft is a biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, his responsibilities include managing the welfare of Michigan’s larger game animals, including bear, elk, deer, moose, and wolves. Some species are protected, due to federal order or limited populations. This program offers a special opportunity to find out how the state develops census numbers, hunting quotas, etc., and what changes may be on the horizon.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Drummond Island – Maxton Plains and Beyond
Time: 8:15 a.m. to late afternoon
Location: Drummond Island Ferry Dock
Group Leaders: Robert and Sheridan Haack
Limit: 25 participants
Cost: $25 each, includes a box lunch (specify non-vegetarian or vegetarian)
Once again we will host a trip to Drummond Island, led by two summer residents who love the island. You will visit the Maxton Plains Preserve first. There are several good birding locations as well as other ecological settings such as Helen Lake, an old-growth white cedar stand, and a pitcher-plant bog. All hiking will be leisurely. Participants will drive between locations. You are free to leave the outing and schedule your return trip on any ferry which leaves Drummond Island. Ferries leave at 10 minutes past each hour. Please bring appropriate footwear. Some areas may be wet.
Schedule for Drummond Island:
8:40 a.m. Drummond Island Ferry departs from DeTour Village
Plan to be at the ferry from about 8:20 to 8:30 to get in line. The ferry leaves promptly at 8:40 a.m. Service is first come, first served. Ferry cost (round trip) is $14 per car and driver, plus $2 per each additional passenger. CASH ONLY but senior discounts are available.The trip from the Hessel School House to the DeTour Village ferry takes approximately 35 minutes. (More details will be sent by email to each participant prior to the field trip)
Government Island Tour
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leaders: Dan Reelitz & Sarah Reding
Limit: 15 participants
Cost: $25 - includes a box lunch
Nestled among the Les Cheneaux archipelago is the amazing Government Island, the only publicly owned island in this unique area. The island was kept out of private ownership and used as the staging area for building the lighthouses on northern Lake Huron. Today, it is still under federal jurisdiction and operated by the US Forest Service as a recreational area. There is an impressive trail that meanders around the perimeter of the island which is great for bird watching, wildflowers, and viewing pristine undisturbed habitat along the Great Lakes.
Good walking shoes, binoculars, and ability to get in out of a boat required.
(Transportation to the island will be provided. Details forthcoming to those who register.)
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: LSSU’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education: Building Capacity in the Great Lakes
Presenter: Ashley Moerke, Lake Superior State University
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
A great new asset to the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior State University is the Richard and Theresa Barch Center for Freshwater Research & Education. The center is building a new facility which is scheduled to open in 2021. Programming at the new building will focus on education, community engagement, and research to sustain Great Lakes resources. This will be a great opportunity to learn about this significant new resource and the benefits it will bring to the Eastern UP and across the Great Lakes.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Birding Munuscong Bay: A Wetland Gem of the Great Lakes
Time 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Pickford Sunoco Gas Station (11 miles north of Cedarville on M-129)
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 Participants
Additional Cost: $25
More than 50% of coastal Great Lakes wetlands have been destroyed in the last 150 years. Munuscong Bay provides a shining example of the massive and sprawling Great Lakes marshes and wetlands that were once found across every region of the Great Lakes. This trip will take you out to the dikes on Munuscong Bay, a great place to see birds that love the wetland and make it their favorite place to nest and call home. Black Tern, Sedge Wren, and American Bittern are often found here along with a number of other secretive marsh species. The views here are spectacular and will be the perfect place to eat lunch with your new friends. Boxed lunch provided as part of this trip.
Carnivorous Plants in Northern MI
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Derek Shiels
Limit: 12 participants
Once again, the Niagara Escarpment provides some of the rarest plants imaginable. Pitcher plants, Sundews, Bladderworts, and Butterworts all have their own strategies to lure and digest arthropod prey. These plants are near or in water. Be prepared to wear appropriate footwear to keep your feet dry.
Hiking the John Arthur Woollam Preserve
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Rich Tuzinsky
Limit: 15 participants.
In case you don’t wish to be up early, but do want to explore one of the beautiful preserves, join Rich as he leisurely leads you through the Woollam Preserve, which includes the beautiful Narnia Trail. After one tour, you will surely return again as the Woollam Preserve is one of the best kept secrets in the area.
Citizen Science Program: Michigan Butterflies
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Ashley Cole-Wick, Zoologist, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Ashley’s research centers on our state's rare and endangered butterfly species. Michigan is home to around 140 butterfly and skipper species, but many of them are declining or already gone. Join us to learn about her organization's work around Michigan as well as unique butterfly species, common and rare, that you can find in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Bark Beetle and Wood Borer Calligraphy
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Robert Haack
Have you ever seen squiggly tunnels on the wood surface of a log or dead tree where the bark had fallen away and wondered who made them? At this talk, Bob will discuss the life cycles of bark beetles and wood borers with a focus on the tunnels they create. He will also explain how to identify borers by the sizes and shapes of the exit holes created by adults when they leave the tree. Bob will also give updates on some of the major exotic (non-native) forest insects in Michigan and nearby.
The Fascinating World of Ferns
Time: 1:00 p.m. to Early Evening
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 15 participants
The Niagara Escarpment is rich with plant life found only in this area, including several fern species. Ferns are the oldest living organisms in a forest, older than many of the trees that tower over them. Ferns have changed little over 200 million years. If they could talk, they could tell us about the dinosaurs. Join Steve to learn about local fern species and how to identify them.
Exploring the Search Bay Area
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader(s): Wil Reding
Limit: 25 participants
Join the Friends of the Les Cheneaux Trails group and spend some time exploring the Search Bay area. Expect to see spectacular views of Lake Huron while exploring rarely-used trails. This trip will pass by a beaver pond with a visible lodge as well as wonderful cedar habitat along the Lake Huron shoreline.
Full “Strawberry” Moon Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Additional pre-registration at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: Honey Bees: Their World, Work, and Honey
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Roger Morrison
Join local apiarist expert Roger Morrison for a fascinating presentation on the life, work, and food of the honeybee.
Friday, June 5
Birding By Ear
Time: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Michael Carlson
Limit: 15 participants
Knowing the sounds that birds make can enhance your identification skills as well as your enjoyment of avian music. Spring and summer bird songs are best heard at dawn. Michael will identify the birds you hear and give tips for remembering them on this engaging and exciting birding hike.
Birding for Warblers and Waterfowl
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
This trip will visit hot spots for amazing breeding bird species, including the Clark Township wastewater lagoons and a few nearby protected bays and marshes. Clark Township’s DPW manager and crew were recognized for their work to effectively manage the lagoons that attract such a variety of birds. We will also look for breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, and marsh birds.
Exploring the Leopold Preserve
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Anne Fleming
Limit: 12 participants
Cost: $25 (Includes a sack lunch and boat ride to/from the Leopold Preserve)
Join the group that knows the Aldo Leopold Preserve, including those who helped make the preserve possible. This tour is for experienced hikers. Be sure to include appropriate footwear that will keep your feet dry as there are several places on the preserve that, with our exceptionally high water level, are flooded.
The Fascinating World of Ferns
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Derek Shiels
Limit: 15 participants
The Niagara Escarpment is rich with plant life found only in this area, including several fern species. Ferns are the oldest living organisms in a forest, older than many of the trees that tower over them. Ferns have changed little over 200 million years. If they could talk, they could tell us about the dinosaurs. Join Derek to learn about local fern species and how to identify them.
Beginning Birding
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Sarah Reding
Ever wish you could enjoy birding as a pastime but were afraid to join the regular birding trip for fear of displaying your lack of knowledge? Well, you have to start somewhere. Why not with other beginners? Join a group wishing to learn the basics of identifying birds quickly with Sarah the bird geek! Bring your binoculars. A few pairs will be available for use during the trip.
Finding and Identifying Wild Orchids
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 12 participants
The Hiawatha National Forest, located west of Hessel, provides excellent opportunities to view wild orchids and other rare flowers. Steve Baker knows where to find them, but we must limit the number of participants because these areas are very fragile. Our goal is to make sure orchids remain for future generations to enjoy.
MI Paddle Stewards Workshop and Kayak Trip
Leader: MI Sea Grant's Mary Bohling + additional workshop leaders
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Limit: 20
Cost: No extra cost thanks to a grant from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
The MI Paddle Stewards program seeks to turn recreational paddlers into allies in the fight against invasive species. In this fun and educational workshop, we will start out learning about different aquatic invasive species and how to identify them, then head out on a paddle trip on nearby waters to view invasive species habitat as well as excellent bird territory. We will work on identifying invasive species on the water and learn about the fascinating ecology and bird life. The program will wrap up with a boat-cleaning demonstration.
After registering you will get a follow up email with additional details and a request to provide more information, to make sure your kayaks are prepared properly for you.
I-Naturalist Program
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Derek Shiels
I-Naturalist is an online database and social media network for learning the name of that bird that comes to your feeder or that flower along the trail that you’ve been wondering about. It is also a way for a community of naturalists, biologists, and other nature enthusiasts to harness their collective power as citizen scientists to gather information on biodiversity. Any casual photograph when submitted to I-Naturalist can become part of a warehouse of biological information that will inform and direct the conservation of plants and animals in northern Michigan. Come see what it’s all about.
Bring Back the Bats
Time: 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Scott Myers
Local bat enthusiast Scott Myers has been researching the Little Brown Bat, a species that has seen its population decline since the introduction of White Nose Syndrome. Scott will explain the syndrome, discuss how he tracks bat populations, and reveal intriguing facts about these nocturnal animals.
Full “Strawberry” Moon Paddle
Time: 6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (note different time)
Location: Woods & Waters, 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount code ALDO)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: Aldo Leopold - Les Cheneaux and Beyond
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Steve Brower * See page ?? for more information.
At an early age, Aldo Leopold's family guided him into a conservation career by connecting the humanities to nature through an education tied to outdoor adventures. Natural spots in his hometown of Burlington, Iowa, and the contrasting landscapes of the Les Cheneaux Islands area provided Aldo with surprises that kept him searching for more discoveries in the wild. The values he discovered in childhood provided the foundation for developing his “Land Ethic” and should serve as a model for how we raise children today.
Sunset Birding for Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 8:15 p.m. to dark
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
Join experienced guide Elliot Nelson on an evening caravan to Pickford to view grassland and marsh birds. The group will bird a portion of the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, known as Munuscong Potholes. Participants will see and hear bird species that are active in the evening hours, including Wilson's Snipe, Upland Sandpiper, sparrows, American Bittern, rails, and possibly owls.
Saturday, June 6
Birding by Ear
Time: 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Michael Carlson
Limit: 15 participants
If you slept in yesterday, this is another chance to wake up with the birds. Join Michael and hear their first songs of the day, and hone your birding-by-ear skills.
Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Darrell Lawson
Limit: 15 participants
Tour the grasslands of the Pickford area to find rare upland birds. The hay fields and marshes of this region, some of the highest quality in the state, attract many unique species. Targets include Le Conte’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Upland Sandpipers, and Sharp-tailed Grouse. An effort will be made to visit the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, to view Mourning Warblers and Golden-winged Warblers.
Birding for Warblers and Waterfowl
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
This trip will visit hot spots for amazing breeding bird species, including the Clark Township wastewater lagoons and a few nearby protected bays and marshes. Clark Township’s DPW manager and crew were recognized for their work to effectively manage the lagoons that attract such a variety of birds. We will also look for breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, and marsh birds.
Birding the Narnia Trail
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School
Group Leader: Dave Ewert
Limit: 15 participants
One of the area’s most picturesque nature spots, the John Arthur Woollam Preserve leads to a shoreline path called the Narnia Trail. This is a great place to see newly arrived warblers that have just crossed Lake Huron.
Exploring for Wildflowers
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leaders: Sarah and Wil Reding
Limit: 12 participants
Extraordinary naturalists Wil and Sarah Reding will lead you to a spring wonderland of wild flowers. Expect a slow educational hike along one of our many local nature preserves.
Carnivorous Plants in Northern MI
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 12 participants
Once again, the Niagara Escarpment provides some of the rarest plants imaginable. Pitcher plants, Sundews, Bladderworts, and Butterworts all have their own strategies to lure and digest arthropod prey. These plants are near or in water. Be prepared to wear appropriate footwear to keep your feet dry.
Water Quality Experiments
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Kevin St. Onge
Limit: 12 participants
Kevin St. Onge, Eastern Upper Peninsula STEM Region director, will lead you through a very interesting experience involving the use of water quality to assess ecosystem health. You will carpool to a couple of Lake Huron feeder streams where you will collect and analyze water and macro-invertebrate samples. From there you will return to Hessel School House where Kevin will lead you through the process of analyzing your samples and using that data to generate a "scientific story”.
A group lunch (self pay) is scheduled at the Islander Bar and Grill in Hessel. You will then return to Hessel School House to develop your findings. If your group wishes to prepare those findings for a later day presentation, we will do so prior to the evening presentation.
A Children’s Hike through the Birge Preserve
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Little Traverse Conservancy Staff
Join the Little Traverse Conservancy staff for a fun and educational hike at the Birge Preserve, located one mile west of Hessel, on Pt. Brulee Road.
A Children’s Hike through the Derby Preserve
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Little Traverse Conservancy Staff
Join the Little Traverse Conservancy staff for a fun and educational hike at the Derby Preserve located by the Les Cheneaux Links in Cedarville.
The Amazing Migration of Birds in Les Cheneaux
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Dave Ewert and Robert Haack
Have you ever noticed in the springtime that cloud, which looks like smoke, rising above the coniferous trees, especially along the shores? Those clouds are mostly midges, a type of fly that migrating birds eat for protein. The birds arrive hungry and tired and that is the protein source that they use to refuel.
Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Steve Baker
Not only do we have fantastic small bird watching, we also have some of the best raptor watches in Michigan. Join Steve Baker as he explains the “Straits Watch Program” and how you could participate.
Water Quality Experiments Results
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Kevin St. Onge
Participants in the Water Quality Experiments Workshop will present their findings. Where did they go? What did they do? How did they do it? What did they find?
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hesse
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: A Picturesque View of Les Cheneaux
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Ms. Terri Donaldson
Ms. Terri Donaldson, a local photographer, has captured the natural beauty of the Les Cheneaux wildlife and landscapes in such a way as to keep you connected to the area. Please join Terri’s first showing of her photos that capture our mutual love of the area.
Sunset Birding for Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 8:15 p.m. to dark
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
Join experienced guide Elliot Nelson on an evening caravan to Pickford to view grassland and marsh birds. The group will bird a portion of the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, known as Munuscong Potholes. Participants will see and hear bird species that are active in the evening hours, including Wilson's Snipe, Upland Sandpiper, sparrows, American Bittern, rails, and possibly owls.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Darrell Lawson
Limit: 15 Participants
Tour the grasslands of the Pickford area to find rare upland birds. The hay fields and marshes of this region, some of the highest quality in the state, attract many unique species. Targets include Le Conte’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Upland Sandpipers, and Sharp-tailed Grouse. An effort will be made to visit the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, to view Mourning Warblers and Golden-winged Warblers.
Birding the Narnia Trail
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School
Group Leader: Dave Ewert
Limit: 15 participants
One of the most picturesque preserves in the area is the John Arthur Woollam Preserve, which leads to a shoreline path called the Narnia Trail. This is also a great place to see newly arrived warblers that have just crossed Lake Huron.
Finding and Identifying Wild Orchids
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 12 participants
The Hiawatha National Forest, located west of Hessel, provides excellent opportunities to view wild orchids and other rare flowers. Steve Baker knows where to find them, but we must limit the number of participants because these areas are very fragile. Our goal is to make sure orchids remain for future generations to enjoy.
Exploring for Wildflowers
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Moria (Pat) Wilson
Limit: 15 participants
Beloved local naturalist, Pat Wilson will guide participants through easy terrain to see some of the delightful plant species of the area.
Les Cheneaux Farmer’s Market
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
While here, participate in the local Farmer’s Market which is held each Sunday at the Hessel School House. A variety of organic vegetables, breads, and artisan crafts are on display and available for purchase.
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:3015 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Presentations in Blue
TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 2
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave., Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount code ALDO)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: Managing Michigan’s Large Game Animals
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: David Jentoft, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
David Jentoft is a biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, his responsibilities include managing the welfare of Michigan’s larger game animals, including bear, elk, deer, moose, and wolves. Some species are protected, due to federal order or limited populations. This program offers a special opportunity to find out how the state develops census numbers, hunting quotas, etc., and what changes may be on the horizon.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Drummond Island – Maxton Plains and Beyond
Time: 8:15 a.m. to late afternoon
Location: Drummond Island Ferry Dock
Group Leaders: Robert and Sheridan Haack
Limit: 25 participants
Cost: $25 each, includes a box lunch (specify non-vegetarian or vegetarian)
Once again we will host a trip to Drummond Island, led by two summer residents who love the island. You will visit the Maxton Plains Preserve first. There are several good birding locations as well as other ecological settings such as Helen Lake, an old-growth white cedar stand, and a pitcher-plant bog. All hiking will be leisurely. Participants will drive between locations. You are free to leave the outing and schedule your return trip on any ferry which leaves Drummond Island. Ferries leave at 10 minutes past each hour. Please bring appropriate footwear. Some areas may be wet.
Schedule for Drummond Island:
8:40 a.m. Drummond Island Ferry departs from DeTour Village
Plan to be at the ferry from about 8:20 to 8:30 to get in line. The ferry leaves promptly at 8:40 a.m. Service is first come, first served. Ferry cost (round trip) is $14 per car and driver, plus $2 per each additional passenger. CASH ONLY but senior discounts are available.The trip from the Hessel School House to the DeTour Village ferry takes approximately 35 minutes. (More details will be sent by email to each participant prior to the field trip)
Government Island Tour
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leaders: Dan Reelitz & Sarah Reding
Limit: 15 participants
Cost: $25 - includes a box lunch
Nestled among the Les Cheneaux archipelago is the amazing Government Island, the only publicly owned island in this unique area. The island was kept out of private ownership and used as the staging area for building the lighthouses on northern Lake Huron. Today, it is still under federal jurisdiction and operated by the US Forest Service as a recreational area. There is an impressive trail that meanders around the perimeter of the island which is great for bird watching, wildflowers, and viewing pristine undisturbed habitat along the Great Lakes.
Good walking shoes, binoculars, and ability to get in out of a boat required.
(Transportation to the island will be provided. Details forthcoming to those who register.)
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: LSSU’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education: Building Capacity in the Great Lakes
Presenter: Ashley Moerke, Lake Superior State University
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
A great new asset to the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior State University is the Richard and Theresa Barch Center for Freshwater Research & Education. The center is building a new facility which is scheduled to open in 2021. Programming at the new building will focus on education, community engagement, and research to sustain Great Lakes resources. This will be a great opportunity to learn about this significant new resource and the benefits it will bring to the Eastern UP and across the Great Lakes.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Birding Munuscong Bay: A Wetland Gem of the Great Lakes
Time 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Pickford Sunoco Gas Station (11 miles north of Cedarville on M-129)
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 Participants
Additional Cost: $25
More than 50% of coastal Great Lakes wetlands have been destroyed in the last 150 years. Munuscong Bay provides a shining example of the massive and sprawling Great Lakes marshes and wetlands that were once found across every region of the Great Lakes. This trip will take you out to the dikes on Munuscong Bay, a great place to see birds that love the wetland and make it their favorite place to nest and call home. Black Tern, Sedge Wren, and American Bittern are often found here along with a number of other secretive marsh species. The views here are spectacular and will be the perfect place to eat lunch with your new friends. Boxed lunch provided as part of this trip.
Carnivorous Plants in Northern MI
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Derek Shiels
Limit: 12 participants
Once again, the Niagara Escarpment provides some of the rarest plants imaginable. Pitcher plants, Sundews, Bladderworts, and Butterworts all have their own strategies to lure and digest arthropod prey. These plants are near or in water. Be prepared to wear appropriate footwear to keep your feet dry.
Hiking the John Arthur Woollam Preserve
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Rich Tuzinsky
Limit: 15 participants.
In case you don’t wish to be up early, but do want to explore one of the beautiful preserves, join Rich as he leisurely leads you through the Woollam Preserve, which includes the beautiful Narnia Trail. After one tour, you will surely return again as the Woollam Preserve is one of the best kept secrets in the area.
Citizen Science Program: Michigan Butterflies
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Ashley Cole-Wick, Zoologist, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Ashley’s research centers on our state's rare and endangered butterfly species. Michigan is home to around 140 butterfly and skipper species, but many of them are declining or already gone. Join us to learn about her organization's work around Michigan as well as unique butterfly species, common and rare, that you can find in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Bark Beetle and Wood Borer Calligraphy
Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Robert Haack
Have you ever seen squiggly tunnels on the wood surface of a log or dead tree where the bark had fallen away and wondered who made them? At this talk, Bob will discuss the life cycles of bark beetles and wood borers with a focus on the tunnels they create. He will also explain how to identify borers by the sizes and shapes of the exit holes created by adults when they leave the tree. Bob will also give updates on some of the major exotic (non-native) forest insects in Michigan and nearby.
The Fascinating World of Ferns
Time: 1:00 p.m. to Early Evening
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 15 participants
The Niagara Escarpment is rich with plant life found only in this area, including several fern species. Ferns are the oldest living organisms in a forest, older than many of the trees that tower over them. Ferns have changed little over 200 million years. If they could talk, they could tell us about the dinosaurs. Join Steve to learn about local fern species and how to identify them.
Exploring the Search Bay Area
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader(s): Wil Reding
Limit: 25 participants
Join the Friends of the Les Cheneaux Trails group and spend some time exploring the Search Bay area. Expect to see spectacular views of Lake Huron while exploring rarely-used trails. This trip will pass by a beaver pond with a visible lodge as well as wonderful cedar habitat along the Lake Huron shoreline.
Full “Strawberry” Moon Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Additional pre-registration at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: Honey Bees: Their World, Work, and Honey
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Roger Morrison
Join local apiarist expert Roger Morrison for a fascinating presentation on the life, work, and food of the honeybee.
Friday, June 5
Birding By Ear
Time: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Michael Carlson
Limit: 15 participants
Knowing the sounds that birds make can enhance your identification skills as well as your enjoyment of avian music. Spring and summer bird songs are best heard at dawn. Michael will identify the birds you hear and give tips for remembering them on this engaging and exciting birding hike.
Birding for Warblers and Waterfowl
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
This trip will visit hot spots for amazing breeding bird species, including the Clark Township wastewater lagoons and a few nearby protected bays and marshes. Clark Township’s DPW manager and crew were recognized for their work to effectively manage the lagoons that attract such a variety of birds. We will also look for breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, and marsh birds.
Exploring the Leopold Preserve
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Anne Fleming
Limit: 12 participants
Cost: $25 (Includes a sack lunch and boat ride to/from the Leopold Preserve)
Join the group that knows the Aldo Leopold Preserve, including those who helped make the preserve possible. This tour is for experienced hikers. Be sure to include appropriate footwear that will keep your feet dry as there are several places on the preserve that, with our exceptionally high water level, are flooded.
The Fascinating World of Ferns
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Derek Shiels
Limit: 15 participants
The Niagara Escarpment is rich with plant life found only in this area, including several fern species. Ferns are the oldest living organisms in a forest, older than many of the trees that tower over them. Ferns have changed little over 200 million years. If they could talk, they could tell us about the dinosaurs. Join Derek to learn about local fern species and how to identify them.
Beginning Birding
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Sarah Reding
Ever wish you could enjoy birding as a pastime but were afraid to join the regular birding trip for fear of displaying your lack of knowledge? Well, you have to start somewhere. Why not with other beginners? Join a group wishing to learn the basics of identifying birds quickly with Sarah the bird geek! Bring your binoculars. A few pairs will be available for use during the trip.
Finding and Identifying Wild Orchids
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 12 participants
The Hiawatha National Forest, located west of Hessel, provides excellent opportunities to view wild orchids and other rare flowers. Steve Baker knows where to find them, but we must limit the number of participants because these areas are very fragile. Our goal is to make sure orchids remain for future generations to enjoy.
MI Paddle Stewards Workshop and Kayak Trip
Leader: MI Sea Grant's Mary Bohling + additional workshop leaders
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Limit: 20
Cost: No extra cost thanks to a grant from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
The MI Paddle Stewards program seeks to turn recreational paddlers into allies in the fight against invasive species. In this fun and educational workshop, we will start out learning about different aquatic invasive species and how to identify them, then head out on a paddle trip on nearby waters to view invasive species habitat as well as excellent bird territory. We will work on identifying invasive species on the water and learn about the fascinating ecology and bird life. The program will wrap up with a boat-cleaning demonstration.
After registering you will get a follow up email with additional details and a request to provide more information, to make sure your kayaks are prepared properly for you.
I-Naturalist Program
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Derek Shiels
I-Naturalist is an online database and social media network for learning the name of that bird that comes to your feeder or that flower along the trail that you’ve been wondering about. It is also a way for a community of naturalists, biologists, and other nature enthusiasts to harness their collective power as citizen scientists to gather information on biodiversity. Any casual photograph when submitted to I-Naturalist can become part of a warehouse of biological information that will inform and direct the conservation of plants and animals in northern Michigan. Come see what it’s all about.
Bring Back the Bats
Time: 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Scott Myers
Local bat enthusiast Scott Myers has been researching the Little Brown Bat, a species that has seen its population decline since the introduction of White Nose Syndrome. Scott will explain the syndrome, discuss how he tracks bat populations, and reveal intriguing facts about these nocturnal animals.
Full “Strawberry” Moon Paddle
Time: 6:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (note different time)
Location: Woods & Waters, 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount code ALDO)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: Aldo Leopold - Les Cheneaux and Beyond
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Steve Brower * See page ?? for more information.
At an early age, Aldo Leopold's family guided him into a conservation career by connecting the humanities to nature through an education tied to outdoor adventures. Natural spots in his hometown of Burlington, Iowa, and the contrasting landscapes of the Les Cheneaux Islands area provided Aldo with surprises that kept him searching for more discoveries in the wild. The values he discovered in childhood provided the foundation for developing his “Land Ethic” and should serve as a model for how we raise children today.
Sunset Birding for Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 8:15 p.m. to dark
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
Join experienced guide Elliot Nelson on an evening caravan to Pickford to view grassland and marsh birds. The group will bird a portion of the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, known as Munuscong Potholes. Participants will see and hear bird species that are active in the evening hours, including Wilson's Snipe, Upland Sandpiper, sparrows, American Bittern, rails, and possibly owls.
Saturday, June 6
Birding by Ear
Time: 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Michael Carlson
Limit: 15 participants
If you slept in yesterday, this is another chance to wake up with the birds. Join Michael and hear their first songs of the day, and hone your birding-by-ear skills.
Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Darrell Lawson
Limit: 15 participants
Tour the grasslands of the Pickford area to find rare upland birds. The hay fields and marshes of this region, some of the highest quality in the state, attract many unique species. Targets include Le Conte’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Upland Sandpipers, and Sharp-tailed Grouse. An effort will be made to visit the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, to view Mourning Warblers and Golden-winged Warblers.
Birding for Warblers and Waterfowl
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
This trip will visit hot spots for amazing breeding bird species, including the Clark Township wastewater lagoons and a few nearby protected bays and marshes. Clark Township’s DPW manager and crew were recognized for their work to effectively manage the lagoons that attract such a variety of birds. We will also look for breeding waterfowl, shorebirds, warblers, and marsh birds.
Birding the Narnia Trail
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School
Group Leader: Dave Ewert
Limit: 15 participants
One of the area’s most picturesque nature spots, the John Arthur Woollam Preserve leads to a shoreline path called the Narnia Trail. This is a great place to see newly arrived warblers that have just crossed Lake Huron.
Exploring for Wildflowers
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leaders: Sarah and Wil Reding
Limit: 12 participants
Extraordinary naturalists Wil and Sarah Reding will lead you to a spring wonderland of wild flowers. Expect a slow educational hike along one of our many local nature preserves.
Carnivorous Plants in Northern MI
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 12 participants
Once again, the Niagara Escarpment provides some of the rarest plants imaginable. Pitcher plants, Sundews, Bladderworts, and Butterworts all have their own strategies to lure and digest arthropod prey. These plants are near or in water. Be prepared to wear appropriate footwear to keep your feet dry.
Water Quality Experiments
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Hessel School House
Group Leader: Kevin St. Onge
Limit: 12 participants
Kevin St. Onge, Eastern Upper Peninsula STEM Region director, will lead you through a very interesting experience involving the use of water quality to assess ecosystem health. You will carpool to a couple of Lake Huron feeder streams where you will collect and analyze water and macro-invertebrate samples. From there you will return to Hessel School House where Kevin will lead you through the process of analyzing your samples and using that data to generate a "scientific story”.
A group lunch (self pay) is scheduled at the Islander Bar and Grill in Hessel. You will then return to Hessel School House to develop your findings. If your group wishes to prepare those findings for a later day presentation, we will do so prior to the evening presentation.
A Children’s Hike through the Birge Preserve
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Little Traverse Conservancy Staff
Join the Little Traverse Conservancy staff for a fun and educational hike at the Birge Preserve, located one mile west of Hessel, on Pt. Brulee Road.
A Children’s Hike through the Derby Preserve
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Little Traverse Conservancy Staff
Join the Little Traverse Conservancy staff for a fun and educational hike at the Derby Preserve located by the Les Cheneaux Links in Cedarville.
The Amazing Migration of Birds in Les Cheneaux
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Dave Ewert and Robert Haack
Have you ever noticed in the springtime that cloud, which looks like smoke, rising above the coniferous trees, especially along the shores? Those clouds are mostly midges, a type of fly that migrating birds eat for protein. The birds arrive hungry and tired and that is the protein source that they use to refuel.
Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Steve Baker
Not only do we have fantastic small bird watching, we also have some of the best raptor watches in Michigan. Join Steve Baker as he explains the “Straits Watch Program” and how you could participate.
Water Quality Experiments Results
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Kevin St. Onge
Participants in the Water Quality Experiments Workshop will present their findings. Where did they go? What did they do? How did they do it? What did they find?
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hesse
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
Evening Presentation: A Picturesque View of Les Cheneaux
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
Presenter: Ms. Terri Donaldson
Ms. Terri Donaldson, a local photographer, has captured the natural beauty of the Les Cheneaux wildlife and landscapes in such a way as to keep you connected to the area. Please join Terri’s first showing of her photos that capture our mutual love of the area.
Sunset Birding for Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 8:15 p.m. to dark
Location: Hessel School House
Group Leader: Elliot Nelson
Limit: 15 participants
Join experienced guide Elliot Nelson on an evening caravan to Pickford to view grassland and marsh birds. The group will bird a portion of the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, known as Munuscong Potholes. Participants will see and hear bird species that are active in the evening hours, including Wilson's Snipe, Upland Sandpiper, sparrows, American Bittern, rails, and possibly owls.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Grassland and Marsh Birds
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Darrell Lawson
Limit: 15 Participants
Tour the grasslands of the Pickford area to find rare upland birds. The hay fields and marshes of this region, some of the highest quality in the state, attract many unique species. Targets include Le Conte’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Sedge Wren, Upland Sandpipers, and Sharp-tailed Grouse. An effort will be made to visit the Munuscong State Wildlife Management Area, to view Mourning Warblers and Golden-winged Warblers.
Birding the Narnia Trail
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School
Group Leader: Dave Ewert
Limit: 15 participants
One of the most picturesque preserves in the area is the John Arthur Woollam Preserve, which leads to a shoreline path called the Narnia Trail. This is also a great place to see newly arrived warblers that have just crossed Lake Huron.
Finding and Identifying Wild Orchids
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Steve Baker
Limit: 12 participants
The Hiawatha National Forest, located west of Hessel, provides excellent opportunities to view wild orchids and other rare flowers. Steve Baker knows where to find them, but we must limit the number of participants because these areas are very fragile. Our goal is to make sure orchids remain for future generations to enjoy.
Exploring for Wildflowers
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Hessel School House
Group Leader: Moria (Pat) Wilson
Limit: 15 participants
Beloved local naturalist, Pat Wilson will guide participants through easy terrain to see some of the delightful plant species of the area.
Les Cheneaux Farmer’s Market
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Hessel School House
While here, participate in the local Farmer’s Market which is held each Sunday at the Hessel School House. A variety of organic vegetables, breads, and artisan crafts are on display and available for purchase.
Sunset Paddle
Time: 6:3015 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Location: Woods & Waters: 20 S. Pickford Ave, Hessel
Cost: $95 Adults / $80 Youth ($80/$65 with discount)
Pre-register at shop or woodsandwaters.eco.
To participate in any of the Aldo Leopold events we request that you purchase an Aldo Leopold Festival wristband.
Wristbands are available through the online registration. You can pick your wristband up at the Hessel School House (Avery Arts and Nature Learning Center) during regular business hours and on Sunday during the Farmer's Market. The will also be available to pick up at the first event of each day during the festival.
NOTE: Some activities (paddling trips, early week trips, etc.) have separate fees. For complete details see the detailed schedule
Wristbands are available through the online registration. You can pick your wristband up at the Hessel School House (Avery Arts and Nature Learning Center) during regular business hours and on Sunday during the Farmer's Market. The will also be available to pick up at the first event of each day during the festival.
NOTE: Some activities (paddling trips, early week trips, etc.) have separate fees. For complete details see the detailed schedule