Interested in learning how to get started with backpacking or in bringing butterflies to your garden? There’s still time to register for these upcoming DNR Outdoor Skills Academy classes:

Backpacking Workshop and Overnight Experience
Friday, June 7, and Saturday/Sunday, June 15/16, at Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea

Learn the basics of backpacking – like what and how to pack, meal planning and safety – in the Friday night workshop, then practice with a backpacking experience the following weekend. During this overnight backpacking experience, you’ll take a guided hike along the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail 4.5 miles to Green Lake Campground. Learn about tent setup, meal preparations and backcountry camp stove basics, to go along with a campfire and a comradery-filled evening, then breakfast and a hike back after packing up Sunday morning. Cost is $40 per family, which includes dinner and breakfast.

Register online for the backpacking workshop and overnight experience.

Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants
Saturday, June 8, at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon

This class will cover the basics of butterfly identification, life cycles and habitat needs, the advantages of using native plants in the home landscape, how to use native plants to attract butterflies and other pollinators, how to start your own butterfly/pollinator garden, and the top nectar/larval plants for butterflies. This program will include an indoor presentation and two outdoor sessions in native plantings that will give participants an opportunity to view butterflies, other insects and birds. Cost is $50, which includes lunch, a field guide and other native plant gardening materials.

Register online for Attracting Butterflies with Native Plants.

This Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.