Huron Pines and the Pigeon River Country Discovery Center are excited to help bring the MSU Extension Michigan Naturalist North Country program back to Northern Michigan in 2026. This program aims to foster an appreciation for the natural world by providing hands-on experiences in local habitats. Participants will learn about Michigan’s unique habitats, and the plants and animals that inhabit this region. The program also covers environmental challenges and the strategies employed to mitigate them.
This program is six monthly sessions, May through October, with classroom and field components. The indoor sessions will take place at the Pigeon River Country Discovery Center, near Vanderbilt, MI (20 miles NE from Gaylord). The outdoor sessions will take place in various locations around the Pigeon River Country State Forest. These sessions will run from 10 am - 4 pm each Saturday listed below.
Dates & Topics for 2026:
May 9 — Geology of the Pigeon River Country and Michigan
June 13 — Michigan Wetland Wildlife and Habitats
July 11 — Beneficial Insects
August 8 — Michigan Upland and Grassland Habitat
September 12 — Rivers, Lakes Ecology and Habitat
October 10 — Forest Type and Tree ID 101
Capacity is limited. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Vanaman, Community Project Manager, amanda@huronpines.org.
Click the button below and scroll down to “North Country Region Registration” to sign up.