The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, located just eight miles west of Kalamazoo, has some free programs in October for families and individuals of all ages. Bring a chair for birdwatching, take a fall color hike, go on an owl prowl, learn about duck migration, and bring the kids—or grandkids—for catch-and-release fishing.

Saturdays, Oct. 8 and 15, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. is Fall Fishing Days. Children ages 3 to 16 can practice catch-and-release fishing. All equipment is provided. Children are guaranteed to fish for 30 minutes. No registration required; fishing slots are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Sunday, Oct. 9, from 8 – 10 a.m. and again from 4 – 6 p.m., join the DNR for “The Big Sit.” Bring a chair and join us in recording as many bird species as we can spot. Bring binoculars, scopes and field guides if you have them.

Saturday, Oct. 22, at 9 a.m., learn about our feathered friends, the ducks and geese that stop at the hatchery’s ponds during migration. Then, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 pm., there will be a fall discovery hike to learn about Michigan trees, and at 7 p.m. an “Owl Prowl” to see owls that live on the hatchery grounds.

Hatchery tours are available each weekend in October and the first three weekends in November. Learn about a variety of fish species, their life cycles and habitats and how the Department of Natural Resources works to protect and conserve Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams to maintain a world class fishery. Tours last 30 minutes and are available Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and on Sundays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

During October and the first three weekends in November, the Visitor Center’s fall hours are Tuesday – Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. There is no admission charge and all events and programs are free.

The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is located in Mattawan at Hatchery Road and M-43, six miles west of US-131.

For detailed information on fall programs, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrvisitorcenters. Click on “Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center” and then “Wolf Lake Current Events Calendar,” or call the visitor center at 269-668-2876.

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.