The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center today announced a wide array of nature programs taking place in April and May aimed at getting people outdoors.

Green Gardening Program Series: Learn ways to make your garden GREEN by using native plants, composting, collecting rainwater, attracting wildlife, learning about vegetable gardening and the importance of buying local in this four part program series. Pre-registration is strongly recommended. The programs include:

• Composting for Beginners: Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Attracting Birds and Butterflies to Your Garden: Saturday, April 11 from 1-3 p.m.
• Rain Barrels 101: Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Growing Vegetables and Buying Local: Saturday, April 18 from 1-3 p.m.

Spring Beginners Birding: Saturday, April 25 at 10 a.m. The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery grounds are one of the best places in the area to see waterfowl and other birds. Check out what species are headed north during the spring migration. Bring your binoculars, scopes and field guides if you have them. We will have a limited supply on hand for those without.

Spring Fishing Day: Saturday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Catch-and-release fishing for youth ages 5-16. All equipment is provided. Preregistration is required.

Nature Discovery Hike: Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m. See the different plants and animals that call the grounds of the hatchery home including birds, frogs, turtles, snakes and more. Walk is not strenuous, approximately one hour in length and appropriate for all ages.

Spring Wildflower Walk: Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 a.m. Join us to learn how to identify a variety of spring wildflowers including trillium, mayapple, jack-in-the-pulpit and more. Walk is not strenuous, approximately one hour in length and appropriate for all ages.

Volunteer Information Training Session: Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. Are you an experienced angler who would like to share your knowledge of fishing with others? Do you enjoy talking to people and want to learn more about the DNR? A variety of volunteer opportunities are available at the visitor center. Join us for this informative session to find out about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.

Fly Fishing for Beginners: Saturday, May 9 and Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Fly fishing basics will be explored including techniques, equipment and local hot spots. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Preregistration is required.

Hatchery Tours: Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. only. Please call the visitor center for weekday availability in the spring.

All programs are offered free of charge. Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Programs will take place rain or shine. The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is located in Mattawan at Hatchery Road and M-43, six miles west of US-131. For more information, contact Shana McMillan at (269) 668-2876.