These fun things to do could make you a conservation wiz
Ecology events run from Running Wild at St. Pat's to science-based class for volunteers and land stewards
What if you could help local ecology by joining a fun run (let’s just call it Running Wild)? Or by dabbling in art at a nature preserve? Or hiking a preserve that you’ve never heard of? Or joining a class that will fill you with enough science to impress your friends and land you a cool volunteer gig?
You’ll find each of these in today’s blog.
Each of these events will take you outside, all in the name of conserving our local parks and ecology.
Learn science so you can help local ecology
Perhaps you’d love to volunteer to help local ecology and habitats but don’t feel like you know enough. Is it OK to remove that plant species? Should we build a trail here? An eight-week program will infuse you with the science you’ll need, combining weekly virtual lessons with in-the-field instruction.
The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program, now in its 20th year, comes from Michigan State University Extension. Local sessions will be based in Berrien County, one of six regions that are hosting the program around Michigan.
Sessions will run from Aug. 27 through Oct. 22. The deadline to register is Sunday, Aug. 9 at events.anr.msu.edu/micsp2026. The cost is $250, which includes a copy of a “Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan.” But scholarships are available.
There will be a field trip to Galien River Marsh and to Warren Dunes State Park. A “capstone project” will help with restoring and conserving an ecosystem with guidance from a mentor. Local nature and outdoor education groups will participate, coordinated by Amy Gillan, Doug Morris and Pat Fisher.
The program states that it is for people who are “enthusiastic about learning science-based ecosystem management principles, getting involved in on-the-ground stewardship efforts, sharing their knowledge and experiences with the public, and empowering others to get engaged in improving their local natural areas.”
Contact Amy Gillan at agillan@saintmarys.edu for content questions. Contact Shelby Warner at warner80@msu.edu for general questions. Find more details at events.anr.msu.edu/micsp2026.
Hike with conservation at Perlman Nature Preserve
Hike the Myron Perlman Nature Preserve in Buchanan, Michigan, as you learn from its volunteer stewards, Jane Lohmar and Mike McClure, about their work and the preserve’s history. This 1.2-mile hike from the Harbor Country Hikers will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. The group’s president, Pat Fisher, will also be there to chat about the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (see item above) that he helps to coordinate.
This preserve encompasses 45 acres through farm fields, wetlands and a sprawling beech-maple forest.
The preserve is at 13804 Wolkins Road. From downtown Buchanan, go north on Main Street out of town, left on Miller Road for one mile and right on Wolkins Road and look for the preserve after a half mile on the left.
Nature turns into art at Lydick Bog
Artists from the Northern Indiana Pastel Society will demonstrate the basics of plein air art at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve in South Bend on Saturday, Aug. 1. And visitors will have a chance to help make a multimedia art print inspired by natural elements in the preserve, guided by the South Bend Museum of Art.
The free annual Nature in the Arts program will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lydick Bog, 25898 U.S. 20.
There will be guided hikes, focused on the area’s glacial history, led by staff and volunteers from Shirley Heinze Land Trust, which owns the preserve.
Parking, accessible outdoor restrooms and water will be available.
Running Wild returns to St. Pat’s Park
Running Wild hits the woodlands, open fields, grassy trails and gravel and paved roads of St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend for the 15th year.
On Saturday, Aug. 15, you’re challenged to run or walk a timed 5K cross-country race or hike a 3K Wacky Nature Scavenger Hunt in search of hidden, nature-themed props. Dogs are allowed on the 3K walk, though they must remain on a 6-foot leash.
Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age division, as well as overall male and female champions and overall masters (age 50 and older).
After the race, registered participants will enjoy music, door prizes and a breakfast with gourmet egg bakes from Victorian Pantry, fresh fruit and homemade granola cookies.
The cost is $25 per person for the 5K through Aug. 13, $30 afterwards. It’s $3 cheaper for those ages 14 and younger. The 3K costs $20 through Aug. 13 and $25 afterwards. The Wild Herd Discount for families or groups of three to four costs $50 through Aug. 13 and $55 afterwards.
Race shirts can be ordered online only through Aug. 3 for an extra $12 each ($15 for extended sizes).
Register at https://runsignup.com/runningwild.
Proceeds from Running Wild go to park improvement projects, educational programs and bus transport for school field trips to St. Joseph County Parks. It’s organized by the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, and St. Joseph County Parks.
Volunteers are welcome. To help, call 574-654-3155.
Contact outdoor journalist Joseph Dits at josephdits@gmail.com.
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