OUTDOORS

The National Park Service has announced that in 2023, there will be five days where admission to sites will be free to the public.

From biking to kayaking to playing basketball, there are lots of fun things to do at the Metroparks, and they want to make sure everyone can participate.

Enjoy renting boats on the Huron River in Ann Arbor this season.

Do you know the best ways to prevent against tick bites?

Sarah Fishburne, director of trend & design at The Home Depot, offers five tips to creating the perfect backyard sanctuary.

While the weather this time of year may be annoying, it is perfect for one thing - making maple syrup! The sweet treat that pairs perfectly with pancakes actually has a long history in Michigan, and you can learn all about it at the Oakwoods Metropark in New Boston.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is offering free nature walks to the community through April.

Hit the ice with the whole family during the annual Buhr Blitz in Ann Arbor.

Are you looking for a fun winter Michigan getaway? Caroline Rizzo with Grand Traverse Resorts joined Tati Amare on “Live in the D” to discuss everything they have to offer.

We asked, you delivered. Here are the winners of the 2022 A4 Fall Photo Challenge.

Learn more about Ann Arbor city parks with a new interactive map.

You can purchase your 2023 Huron-Clinton Metroparks annual park pass right now.

Don't miss the return of LSNC's beloved owl prowls this year.

Help cut back invasive plants during two workdays in November.

Hit the water one last time this weekend at Gallup Park.

Attend a public session to provide feedback input on how to enhance accessibility in the city’s parks and programs.

Don't miss the city's non-scary, nature-inspired event for families this Halloween season.

Fjällräven on downtown’s Main Street has won the 2022 Waste Reduction and Recycling Award.

Enjoy free guided tours for all ages at Matthaei Botanical Gardens this season.

MARVAC RV & Camping Show Detroit

Rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboard this weekend at the Argo Livery in Ann Arbor.

Michigan is partnering with Canada to develop a “cross-border trail tourism” experience that will connect outdoor trails from both countries using the new Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit.

Officials wrote it is unlikely that COVID-19-positive employees were in close contact with general visitors to the pool.

“Due to staffing challenges and ongoing mechanical issues, staff will be altering the end of the summer schedule for the outdoor pools,” said the City of Ann Arbor in an emailed update.

Tree Town is the second-best midwestern city for remote workers who enjoy nature, and the 16th best in the US.

Each kind of trail has its own rules.

Official Contest Rules

Enter for a chance to win an annual pass to all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks!

Camping enthusiasts arrived at 6 p.m. Saturday and don’t plan on leaving until 10 a.m. Sunday morning for Camping on the Cut, hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

For sisters Deb and Tracey Webb, there’s nothing better than teaching a kid how to fish — a lifelong hobby that encourages socialization, teaches patience and problem-solving skills and provides an appreciation of the outdoors.

Join other nature lovers on a stroll through Buttonbush Nature Area later this month.

Today on “Live In The D”, host Jason Carr was joined by Local 4 Style Editor Jon Jordan to talk about how people can get the most out of their yard sale this summer. Yard sales are popular around this time of year and the goal is to get rid of old junk and make some extra cash along the way, or get great finds for cheap.

Michigan has more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails and many of them are built on abandoned railroad corridors, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Named Nature Playscape, the multi-year project has several different features and areas, including a 32-foot slide, tunnel and exploration and building area.

Now that the summer weather has settled in, everybody will be spending more time outdoors. So how can you transform your backyard to be more inviting for all that entertaining and relaxing you plan to do this season? Well, we spoke to the experts at LumberJack Home and Building Center to get their advice on how to build your dream backyard.

New research shows there may be a new way to protect ourselves from mosquitoes: by changing the way we dress.

Know how to best protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks.

Explore the Huron River by learning a new skill this summer.

Bugs are a nuisance during the summer time, there's no denying it -- but there is something you can do about it.

Bugs are a nuisance during the summer time, there's no denying it -- but there is something you can do about it.

According to respondents, the best campsite in Michigan is the Mackinaw Mill Creek campground in Mackinaw City.

The Detroit Riverfront has been voted the most beautiful river walk for two years in a row by USA Today -- and soon, it will be even grander!

The higher temperatures have more kids out and about in their neighborhoods, leaving many parents to worry about their children wandering into the street.

Do you go camping in Michigan? If so, where’s your favorite campsite?

If you’ve never seen a tick in Michigan before, that may soon change: Experts say our state is experiencing a “tick explosion,” with ticks becoming increasingly common.

Food cooked outdoors in the summer just tastes better, right? Well, one cooking method that is really growing in popularity right now is smokers.

If you’ve never seen a tick in Michigan before, that may soon change: Experts say our state is experiencing a “tick explosion,” with ticks becoming increasingly common.

High river levels are pushing back the opening of the Argo Canoe Livery.

Around 10 p.m. on Thursday night, 10,800 birds were flying over Washtenaw County, and 4,500 had completely crossed over the county.

Attend a family-friendly event for a good cause in Ann Arbor.

Whether you want to replace the deck you already have, or add the first one to your home, there are certain things to consider when choosing the best deck for you.

Ann Arbor community members can now fill out an online survey to provide feedback on the local park system.

U-M's Matthaei Botanical Gardens has several internship opportunities available this summer.

Get Outdoors Sweepstakes Official Rules

While the weather this time of year may be annoying, it is perfect for one thing - making maple syrup! The sweet treat that pairs perfectly with pancakes actually has a long history in Michigan, and you can learn all about it at the Oakwoods Metropark in New Boston.

Hourly pay ranges from $15-$23 depending on the position.

While it’s not as comfortable and it might be easier to lose motivation this time of year, colder winter days shouldn't prevent you from running outside.

Just because it is cold in Michigan, it doesn’t mean you should stay indoors for all of winter.

Push yourself to enjoy the great outdoors this season with U-M's annual challenge.

A portion of the BTB trail that had been under construction since the summer will reopen in Ann Arbor this weekend.

Make plans to get out on the water before the Gallup Livery closes.

Half of the large-dog area of Swift Run Dog Park has closed for repairs.

Learn about trees up close at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Ticks are no longer just a problem up north or deep in the woods -- they can be found all across Michigan, and sometimes right in our own backyard

2021 Metro Boat Show

Spending time outdoors could have positive impacts on youth mental, physical health, according to U-M researchers.

Looking to make a few extra bucks in September? Plan a hunt -- for pine cones.

A portion of the Border-to-Border Trail will close for maintenance in Ann Arbor in August.

It may feel like mosquitoes are worse than ever this summer -- and that’s because they are.

It may feel like mosquitoes are worse than ever this summer -- and that’s because they are.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has called for allotting $150 million in federal coronavirus rescue funds for local parks and trails, the second time she has proposed major recreation spending in less than a month.

If you’re planning to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful outdoor offerings this holiday weekend, here are some tips to help you plan ahead and celebrate safely.

When you think of classical music you might think of getting dressed up and going to the theater. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra is putting a twist on your expectations with a brand new outdoor experience.

It’s crazy to think you don’t need a time machine or something like the DeLorean to see what it was like back hundreds of years ago. This Sunday afternoon, June 27 from 1-5 is Log Cabin Day at Palmer Park in Northwest Detroit. The event, unlike in recent years, will be outdoors with things to experience with the family.

Experts suggest wearing sunscreen all day long when spending time outdoors, especially in the summer -- but with so many brands and types of sunscreen to choose from, picking the right one can be overwhelming.

We know not everyone has an endless source of money, so we’ve found an affordable spot that the whole family can enjoy, and it’s just a short drive north.

Dry and hot weather stretches in Michigan have elevated potential fire dangers in parts of the state, mostly in the Upper Peninsula.

U.S. national parks have never been more popular than they are right now -- and some are requiring reservations just to get in.

Even with summertime upon us and things beginning to return to normal, it may be tough for some children to break their screen time habits after the pandemic.

Warning: Cicadas pee a lot.

Each Friday before Memorial Day weekend is known among American meteorologists as “Don’t Fry Day.”

Washtenaw County Parks' summer attractions will open in late June.

For those traveling in Michigan this Memorial Day, especially those with plans to go camping, environmental experts are urging people to leave the firewood at home.

Warm weather is returning to Michigan, and so, too, is the risk from ticks.

Weingartz $500 Giveaway!

U-M's President Mark Schlissel said individuals walking outdoors on campus can go mask-free.

Organizers of Ann Arbor's Westside Art Hop hope to make a return in June with an outdoor event.

The Gallup Park livery will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends, weather permitting.

The weather is getting nicer, so why not get outdoors... in a “grand” setting? The experts at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa share with us 3 ways to enjoy the fresh air up in Grand Traverse.

It’s spring! That means it’s time to get outdoors, take in some fresh air and enjoy.

ANN ARBOR – A section of the Gallup Park Loop Trail is in need of repair and will be under construction starting the first week of April. Work on the segment, between the canoe livery and the boat launch, is set to be completed in early June if weather permits. City staff will put up signs and barricades to direct trail users away from the work zone. Trail users riding, walking, cycling or commuting along the path are asked to follow the posted detour. “While the temporary closure is an inconvenience to users, the replacement of the pathway is intended to provide longer-term durability,” the city said in a news release.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Looking to get out of the house but don’t quite know what to do? Every Saturday in March., the organization is hosting organized walks at parks and nature areas around Tree Town. Throughout March, featured walks will be held on:Participants can win Visit Every Park prizes from Parks & Rec, including frisbees, a walking club patch and a T-shirt, for walking at different numbers of parks. Masks should be worn and community members are encouraged to stay six feet away from those not in their own household. After completing their walk, community members can take this survey and give feedback about the program.

ANN ARBOR – The outdoor public pools at Fuller Park, Buhr Park and Veterans Memorial Park will be open this summer, the city of Ann Arbor announced in an email to its pool users on Tuesday. The city opened Fuller Park pool last summer at a very limited capacity for lap swimming to ensure social distancing while the Buhr and Vets pools remained closed. In order to provide safe programming this year, swim lessons and day camps will take place at designated pools. All three pools will be offering family spaces and lap lanes by reservation as well as bungee swimming opportunities at Fuller and Buhr. (City of Ann Arbor)Reservation systemAfter receiving considerable feedback over challenges with last year’s reservation system at Fuller Park Pool, the new system aims to improve user experience.

Ann Arbor resident Mark Lee stands next to his snow sculpture of an owl in his backyard. ANN ARBOR – Mark Lee began creating snow sculptures in his backyard 11 years ago when he and his young son would build snow forts together. An art school graduate, Lee enjoys the challenge of transforming snow into shapes, objects and faces. Snow sculptures in the shape of animals created by Mark Lee in 2021. “I like the impermanent fact of the sculptures that they’re only here for this brief moment.”Snow sculptures Mark Lee created in 2021 in Ann Arbor.

Go on a socially distanced walk with Ann Arbor Parks & Rec. Happening weekly, the A2ParkWalks will happen at different parks and nature areas around Tree Town. Natural areas and paths are not cleared or salted so participants should consider carrying walking sticks/or poles, according to the A2ParkWalks website. Masks should be worn and community members are encouraged to stay six feet away from those not their own household. AdWalkers are encouraged to take this survey after each walk and tag #a2parkwalks on their social media posts.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. There is an innovative program in which Michigan school children can learn about the outdoors while staying safe at home. Michigan Wildlife Council and the Department of Natural Resources, both big proponents of the great outdoors in Michigan, are major contributors to the program. Watch the video above to hear more about the new programs kids can enjoy, thanks to the Michigan Wildlife Council.

ANN ARBOR – Having just completed the Allen Creek Railroad Berm Project, the city of Ann Arbor is now setting its sights on the creation of a new pedestrian tunnel beneath the railroad near Bandemer Park. City officials and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission staff will hold a public online meeting Wednesday, Dec. 2 to share project goals, refined design based on feedback from residents and the feasibility study recommendations. They will also open up the meeting for public comment after their presentation. City and county officials will also share a proposal to extend the Border-to-Border Trail through Barton Nature Area. For more information about the project, click here.

DETROIT – From the look of the forecast, we’re in for an absolute treat over the next few days. Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid-60′s and you might actually get some sunshine. Local 4′s Tim Pamplin headed outside to find us all a moment of zen. Watch the video above for the full report

Paul Gross has a pro tip for the leaf blowers among us. Watch the video above -- it may change your life! More: Features articles and videos

People work much better when they feel energized and the same is true for students -- especially those who are starting the school year learning virtually. Read more: Kids at HomeRemember as a school kid, how great it felt going back to class after recess? You go out to the bus stop, you walk into your school building and now we’re just kind of waking up and we’re going right to the computer," Nakfoor said. They can spend a minute, two minutes jumping, which is such good movement for the body.”She also recommends cup stacking for younger children. It’s really important get your older kids standing up and they can even do some work while they’re standing up.”Nakfoor said her oldest son like to do wall squats while doing school work.