The Heritage Gathering is an annual conference for individuals, organizations and communities interested in our state's Underground Railroad heritage. Building off last year's gathering, the 2026 conference will provide a variety of opportunities for learning and networking through keynote speakers and group and individual presentations. The 2026 Heritage Gathering will be hosted at Kellogg Community College and focus on the Battle Creek region's contribution to the Underground Railroad.

Hosted by: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Cost: $15 (includes lunch)

Register here!

Learn more about this year's presentations, or connect with Executive Secretary Sheri Giffin (giffins@michigan.gov; 517-231-1299). 

For two nights, astronomers from across southeast Michigan will offer daytime solar telescope viewing and evening observations with a variety of telescopes. Nightly presentations in an enclosed tent will cover topics like the Solar System, comet making, life in the universe, and auroras. Each evening concludes with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. For all ages. No flashlights allowed on the telescope field. The event will be canceled if inclement weather including lightning is forecasted. 

Hosted by: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Cost: Free

Learn more here, or connect with Andrew Haapala (haapalaa@michigan.gov; 810-229-7067). 

It is no secret that Northern Michigan has had its share of recent natural disasters that have left the community looking for answers. In an effort to connect residents with resources, education, and assistance, the Otsego Conservation District, HeadWaters Land Conservancy, and Huron Pines are hosting Conservation Con: Post Storms Community Workshop. This event brings conservation groups, emergency resources, and the public together to share information about environmental disaster mitigation and preparation. Attendees will hear from speakers across forestry, utilities, water quality, environmental services, and emergency management, and will leave better prepared to deal with the aftermath of recent storms as well as future disasters. This event is made possible by a grant from the Disaster Response Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation. This event is free and open to the public. Local residents, conservation professionals, emergency management staff, and community organizations from across Northern Michigan are all welcome.

Hosted by: Headwaters Land Conservancy, Huron Pines, and Otsego Conservation District

Cost: Free

Register here!

Learn more here, or connect with one of the host organizations:

Kelly Draeger, Otsego Conservation District, kdraeger@otsegocountymi.gov, (989) 732-4021
Dianne Farner, HeadWaters Land Conservancy, dfarner@headwatersconservancy.org, (989) 731-0573 ext. 103
Amanda Vanaman, Huron Pines, amanda@huronpines.org, (989) 448-2293 ext. 30

Join a certified foraging expert to learn all about the basics of safe foraging practices. This program includes a lesson on uses of foraged finds as well as a walk through the woods to find what is in season! Learn about what it takes to become a foraging expert and sample some of the provided goods. This class is for those 10 years of age or older. A Recreation Passport is required for entry into Hoffmaster State Park. This class is part of the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy, which offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. 

Hosted by: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Cost: $30

To register for this class, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the "Purchase a license" button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills, or connect with Kaitlin Lindahl (lindahlk@michigan.gov; 269-716-4685). 

Michigan Outdoor Summit is a gathering for all sectors of the state’s outdoor economy to connect, learn, grow, and build together with a vision for the future, health, and vitality of Michigan’s outdoors. Think of us like a base camp for the outdoors — We’ve got a big tent, so everyone should fit just fine! Through programming, networking, and outdoor activities, the Summit focuses on how we strengthen our communities and the outdoor economy and improve health and quality of life for all Michiganders. The Summit is a space intended to elevate the crucial conversation about the importance of the outdoors.

Hosted by: The Conservation Alliance and others.

Cost: $103 - $215

Register here: https://michiganoutdoor.org/tickets/

Learn more here: https://michiganoutdoor.org/

We  invite you to welcome fall and celebrate our forest stewardship journeys at Treetops Resort on October 2 & 3! Our Annual Celebration is a collaborative, educational event curated for Michigan’s woodland stewards and everyone who loves forests.

The event features compelling speakers, field tours, and rich conversations about today’s most pressing forest issues. Attendees generally include MFA members, forestry professionals, academics, and those who love forests.

This year’s theme, “Growing from Forestry’s Deep Roots”, encourages us to explore our past and gain wisdom from all those who came before us in forest management. From Indigenous management practices to the timber era, we will learn how our past shapes practices on the landscape today. 

Hosted by: Michigan Forest Association (MFA), numerous partners

Cost: $125 - $175 (with each additional guest being $50 - $75)

To ask questions please connect with Executive Director Nicole Doyle or Outreach Forester Ellie Johnson.

Register here!

Learn more at the Annual Celebration webpage.