Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center

22/06/2026

🌼🐝 It's Pollinator Week! Visit Wolf Lake and stroll our trails to see pollinators in action as bees, butterflies, beetles, and other busy creatures help keep our ecosystems healthy and thriving. Every flower visited is another step in supporting wildlife and the natural world around us! 🌿🦋

Bees, butterflies, beetles, flies and even hornets…it’s your week. Pollinator Week!

You probably know that pollinators are essential to have around (food is good) but you may not know how small things you do can help them.

Here are a few easy ways you can turn your yard, patio, or balcony into a pollinator paradise right here in Michigan:

Plant Mitten-State Natives 🌸: Native plants are perfectly adapted to our climate and are exactly what Michigan's 450+ species of native bees are looking for. Try planting Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm), Purple Coneflower, or Black-Eyed Susans.

Not Just Monarchs 🦋: Planting milkweed for monarch butterflies is great, but all species could use a hand. Think about species like pussytoes, golden alexanders and New England aster for other caterpillar and butterfly species.

Rethink Your Lawn 🚜: Let the dandelions and clover grow a little longer before mowing, especially in the spring when early-season pollinators are starving for food.

Blooming Early 🌼: Plant early blooming trees like serviceberry and maples (red/sugar), shade flowers like hepatica and spring beauty, and full-sun plants like prairie smoke and golden ragwort to help pollinators first thing in the spring.

Provide a Backyard Drink Station 💧: Pollinator work is thirsty business! Fill a shallow dish or birdbath with water and add a few pebbles or marbles. OR consider planting cup plants and watch pollinators drink from the water that collects in them - naturally

Skip the Pesticides 🚫🐝: Chemical sprays don't differentiate between pests and helpers. Try natural pest management strategies instead to keep our buzzing friends safe.

You don't need a massive farm to make a difference. A single window box of native flowers can provide a lifeline to a hungry pollinator.

What are you planting this summer? If you need help, we've added additional resources to help you assist our pollinator pals.

21/06/2026

🎉🌊 What an incredible day at the Kalamazoo River Cleanup Celebration! 🌊🎉

A huge thank you to the Kalamazoo Conservation District for hosting such a fantastic event focused on protecting and improving our local waterways.

Our special guest, the mighty Lake Sturgeon, was a crowd favorite and a wonderful ambassador for clean rivers and healthy aquatic habitats! 🐟💙 More than 165 participants stopped by our booth to learn how healthy ecosystems support fish populations and why clean water matters for all the wildlife that call our rivers home.

Every piece of litter removed, every conversation shared, and every person inspired helps create a brighter future for Michigan's waterways. Together, we're making a difference ~ one river, one fish, and one community at a time!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit our sturgeon steward and celebrate conservation with us! 🌎✨

p.s. Fun to be next to our Kalamazoo Nature Center friend, Jackie!


Michigan Department of Natural Resources 🐟🌿💧 Kalamazoo Nature Center

19/06/2026

📚🐟 Fish Stories at Wolf Lake! 🐟📚

We had a fin-tastic time hosting the Kalamazoo Public Library for their recent Fish Stories event at Wolf Lake! Families enjoyed story time, hands-on activities, crafts, and the chance to learn and play outdoors with KPL librarians.

Missed the June event? No worries—you still have two more chances to join the fun!

🗓️ Upcoming Fish Stories Dates
📍 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery
⏰ 10:30–11:30 a.m.

🐠 July 15
🐠 August 19

Bring a chair or blanket and settle in on the lawn for a morning of stories, activities, crafts, and outdoor fun. It's a great way to connect with nature, spark a love of reading, and make some summer memories!

☀️📖 Perfect for young learners and their families!

🐟📚🌿
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

17/06/2026

Participate in our Hook, Line, & Sinker programs ~ get signed up for a chance to win a fishing rod donated by D&R Sports Center ~ Fish on!

17/06/2026

ARCHERY CANCELLED 6.17.26

Due to the forecasted heavy rain and thunderstorms this evening, Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Arrows Away Archery is cancelled.

All participants have been automatically registered for the rescheduled program next Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for the same time slot they were registered for today.

If participants are unable to make the rescheduled program, we encourage you to register for a future program this summer at www.tinyurl.com/arrowsawayarchery

Stay safe!

Thank you, Wolf Lake Visitor Center Staff

Introductory archery program for ages 8+. All equipment and instruction is provided. Safety is our #1 priority. Please be on time. Arriving late and missing the safety instruction may result in not being able to participate. Pre-registration is required. 10:30 am & 12:30 programs last 1.5 hours5:00....

17/06/2026

🎉🐟 Come celebrate a cleaner, healthier river at the Kalamazoo River Cleanup Celebration! Stop by and say hello to our amazing lake sturgeon ambassadors, one of Michigan’s most ancient and fascinating fish. Learn, explore, and celebrate the difference we can make together for our waterways! 🌊💙

🐟🌿 Michigan Department of Natural Resources

CELEBRATION!

Don't forget to go celebrate with us at Mayors Riverfront Park (Kzoo Parks) from 12PM - 2PM!!

We know, everyone gets hungry after a cleanup, so don't forget to swing by tog et your free food and enjoy games, music, watershed education and so much more!

15/06/2026

🎣🐟 A Friendly Fishing Reminder from Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery! 🐟🎣

We love seeing people excited about fish, fishing, and the outdoors AND here's an important reminder:

🚫 Fishing is not allowed at Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery except during designated programs such as Hook, Line & Sinker or approved community and school group events.

Sometimes visitors mistake the hatchery for the nearby Wolf Lake (located north of M-43), while others may simply not realize the rules. Our ponds are working hatchery ponds where fish are raised to support Michigan's fisheries and provide educational opportunities for visitors.

😊 A few catch-phrases:

💬 "The fish are off-limits here, they're still in school."
💬 "You're close! The fishing lake is just north of M-43."
💬 "These fish have important jobs ahead of them, helping support Michigan waters."

Our goal is to keep the hatchery a safe place for fish, wildlife, learning, and exploration for everyone who visits.

Thanks for helping us protect these future fish and for being great stewards of this special place! ❤️🌿

🐟🌊🎣

12/06/2026

08/06/2026

🎣🌅 Friday Night (Fishing) Just Got Better! 🌅🎣

Looking for a fun way to kick off your weekend? We've added Friday evening Hook, Line, & Sinker sessions beginning June 19!

Young anglers will have the opportunity to learn fishing basics, cast a line, and experience the thrill of catching fish in a safe and supportive environment at Wolf Lake! 🐟

🎣 Ages 3–16
🪝 All fishing equipment and bait provided
🐟 Catch & release only
✅ Registration required
📋 Check the registration page for dates, times, and additional program details
💵This is a FREE event!

Whether it's your child's first fish or their fiftieth, Hook, Line, & Sinker is a great way to build outdoor skills, confidence, and lasting memories! 🌿💙

⚠️ Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot!
🔗 Registration link is posted in the comments.

Who's ready to reel in some Friday night fun on the 19th? 🎣😄

P.S. A few spots still left for Saturday, June 13th @ 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

🐟🌅🎣
Michigan Department of Natural Resources