Pack a lunch, grab your hat and don’t forget the sunscreen; next Sunday the annual Huron River Day will be in full swing at Gallup Park. Come join your friends and neighbors, bring the kids and experience all that the Huron River has to offer in one action-packed day. The Huron River Watershed Council invites you to take in the scenery with area water conservationists. Begin the day at 8:30 a.m. with a river swim followed by a continental bagel breakfast. REI and the Huron River Watershed Council bring you free, family-oriented paddle instruction for both canoe and kayak. Or, join the tour led by a nature expert and learn more about Huron’s riparian flora and fauna while enjoying a leisurely paddle. Kayak and canoe Rentals during Huron River Day are just $5, but those who bike to the event will be rewarded with free boat rentals courtesy of Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition. Both beginner and seasoned fishermen alike can learn to cast wet and dry flies from local fly fishing instructors. There will be booths and exhibits discussing the Huron river ecosystem plus games and activities for kids, like the Envirochallenge, Storytelling or the Live Animal Program put on by the Leslie Science Center.

Whether you’re new to the river scene, or paddle the Huron daily, Huron River Day is a great way to get in the loop while catching up on the latest conservation news. Area businesses and local nonprofit groups, like the Huron River Watershed Council and Huron-Clinton Metroparks, pool their resources to make Huron River Day a success. It is a great way to get the kids away from the video games. It’s free and, best of all, the event focuses on bringing the community closer to its natural resources. Come out and play this Sunday, the water’s great!