The free event begins with a potluck picnic at 5:30 p.m., followed by several environmental tales by Lansing storyteller, Tim Bogar.

"This event was started by sponsors who wanted to get people involved in local environmental activity," Bogar said.

He said the stories aim to create ecological awareness in the minds of younger children as well as adults. Each story will focus on the impact that humans have had on Michigan's environment.

Bogar will begin by telling the story of the great fire of 1881, Michigan's devastating inferno caused by wastes created by the lumbering industry.

Another story will focus on ecology hero Julia "Butterfly" Hill, who protested forest destruction by living in a Redwood tree for two years.

Bogar hopes the event and its scenic location will draw a crowd between 50 and 100 people.

"The event will be in a nice little location by the river and the mulberry bushes and fireflies will create a nice atmosphere," said Bogar.

Amy Davis

Dateline extended for election suggestions

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has extended the deadline for public suggestions on how to improve Michigan elections until the end of the month.

"We have received some excellent suggestions that are being incorporated into the plan," Land said in a statement. "Public input is at the heart of this process, and it is important we provide residents with ample opportunity to comment."

Michigan will reform some of its past election formats when it receives $45 million in federal funding through the Help America Vote Act, or HAVA. The funding will help bring in new election equipment and ensure that voters with disabilities have access to voting polls. The plan will also make it easier for people living outside the country to vote.

Comments and suggestions on the plan can be e-mailed to the Michigan Department of State at havaplan@michigan.gov, or comments can be sent by mail to the Michigan Department of state Bureau of Elections, Attention: HAVA plan at P.O. Box 20126 Lansing, Mich., 48910.

Antonio Planas