ALPENA — Free children’s tickets will be offered for glass bottom tours aboard the Lady Michigan this Saturday.

“It is a system wide event. Every sanctuary across the system is doing something for Aug. 12, which has been designated as Get Into Your Sanctuary Day. It’s all about celebrating these iconic destinations in America. Depending on what the site is they might do whale watching tours, they might do special outreach events where students can pilot ROVs,” said Sanctuary Media Outreach Coordinator Stephanie Gandulla.

She said they hope it helps put more and more people in and on the water.

“This is why we’re offering free kids tickets on Aug. 12 for the glass bottom boat tours,” she said.

Gandulla said sanctuary staff will also be at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center for people to learn about the sanctuary and shipwrecks.

“What we consider our visitor’s center is the gateway for people to get into their sanctuary. Whether it’s virtual exhibits or checking out the website, or going to the boats. Or, learn about paddling, snorkeling to the shipwrecks. It’s also across the system highlighting recreation in sanctuaries and sustainable tourism,” she said.

She said it’s important for people to use these resources in a way that they are around for future generations.

She said it’s cool to watch people as they make connections to the sanctuary.

“I would say it’s so rewarding for me personally to see it firsthand whether it’s a kid going out on a school field trip or going out with their family on this free day,” she said.

She noted these young people are the ones who will manage these resources in the future. “When you see them engage. You have to interact and make the connection. When you see how invested these young people are in sanctuary resources. They understand it. They go out and experience it firsthand to ensure they will become good stewards,” she said.

The free tickets are for people 12 years old and under.

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.