CLASSES AND PROGRAMS CALENDAR
Scroll down to see full class listings
Programs at Grass River Natural Area are Green, Special Events that are off-site are Blue, Holidays are Brown.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION
GRNA has a wide selection of classes and events for all ages. All programs listed below are open to the general public. Many programs require preregistration.
Register for the classes below by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button.
Cancellations: Participants that cancel before 24-hours from the start of a program may receive a full refund, unless otherwise noted. Cancellations within 24 hours receive no refund. Programs run rain or shine, but may be cancelled by GRNA in inclement weather. If canceled by GRNA, a notification is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund.
Questions, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, james@grassriver.org
Register for the classes below by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button.
Cancellations: Participants that cancel before 24-hours from the start of a program may receive a full refund, unless otherwise noted. Cancellations within 24 hours receive no refund. Programs run rain or shine, but may be cancelled by GRNA in inclement weather. If canceled by GRNA, a notification is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund.
Questions, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, james@grassriver.org
APRIL
Vernal Pool Patrol Online Training
Friday April 12, 2024 - 11:00am (1 hr)
Are you interested in becoming a Vernal Pool Patrol volunteer at Grass River Natural Area? This training is required in order to participate in the 2024 vernal pool monitoring event on April 27. It should be a day bustling with biodiversity, from macroinvertebrates to amphibian egg masses! Please email Conservation Director Sean Callahan (sean@grassriver.org) if you plan on attending.
Friday April 12, 2024 - 11:00am (1 hr)
Are you interested in becoming a Vernal Pool Patrol volunteer at Grass River Natural Area? This training is required in order to participate in the 2024 vernal pool monitoring event on April 27. It should be a day bustling with biodiversity, from macroinvertebrates to amphibian egg masses! Please email Conservation Director Sean Callahan (sean@grassriver.org) if you plan on attending.
Nature Trivia Night
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person at Short's Elk Rapids
Join us for Nature Trivia Night at the Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! Get your team of 2-6 players together and get ready to stretch your brain with 5 rounds of clever, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's.
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person at Short's Elk Rapids
Join us for Nature Trivia Night at the Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! Get your team of 2-6 players together and get ready to stretch your brain with 5 rounds of clever, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's.
Earth Week Bird Walk
Saturday April 20, 2024—9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person, please pre-register Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a spring bird walk to learn to ID birds by sight and sound and how to log observations online using the eBird webpage or app. Bring binoculars, or borrow some from the Grass River Center. Limited space. Please pre-register |
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Earth Day at Ethanology
Sunday April 21, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
at Ethanology, 127 Ames St., Elk Rapids
Grass River Natural Area and Ethanology Distillation have teamed up for an Earth Day preservation event. Grass River Natural Area will be on-site offering conifer, hardwood, or shrub saplings with each donation to the non-profit. We all play a role in preserving our ecosystem, and it starts by planting more trees, and making responsible environmentally focused choices. What better way to kick-off earth day, and spring gardening, with the planting of a tree or shrub?
Swing by anytime from 2:00-5:00pm on Sunday, April 21. Grass River will have trees and shrubs on-site to take home during the event.
Sunday April 21, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
at Ethanology, 127 Ames St., Elk Rapids
Grass River Natural Area and Ethanology Distillation have teamed up for an Earth Day preservation event. Grass River Natural Area will be on-site offering conifer, hardwood, or shrub saplings with each donation to the non-profit. We all play a role in preserving our ecosystem, and it starts by planting more trees, and making responsible environmentally focused choices. What better way to kick-off earth day, and spring gardening, with the planting of a tree or shrub?
Swing by anytime from 2:00-5:00pm on Sunday, April 21. Grass River will have trees and shrubs on-site to take home during the event.
The Big Nature Sit on Earth Day
Monday, April 22, 6:00am – 9:00am, $10 per person, please preregister Join the GRNA staff as we head out before dawn and experience the Earth waking up! We’ll meet in the main parking lot and hike out to the Grass River dock. Each of us will find a space on the boardwalk to sit quietly & observe the sights and sounds of nature coming to life. Bring a portable, quiet camp chair, a flashlight/headlamp, binoculars (or borrow ours), quiet snacks, and warm clothes. Registration is $10/person and is limited to 10 people, so register early. |
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The Wonders of Wildflowers at Charlevoix Library
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - 6:00pm (1 hour), Free
The wildflowers of our region have amazing adaptations for their survival. Join us at Charlevoix Library (220 West Clinton St, Charlevoix, MI 49720) for a colorful and warm photography presentation looking at over a dozen of our local species and how their beauty is only outmatched by their wondrous feats, like their abilities to melt snow, change from male to female, shoot seeds long distances, cure ailments, or trick insects into helping in their survival. Discover methods of seed dispersal, pollination, medicinal and edible properties, and reproduction of our beloved wildflowers that rival exotic plants around the world.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - 6:00pm (1 hour), Free
The wildflowers of our region have amazing adaptations for their survival. Join us at Charlevoix Library (220 West Clinton St, Charlevoix, MI 49720) for a colorful and warm photography presentation looking at over a dozen of our local species and how their beauty is only outmatched by their wondrous feats, like their abilities to melt snow, change from male to female, shoot seeds long distances, cure ailments, or trick insects into helping in their survival. Discover methods of seed dispersal, pollination, medicinal and edible properties, and reproduction of our beloved wildflowers that rival exotic plants around the world.
Vernal Pool Monitoring
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 8:00am - 2:00pm
Vernal Pool monitoring in an annual volunteer event that takes place in the spring, in order to monitor the health of our vernal pools (i.e. ephmeral wetlands) at Grass River Natural Area. Training is required for this event. Please email Conservation Director Sean Callahan (sean@grassriver.org) to sign up for the event and training.
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - 8:00am - 2:00pm
Vernal Pool monitoring in an annual volunteer event that takes place in the spring, in order to monitor the health of our vernal pools (i.e. ephmeral wetlands) at Grass River Natural Area. Training is required for this event. Please email Conservation Director Sean Callahan (sean@grassriver.org) to sign up for the event and training.
Recycled Crafts!
Saturday , April 27, 2024, any time between 10am to 3pm, Free but donations welcome
Wind up Earth Week with recycling weekend at the Grass River Center. Join Arlene and Mary for some crafty recycling ideas. Drop in any time. All ages welcome! All materials supplied.
Saturday , April 27, 2024, any time between 10am to 3pm, Free but donations welcome
Wind up Earth Week with recycling weekend at the Grass River Center. Join Arlene and Mary for some crafty recycling ideas. Drop in any time. All ages welcome! All materials supplied.
Pollinator Hotel Craft Day
Sunday April 28th, any time between 11am and 3pm, Free but dontations welcome
Come out to the Grass River Center and be a part of a recycling weekend. We will re-purpose “throw away” containers by turning them into prime pollinator and insect hotels. Fun for the whole family! Plus . . . you will have even more fun as you see who comes to your place to visit, stay, and nest. Drop in any time. All materials supplied, all ages welcome.
Sunday April 28th, any time between 11am and 3pm, Free but dontations welcome
Come out to the Grass River Center and be a part of a recycling weekend. We will re-purpose “throw away” containers by turning them into prime pollinator and insect hotels. Fun for the whole family! Plus . . . you will have even more fun as you see who comes to your place to visit, stay, and nest. Drop in any time. All materials supplied, all ages welcome.
NMC Amphibians of Northern Michigan
Tuesday April 30, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) @ NMC & Tuesday May 7, 2024 at GRNA, Register through NMC Extended Education
Explore Michigan’s wonderful variety of unique frogs and salamanders in this classroom and field course. In the classroom, examine the natural history and recent research on Michigan’s amphibians before hitting the trail in search of some of these elusive but spectacular creatures. Learn field ID and handling techniques as we search forest, field, swamp, and stream. Participate in a citizen science project by contributing our findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas and learn to identify frogs by their calls. Register through NMC Extended Education
Tuesday April 30, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) @ NMC & Tuesday May 7, 2024 at GRNA, Register through NMC Extended Education
Explore Michigan’s wonderful variety of unique frogs and salamanders in this classroom and field course. In the classroom, examine the natural history and recent research on Michigan’s amphibians before hitting the trail in search of some of these elusive but spectacular creatures. Learn field ID and handling techniques as we search forest, field, swamp, and stream. Participate in a citizen science project by contributing our findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas and learn to identify frogs by their calls. Register through NMC Extended Education
MAY
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May-August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May-August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Spring Fling at Dockside
Tuesday, May 7th, 5-9 PM
There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 7th from 5 pm to 9 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA. Enjoy great food with wonderful people in a relaxing environment all while supporting a great organization.
Tuesday, May 7th, 5-9 PM
There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 7th from 5 pm to 9 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA. Enjoy great food with wonderful people in a relaxing environment all while supporting a great organization.
NMC Amphibians of Northern Michigan
Tuesday April 30, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) @ NMC
& Tuesday May 7, 2024 at GRNA, Register through NMC Extended Education
Explore Michigan’s wonderful variety of unique frogs and salamanders in this classroom and field course. In the classroom, examine the natural history and recent research on Michigan’s amphibians before hitting the trail in search of some of these elusive but spectacular creatures. Learn field ID and handling techniques as we search forest, field, swamp, and stream. Participate in a citizen science project by contributing our findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas and learn to identify frogs by their calls. Register through NMC Extended Education
Tuesday April 30, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) @ NMC
& Tuesday May 7, 2024 at GRNA, Register through NMC Extended Education
Explore Michigan’s wonderful variety of unique frogs and salamanders in this classroom and field course. In the classroom, examine the natural history and recent research on Michigan’s amphibians before hitting the trail in search of some of these elusive but spectacular creatures. Learn field ID and handling techniques as we search forest, field, swamp, and stream. Participate in a citizen science project by contributing our findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas and learn to identify frogs by their calls. Register through NMC Extended Education
Spring Stream Monitoring
Saturday May 11, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Shanty Creek
As part of our Adaptive Management Plan, Grass River Natural Area conducts stream monitoring surveys twice a year. The spring surveys will take place across April and May. We rotate amongst the three creeks each year, and this year is Shanty Creek! This is a really cool way to better understand our watershed, and the biodiversity within it.
This opportunity does require you to attend a training session. If you'd like to register for this volunteer opportunity, email the Conservation Director at sean@grassriver.org.
Saturday May 11, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Shanty Creek
As part of our Adaptive Management Plan, Grass River Natural Area conducts stream monitoring surveys twice a year. The spring surveys will take place across April and May. We rotate amongst the three creeks each year, and this year is Shanty Creek! This is a really cool way to better understand our watershed, and the biodiversity within it.
This opportunity does require you to attend a training session. If you'd like to register for this volunteer opportunity, email the Conservation Director at sean@grassriver.org.
Spring Stewardship Day
Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a "spring" in your step, and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org
Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a "spring" in your step, and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org
Birding by Ear
Saturday May 25, 2024 - 8:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person, please pre-register The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees leaf out. Learn to ID birds by their songs and go for a birding walk. Grass River is a birding hotspot and a great place to learn and appreciate your birds. Binoculars are available to borrow at the Grass River Center before the walk. |
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JUNE
Kayak Grass River
Tuesday June 4, 2023 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Tuesday June 4, 2023 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May-August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May-August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants
Friday June 7, 2024 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $15 per person, must pre-register Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, in lesser known areas of GRNA. Limited space. Must be able to hike on uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet. This program meets at the Grass River Center. |
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Native Plant Sale
Saturday June 8, 2024 - 10:00am Save the date! Our annual native plant sale will be back in June with more details coming soon! |
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact james@grassriver.org
Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
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