 Take a Class
Over 80 classes and events are offered to all ages throughout the year.
Topics are varied such as winter animal tracking and spring wildflower identification to summer bird-watching and fall mushroom hunting. Children, adults, families and school groups are encouraged to sign up for classes. A small fee applies to most classes during the peak summer season. Naturalists are available weekends May through October from 9 am to 5 pm and weekdays June through August from 10 am to 4 pm.
May • June • July • August • September
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Morels & Other Spring Mushrooms
Mushrooms play a vital part in the ecology of the forest, not to mention how tasty they can be. You'll learn about the environment that morels love and search some possible spots at Grass River for true and false morels. For those that want a little more "morel - ing," we'll go to a second hunt area from 12 to 1:30, so bring a bite to eat. To register call 231.533.8314. |
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A Kayak Adventure on Grass River
Join Sandy Graham from BackCountry Outfitter and a GRNA naturalist for a three hour nature kayak on the Grass River. Bring your own kayak or use on of BCO's demos. Some experience helpful. No fear of water is essential. Meet at Schuss Beach on Lake Bellaire. Limited to 15 people. FEE $30 with BCO equipment, $20 with your own equipment. For directions and to register, please call 231.533.8314. |
What Lurks Below
Explore the self contained world of the pond. Catch fresh water invertebrates, sample aquatic plants, and examine pond water with the aid of magnifying lenses and microscopes to discover tiny protists and animals. We will visit Milock's Pond to observe and collect, then finish up at the GRNA cabin to take a closer look at our finds. Please wear old tennis shoes or water shoes. Instructor: Susan Burns, recently retired Kalkaska High School biology/earth science teacher. To register for this class please call the GRNA office at 231.533.8314. |
Gotta Bike
Want to see trails only seen on foot, if at all? Well saddle up! This unique biking experience only happens once a year at Grass River. Limited to ten people. To register please call 231.533.8314. |
Equinox Cruises
Take advantage of one of the longest evenings of the year to cruise along the beautiful Grass River. These pontoon trips will let you view the after hours activities of loons, beaver, sandhill cranes, and whatever else might be out and about. Bring your cameras to capture the special light at day's end. Also bring life-jackets for children under 12. To register please call 231.533.8314. |
The Weather Machine with Dave Barrons
How does weather work and why is it shifting gears? How might climate change affect northern Michigan? Dave Barrons, Chief Meteorologist for 9 & 10 News, will be on hand at Grass River to explain weather patterns today and give us his forecast for our future. To register please call 231.533.8314. |
Clean it up, Green!
Baking soda, vinegar, and water: How to clean up the environment while cleaning your house. When you're done cleaning, you can also have soft skin from a lotion containing ingredients you can recognize. This class explores the benefits of using natural alternatives to common cleansing products as well as tips on how to make your own lotions. Let us help make sense of claims and myths and you can help us clean up. To register for this class please call the GRNA office at 231.533.8314. |
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Sense Seekers
Dragonfly eyes! Bat ears! Coyote noses! Do you see what they see? Do you hear what they hear? Can you smell what they smell? This class will open your eyes to the world of animal senses. Classes held simultaneously; geared for age group. To register call 231.533.8314. |
Basket Making
Local artist Nancy Vanderwall returns to offer an all day class for you to create your own medium-size basket using flat reed and daylily leaves. Please note: this is not a drop- in class, instruction will be continuous, so bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy the day! To register please call the Grass River Natural Area office at 231.533.8314. |
Mammal Mania
It's your lucky day - you'll meet the furry , four-legged creatures that call Grass River home. Discover their signs; scout for their dens, lairs, and lodges and learn what satisfies their appetites and more. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Family Hike and Geo-caching Adventure
GRNA naturalists will team with Listening to the River science and technology experts for an afternoon of fun and discovery in the Grass River wetlands. This family-oriented hike combines a geo-caching activity with learning about watersheds using GPS units and digital recording devices. Bring your own equipment (GPS, digital cameras, sound recorders, binoculars, etc.) or borrow ours. Plan to spend one to two hours hiking at your own pace. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited to 20 people. Event co-sponsored by GRNA and Listening to the River project partners. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Plants - N -Us
Where would we be without a tree, or any other green plant, for that matter? Take a tour at Grass River and learn about the oxygen producers that give us and other creatures shelter, nutrients, and the breath of life. (Classes held simultaneously; geared for age group) To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Gnome Homes
Reward your hardworking garden gnomes with cozy houses. Join us in this fun and easy class where we take natural materials found in your back yard and turn them into whimsical structures. This project may inspire a whole village of gnomes to come and live in your garden. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Loon Lookout Pontoon Trips
Join naturalist "Arloon"Westhoven on a cruise along Grass River to learn about the loons. With luck you'll spot one of these magical creatures and other beautiful waterfowl. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, binoculars and camera. Also bring life jackets for children under 12. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Loon Lookout Pontoon Trips
Join naturalist "Arloon"Westhoven on a cruise along Grass River to learn about the loons. With luck you'll spot one of these magical creatures and other beautiful waterfowl. Bring a light jacket, sunscreen, binoculars and camera. Also bring life jackets for children under 12. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Something's Fishy
(Classes held simultaneously; geared for age group)
Do fish drink water? Can fish blink their eyes? Join us as we hike to the river for a look at the watery world of our fishy friends. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Gourd Birdhouses
Nature grew that squash! Now you can make it a livable place for a bird to call home. Adults and children alike will enjoy decorating a gourd birdhouse. This project is fun and easy. You will go home with a unique creation that the birds will flock over. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Snakes and Such
Ever see a snake with fur, or a turtle with feathers? (Me neither) How about a lizard selling car insurance? (Only on TV) Grass River is home to some of Michigan's finest reptiles. Join our naturalist to meet some of our reptilian friends up close. You'll discover what makes a reptile a reptile. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Grass River Rocks
(Classes held simultaneously; geared for age group)
What do a hawk, a dinosaur and a Petoskey stone have in common? Come be a time traveler at Grass River and discover the answer. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Papermaking
Using natural materials and paper pulp, Mary Walker will help you make decorative papers that can be used for notepaper, artwork or bookbinding. Please bring a blender. Other supplies provided. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
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Nature Powered
Yes, we are nature-powered. The energy that drives us, the other critters, and the plants comes from our own star, the sun. Every living thing on earth depends on solar energy; we just have different ways of "powering up." Learn how that lazy old sun does more for us than roll around heaven all day. Class size is limited to 5 children, please register early. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Contemplative Earth Walk
Come hear the voice of the Earth! Similar to the ancient Celtic tradition of cross-country reflective walks, and also called "medicine walks", a Contemplative Earth Walk fosters our connection with Self, with Nature, and beyond. Ecological Psychologist Lisa Franseen, PhD will be your guide for this inspirational, calming, and fun experience. Bring a watch and a journal. Wear hiking shoes and come prepared for weather—layers are best. Does not involve strenuous exercise or require social skills - just an open mind and a desire to connect to the Earth's wisdom. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Meet the Bobcat
For a long time, we have had Bobcat and his lady friend, Bobbie, at the Grass River cabin. They are this summer's Creature Feature. Don't "paws" for a minute, rush over to join the class to find out if bobcats purr, what is special about cat scat, and other fascinating feline facts. To register call 231.533.8314. |
Hootin' and Howlin'!
Hoots and howls are for coyotes and owls. Bees dance when they get the chance. Woodpeckers drum and some monkeys hum. Discover what wild things the animals are sayin to each other. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Nature's Tracks On My Back
Wear nature proudly on a tee shirt or scarf you've printed yourself. We will use nature's designs to create wearable art. Bring a white cotton tee - shirt, or other flat cloth item and scamper over to Grass River to have fun with nature printing. To register pleass call 231.533.8314. |
Astronomy By Day
Did you know that the planet Venus is hotter than a kitchen oven set on broil? If you are interested in Space, this class is for you. Join us for some hands on fun and discover our solar system and beyond. Class size is limiited to 5 children, register early. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Bat Watch
Bats are among the least understood and appreciated of Michigan mammals. It's time to take a closer look at these furry flyers and set the record straight. Join our naturalist fo an evening of batty fun. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
August Astronomers
Come out for a star filled summer evening! Learn to find and identify some summer constellations. We may even spot a shooting star or two. Look for planets with Grass River's telescope. Meet at the cabin and we will hike out to the open skies of the marsh. These events will be cancelled if the weather is cloudy. To register please call 231.533.8314. |
The Eye of the Beholder
Local artist/photographer Lisa Lirones will expand your knowledge of your digital camera. Learn how to manipulate your camera and get to know important settings to get the most out of your picture taking. Also explore new ideas through lighting and perspective. Come master new ways of seeing through your creative eye! To register please call 231.533.8314. |
Go Fish
"F" is for fantastic. "I" is for incredible. "S" is for stupendous. "H" is for happy which is what the fish will be when we don't use hooks to catch them and we let them go. Come fishing with a naturalist, and we'll find out what fish are all about. Class size is limited to 5 Childere, register early! To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Woodland Munchies
GRNA's version of "Survivor" is back. Learn to recognize wild edibles as we hike the woodland and wetland trails. Recipes and tastes available back at the cabin. Limited to 12 people. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Walking Sticks
The walk is easier with something to lean on. In this class you will make and personalize your own walking stick. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
Meeting the Beaver
Hike along with us, on and off trail, looking for signs that the beavers have been busy at Grass River. We will take a short row boat ride for a close-up look at a beaver lodge. Wear long pants and old shoes. Class size is limited to 5 children. To register, call 231.533.8314. |
The Great Frame Up
Bring a little of the outdoors inside! Decorate a plain picture frame with twigs, bark, and pine cones. Each frame will make a great rustic addition to you decor. Bring a hammer and a hot glue gun if you have one. To register please call 231.533.8314. |
Nasty Neighbors
What is urushiol oil? What organisms have it and why is it so dangerous to humans and not other animals? We will hunt down these bad guys and other pesky invaders and see what we can do about them. Class size is limited to 5 children, register early. To register, please call 231.533.8314 |
Fall Mushrooms
If the only mushroom you know is the spring Morel, try this class. A naturalist will guide the search for fall mushrooms, as plentiful and colorful as the trees they are under. We'll find Chanterelles and Boletes, great fall edibles. To register call 231.533.8314. |
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A Nocturnal Adventure
Does anyting go "bump" in the night at Grass River? Join a naturalist for a walk rarely taken at Grass River to see what the owls, bobcats, fox, deer, and other night stalkers are up to. Limited to 10 walkers, please call 231.5.33.8314 to register. |
Scout Day at Grass River
Scout Leaders, are you looking for a hands on, energizing way to fulfill Cub Scout and Brownie/Girl Scout badge requirements? Come out to Grass River and let a naturlist help you and your Scouts with the fun! Be sure to call the office with your specific needs so we can "Be Prepared." To register call 231.533.8314. |
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