Mission: "To manage the Grass River Natural Area, protect its watershed, and provide opportunities for the community to increase their knowledge, appreciation and stewardship of the natural environment."

• Is a nature preserve located on Antrim County's Chain of Lakes in northwest lower Michigan
• Began in 1969 as a local grassroots effort to save the area's wetlands from development
• Now comprises 1,325 acres, bordering all
  2.5 miles of the Grass River and over 6 miles
  of shoreline
• Is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
• Is owned by Antrim County and managed
  by a volunteer board of directors
• Is supported through donations, grant and foundation giving, and county funding with an annual budget of $340,000
• Has 2 full-time employees and 8 part-time staff
• Has over 100 volunteers
• Is a microcosm of northern Michigan habitat and ecology – protected in perpetuity
• Has an inventory of 400 species of plants, 49 species of mammals and 65 bird species
• Features 7.5 miles of trails, winding through upland forests and floating sedges
• Offers a Perception Pathway for visitors with special needs that is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Delivers a year-round educational program of 80 classes for all ages
• Open to the public from dawn 'til dusk year-round