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New Education Center

And the excitement continues! The new Grass River Center is now open. The photos and architect's sketches below show some of the steps from conception to implementation. What a great place we have created for our future learners and stewards! The Grass River Center will be open during the winter Saturdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. Stop by and visit us!

Thank You Donors, Grass River Board and the Capital Campaign!

We did it! The original plans for the Grass River Natural Area were developed 42 years ago. Those plans show an education center in the fern field off the Cabin Trail. On April 28, 2011 the Antrim County Commissioners voted to construct the education center that has been a long held dream of countless Grass River visionaries. The building sits exactly where it was originally planned, in the fern field off the cabin trail. History has come full circle and would not have been possible without the assistance of our fabulous donors and the dedication of the Grass River Board of Directors, Capital Campaign, and the Antrim County Commissioners.

The Grass River Center marks a new, exciting chapter in Grass River History. For the first time, there is a building with proper teaching facilities, restrooms, and covered areas for water quality studies, eating, meeting, or just plain resting! The building will greatly enhance our education program, and will greet thousands of visitors to the natural area.

Grass River Natural Area Director Debbie Hershey holds the rendering of the new Grass River center. Joining her from left are: Jack White, Ed Boettcher, Marlene Caszatt, Cathy Montgomery, Laura Stanek, Zach Ligett, Karen Franseen, Len Franseen, Florence Reiley, Herb Reiley, Mike Crawford, Jill Spencer,  Bernie Blackmore, Warren Studley, Pete Garwood, Gene Dawson, Dave Howelman, Brenda Ricksgers, Dottie Schaefer and other Grass River well wishers.

The new Grass River Education Center was constructed with insulated concrete forms. The forms, made of a special type of styrofoam, were placed together similar to legos. Concrete is poured through the center creating a superior insulated shell. The building will also be heated and cooled with a geothermal heating system. The forms, combined with the geothermal system, will create a highly energy efficient building.

Grass River Education Director Melynda Bagley celebrates the groundbreaking with a group of school children participating in the Wetlands curriculum educational program.