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GRNA News

Grass River Thanks You!

Last week the Grass River Natural Area took on a large project, a dance/concert to benefit our education program. An event like this takes many hours of planning, and with it comes some financial risk. We are so thankful to all of you in this wonderful community who came out to support us!

On July 1, over 250 people enjoyed the terrific music of Switchback.  These musicians are truly dedicated to their music full-time and welcome the opportunity to share proceeds with Grass River Natural Area, Inc. Their versatility allows them to please all ages, as every member of Friday night’s audience can attest. Read the full story...

Grass River Center Quickly Taking Shape

And the excitement continues! The new Grass River Center is quickly taking shape. We now have completed the concrete forms, the trusses are in place, interior floors have been poured, and the concrete is now in place at the learning pavilion. What a great place we are creating for our future learners and stewards! Thank you Grass River donors!!

Grass River Natural Area featured in the Northern Express!

A full page spread appeared during the week of June 13-19 in the Super Summer Guide. Check it out by clicking here!

Groundbreaking

A beautiful, sunny day in May was the setting for the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Grass River Center.  Antrim County Commissioners, Grass River Natural Area current and former board members, members of the Campaign for Grass River, Antrim County officials, members of the design team, and numerous other friends and donors all celebrated the joyous occasion. After 41 years of planning, the center will now serve school children and visitors to the Grass River Natural Area year round.

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.

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

The new Grass River Education Center is being constructed with insulated concrete forms. The forms, made of a special type of styrofoam, are 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.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Grass River,  

The Grass River Natural Area exists because of a few people who had enthusiasm and a vision to protect the land and educate the public about our natural environment. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we continue. Your dedication to our mission will fund the myriad projects and education events GRNA tackles each year.  

It is no secret that we are living through difficult financial times. In GRNA’s history, there have been other times of uncertainty, but we were able to weather the storm and are now in our 41^st year. Just like animal tracks in the snow, we often do not see the track makers. They went before us, but left an indelible impression that we can “see” now. You too can leave your mark by continuing the legacy with a donation to help us preserve and maintain our 1443 acres, and to teach the community the value of land conservation.  

As your new Executive Director, I want to thank you personally for your support of this wonderful resource in Antrim County. I have lived my life by this basic principle: enthusiasm is the sustaining power of all great actions. We need your enthusiasm, and we ask you to be a friend to Grass River.  

The future of Grass River Natural Area, Inc. lies in education and stewardship. The Wetlands Curriculum, developed by enthusiastic volunteers, and taught by talented naturalists, offers a unique outdoor learning experience. This very popular program has reached over 2400 students in the past four years. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, GRNA had to reduce the number of days we ran the program last year, and turned away over 200 students. Increased funding will help us reach all schools who wish to avail themselves of our programs.  

As for stewardship, our largest goal for this year is boardwalk repair. Enthusiasm has spread to our youngest Grass River supporters. Our student board member, Billy Bohannon, has taken on boardwalk repair as an Eagle Scout project. Part of the original boardwalk was built by students, so it is wonderful to see the tradition continue. As managers of the Grass River acreage, we continue to work to protect this beautiful landscape, and your dollars assist us in achieving that goal.  

There is always something to do at the Grass River Natural Area. For everyone, it is a place of refuge and beauty—where you go to recharge and reinvigorate your spirit. For those who work here, there are never any endings, only new beginnings. We share a mutual enthusiasm that motivates us to honor and preserve the beauty that is the Grass River Natural Area. Thank you for your support.

Grass River Shiver Snowshoe Race

Our First Winners!

No one anticipated the thaw that hit Northern Michigan just days before the Grass River Shiver Snowshoe Race! Luckily for us, the thick tree cover in GRNA kept the snow on the trails and our racers announced that they just loved the course. Chris Miner and Mikke Schemanski were the top male and female racers in the first Grass River Snowshoe Race held on Saturday, Feb 19. Miner and Schemanski completed the 5 mile course in just over one hour on a blustery, very cold morning. The winners received a one year gift certificate to Grass River classes and events valued at $400.