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Grass River Natural Area, Inc.
Grass River's Newsletter

News

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Dockside Spring Fling a Huge Success

On May 4, the Dockside hosted its annual Spring Fling to benefit the Grass River Natural Area. Over 200 people attended the event on a beautiful northern Michigan spring evening. The Dockside shares the evening proceeds with the Grass River Natural Area, Inc.

dockside check

"We always enjoy the Spring Fling," said Dockside owner Gordy Schager. "It's a great kick-off to the summer season, and we are proud of our association with the Grass River Natural Area, one of the truly great spots in Antrim County." Local impresario Lee Malone entertained adults and children with a wonderful magic act featuring his sunglasses clad dog Snuggles.

The Dockside event raised $1,500 which will fund Grass River programs. "The Grass River Natural Area, Inc. is blessed to have wonderful business partners such as the Dockside. This generous donation will assist us in meeting our yearly programming goals," said Grass River Director Debbie Hershey. "The Spring Fling is not only a fundraiser, but a friend raiser as well. Our heartfelt thanks to all who attended!"

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New Watershed Workshop Opportunity! Click here to learn more.

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Earth Day Fun at Grass River

Despite clouds and a few showers, nearly 100 people joined in the festivities at the Grass River Natural Area’s Earth Day celebration. Families wound there way through numerous stations to learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Egg cartons made fun guitars, and tin cans turned into walking stilts. Children made terrariums out of plastic bottles, while others played in the soil to learn that organic matter is the best way to grow a garden.

Grass River Education Director Melynda Bagley stated: “The Earth Day Celebration is a great way to deliver the “reduce, reuse, recycle” message and to reinforce GrassRiver’s mission about stewardship of the natural environment. We are very pleased that so many families joined us for the festivities.”

For further family events and children’s summer classes, see the GrassRiver newsletter at www.grassriver.org.

Grass River board member Cathy Montgomery teaches how various materials from the earth create different soil environments.

Earth Day

Marirose Terbrueggen plays her egg carton guitar.

Earth Day

Michael and Olivia Dallas make plant terrariums from recycled materials with teacher / volunteer Lucy Gerlach.

Earth Day

Denali Pomerville checks out different types of soils.

Earth Day

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Letter from Executive Director, Debra Hershey

March 30, 2010

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 41st
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.

Sincerely,
sig
Debra S. Hershey
Executive Director

If you would like to support Grass River with a donation, please click "Support GRNA" on the sidebar of this page. Thank you for your gift!

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Grass River Natural Area Names New Executive Director
- Debra Hershey assumes new post February 15 -

Bellaire, Mich. -- The Grass River Natural Area, Inc. announces the appointment of Debra Hershey as GRNA Executive Director, effective February 15. Interim director Melynda Bagley will resume her role as education director for the natural area. debbie

“The board is thrilled to welcome Debbie to the Grass River team and looks forward to a very exciting future under her leadership,” said GRNA Inc. board president, Zach Liggett. “The board also gives a hearty thanks to Melynda for her contributions during this transition.”

Hershey and husband Bill moved to Antrim County in 2009 from Dayton, Ohio. She holds two degrees, in communications and in law. Hershey said, “I am honored that the GRNA board has given me this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with all of the dedicated people who are helping to preserve and share the Grass River Natural Area, a jewel of Antrim County.”

A search committee comprised of former and current GRNA board members, an Antrim County commissioner and a community-at-large representative, said a total of 26 individuals applied for the full time position with the non-profit organization. Hershey succeeds Mark Randolph who served as Executive Director for 16 years.

Grass River Natural Area, one of Michigan’s oldest and largest nature areas, protects 1,443 acres in the heart of Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes between Alden and Bellaire. Celebrating 40 years, GRNA welcomes 30,000 visitors a year to the site and offers 60 environmental education classes year round, while protecting the fragile eco-system.

For more information about the Grass River Natural Area and how to take a class, become a member, volunteer and donate, visit www.grassriver.org or contact the GRNA office at 231.533.8314.

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A New Years Message from Board President Zach Liggett

Dear Friends of Grass River,grassriver

What are your favorite memories of Grass River Natural Area? Discovering wildflowers along the boardwalk trails? Watching the eagle soar over the river? Catching a glimpse of that spring warbler caroling in the marsh? Seeing the joyful faces of children as they make the nature connection?

Grass River Natural Area is all about making memories - 40 years of them in fact. 2009 marks our 40th year of environmental preservation and education. Such an anniversary inevitably evokes memories and pride in our accomplishments:

   •  Land Preservation: from 69 acres to over 1,400
   •  Education: a handful of summer classes growing into a year-round program serving        over 1,500 children and adults
    • Thousands of volunteers and donors who have dedicated time and resources to make it all happen through the years

Any anniversary also evokes wishes for the future - for many more wonderful years to come. And here's where we need your support, especially in this sagging economy. GRNA, Inc. depends on the generosity of donors like you, and with your generous year-end gift, we will be able to sustain and expand our diverse educational programming, proceed with needed repairs to boardwalks and continue protecting the sanctuary of pristine wilderness that so many plants and animals call home.

We hope the momories you have will bring you back again and again. We know that your donation will help to keep Grass River Natural Area a memorable place into the future.

Sincerely,

zach_signature

Zach Liggett, President

P.S. To commemorate this 40th anniversary, my family has decided to increase our annual contribution by $40. Won't you do the same?


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Jim Olson to Speak at Grass River Natural Area's 40th Celebration, Annual Meeting

Bellair, MI - Jim Olson, noted environmental attornery and Great Lakes advocate, will be the guest presenter at the 40th anniversary celebration and annual meeting of the Grass River Natural Area. Jim Olson

Olson will speak on "Preserving the Future Integrity of Water: Reclaiming the Public Trust."

The event will be held in the Bellaire Room at Shanty Creek Resort, Tuesday, October 13th. It begins with a social hour and cash bar from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner and program. The public is cordially invited to attend.

"It's fitting on our 40th anniversary that such a well known environmental advocate as Jim Olson is our speaker," noted Melynda Bagley, interim GRNA executive director. "His involvement with citizens seeking to protect the environment parallels the very origins of our organization and the many volunteers, county residents and commissioners who collaborated to protect the Grass River watershed."

Speaker Olson has practiced and written about environmental, water, and public trust law for over 30 years. A principal in the Traverse City-based firm of Olson, Bdzok & Howard, P.C., he earned an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University; juris doctorate from the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of law); and a master of laws (LLM) degree in natural resources and environmental law from the University of Michigan.

Olson and his firm have been involved in a variety of state and federal court decisions affecting land and water. Over 30 appellate court decisions have protected land, water, public access, parklands, wetlands, wilderness, rivers, lakes, the Great Lakes and public trust - preventing or remedying sprawl and toxic pollution.

Olson has pioneered numerous citizen suits under Michigan's environmental protection laws. Some of these cases have resulted in landmark decisions. The most recent was the heavily publicized 9-year water case by Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation against Nestle' to protect the state and Great Lakes' streams and tributary groundwater from harm, private control and export.

He also co-founded and chairs the Flow for Water Coalition (www.flowforwater.org), formed to correct the export loophole in the Great Lakes Compact.

Cost to attend the event, including dinner, is $35 per person. All proceeds will directly benefit Grass River Natural Area. RSVP by October 2, by calling 231.533.8314.

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Grass River Stages Successful Trail Run
- Honoring Natural Area's 40th Year -

Bellaire, Mich - Nearly 60 runners turned out for the first annual Grass River Trail Run on Labor Day Weekend. Organized as a tribute to the Antrim County natural area's 40th anniversary, the Saturday morning race attracted 5k walkers and runners from around the region with visitors from as far away as California participating.

trail_runTop place finisher in the 5k men's division was Trevor Darnell of Rapid City while the first place women's winner was Sharon Whitcher of Grayling. Complete race results are posted here.

Race director and GRNA board member, Rachell Pomerville was delighted with the turnout for the inaugural event.

"We were delighted with the level of participation for this first ever fundraising event for Grass River," said Pomerville. "Running the trails at the natural area is very different from traditional road races. It's a beautiful winding, upland trail to run through a hardwood forest and we had perfect weather. For some of the runners, it was the first time they had ever been to GRNA - and that's an extra bonus to introduce the natural area to newcomers."

Pomerville, who was assisted by GRNA volunteers in staging the race, is looking forward to an even larger number of runners next year as the event grows in popularity.

About GRNA
Grass River Natural Area is located in Antrim County. The 1,443 acres of protected land encompasses lakes, a meandering river, rushing streams and crystal clear creeks - a haven for plant and animal life, including both rare and endangered species spanning five distinct ecotones. This natural eco-guardian project and adventure in environmental tourism lies midway on the renowned Chain of Lakes waterway, a connector of Torch and Clam lakes, and Lake Bellaire, that ultimately flows into the East Bay of Grand Traverse Bay. The area is county-owned, volunteer-managed and open to the public year round, dawn to dusk. For additional information on GRNA call 231.533.8314.

 

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GRNA Announces One-Day Workshop for Teens: Nature Meets Technology

Area teens, grades 6-12, are invited to connect nature with technology at a daylong program on Sunday, September 20 at Grass River Natural Area (GRNA). This hands-on session introduces participants to high-end digital recording equipment and key watershed science concepts.

Participants will use Global Positioning Units (GPS), audio recording decks and digital cameras to document watershed elements along GRNA's trails. They can then try out editing software to produce short multi-media stories for a nature journal. After participating in this introductory session, participants can elect to register for following workshops later in the fall to produce stories for publication on the web and/or public broadcast.

The introductory workshop runs from 10:00 - 3:00. All classes start and end at the Grass River Natural Area interpretive cabin located at 6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire. Lunch will be provided. Program costs are partially underwritten by a National Science Foundation project, Listening to the River, but there is a small fee of $10.00 for the program. Space is limited to the first eight registrants. Slots will be filled on a rolling basis until full. Register or get more information by calling 231-533-8314.

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Grass River Natural Area Names Interim Director
- Melynda Bagley assumes new post August 1 -

Bellaire, Mich. -- The Grass River Natural Area, Inc. is pleased to announce tha appointment of Melynda Bagley as GRNA Interim Director, effective August 1. Melynda replaces departing executive director Mark Randolph, and she will concurrently continue her role as education director for the natural area.

"The board of directors welcomes Melynda to her new role and looks forward to working with her through this transition period," said GRNA Inc. board president, Zach Ligget. "We thank Mark for more than 16 years of service to Grass River and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Melynda moved to Antrim County in 2002 from central Ohio where she was employed as the executive director of a community foundation. She joined the Grass River staff in April 2004 as the education coordinator. "I am honored that the GRNA board has given me this opportunity; and along with the administrative staff and naturalists, I will do my utmost to keep our education programs and operations running smoothly during this transition, " she told the board.

Grass River Natural Area, one of Michigan's oldest and largest nature areas, protects 1,443 acres in the heart of Antrim County's Chain of Lakes between Alden and Bellaire. Celebrating its 40th year, GRNA welcomes 30,000 visitors a year to the site and offers 60 environmental education classes year round, while protecting the fragile eco-system.

For more information about the Grass River Natural Area and how to take a class, become a member, volunteer and donate, visit www.grassriver.org or contact the GRNA office at 231.533.8314.

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Dockside Event Raises Funds for GRNA

Dockside Staff

The Dockside Spring Fling officially kicked off the summer season on May 5 and, once again, Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) was the beneficiary. A total of $1,100 was donated to the nonprofit in support of GRNA's mission of environmental education, water and land protection.

Attendees enjoyed good food and a fun night out while helping to support Grass River Natural Area operations and summer schedule of class offerings.

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Scholarships Available For Kids Classes At Grass River Natural Area

Scholarships

Grass River Natural Area is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for the Wednesday Nature Nuts & Explorers classes. The scholarships are for children aged 4 to 10 who wish to attend the entire five week series. Classes are held weekly from 10 a.m. to noon and begin on Wednesday, July 8 and run through August 5.

Nature Nuts (ages 4-6) and Nature Explorers (ages 7-10) discover the plants and animals that live in the natural area through hikes, games, crafts and other fun activities. The classes, held simultaneously and geared to the age group, are built around a different theme each week.

Nature Nuts & Explorers scholarships are made possible through the Jake Andrew Chappers Memorial Scholarship and the Velma Seaman Lessard Fund. Eleven year old Jake Chappers summered on Torch Lake and enjoyed Nuts & Explorers classes at GRNA. The scholarship was created by an anonymous donation in his memory. The family of Velma Seaman Lessard established the fund to honor their mother’s respect for teachers and love of children and life-long learning.

ScholarshipsScholarships will be awarded on a first-come-first served basis. If you know a child between the ages of 4 and 10 that would like to attend all five classes but the $25.00 cost is prohibitive, please contact the GRNA office at 231-533-8314.



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Installing new "No Wake" Signs on Grass River

No Wake SignA new series of signs encouraging boaters to navigate Grass River at slow speeds were installed on October 23, 2008, by volunteers from Grass River Natural Area (GRNA), Three Lakes Association (TLA), and Friends of Clam Lake (FOCL), (left to right) Bob Bagley and Gary Knapp (TLA), Butch Bartz, Jr. (GRNA-Stewardship Committee Chair), and Jeff Dalton (GRNA), Steve Hoadley (FOCL), and Art Hoadley (TLA and FOCL).

The series of new signs read “Your Wake is a Wave”, “Waves Make the River Wider…”, “…and SHALLOWER!”, “Thank you for protecting the Grass River” (in photo).

This is the first of several steps on the drawing board to be taken through this collaborative effort to help protect Grass River.

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Summer Internship Available at Grass River Natural Area

Grass River Natural Area invites graduating high school seniors and college students interested in the natural sciences to apply for the Rotary Environmental Education Internship.

The Rotary Environmental Education Internship is funded by a $1,000 grant from the Bellaire Rotary Club. A goal of the program is to encourage local students to consider careers in environmental science.

The intern will work with Grass River naturalists to develop and teach nature classes, lead hikes, create educational displays and orient visitors. He or she will also participate in research for an ecological inventory of the natural area.

The internship runs mid-June through August. Minimum hourly commitment is 10 hours per week scheduled to accommodate both the student’s and GRNA’s needs.

Applications for the Rotary Environmental Education Internship are available at the Grass River office at 205 E. Cayuga,Suite 205 or call 231-533-8314.

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Dockside 2008Dockside Hosts GRNA's Annual Spring Fling Fundraiser

Grass River Natural Area president, Chris Nightingale, receives a $1,500 check from the wait staff of the Dockside - Torch Lake. The Dockside hosts GRNA's annual Spring Fling fundraiser the first Tuesday in May each year.

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Summer Internship Available at Grass River Natural Area

Grass River Natural Area invites graduating high school seniors and college students interested in the natural sciences to apply for the Rotary Environmental Education Internship.

The Rotary Environmental Education Internship is funded in part by a $500 grant from the Bellaire Rotary Club. A goal of the program is to encourage local students to consider careers in environmental science.

The intern will work with Grass River naturalists to develop and teach nature classes, lead hikes, create educational displays and orient visitors. He or she will also participate in research for an ecological inventory of the natural area.

The eight week internship begins June 19. Minimum hourly commitment is 20 hours per week scheduled to accommodate both the student's and GRNA's needs.

Applications for the Rotary Environmental Education Internship are availabe at the Grass River office at 203 E. Cayuga, Suite 202-C, or contact Melynda Bagley, Education Director, at 231.533.8314.



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Alden State Bank Sponsors Environmental Events

*Tom Lane, Alden State Bank President, presented the Grass River Natural Area a $5,000 check to sponsor classes and events for the 2008 season, including the GRNA/Three Lakes Association Golf Tournament on June 22. GRNA and the Three Lakes Association Jointly hold a golf tournament fundraiser to support each organization's water quatlity efforts.

"We appreciate Alden State Bank's generous donation to support local environmental efforts," said Mark Randolph, Executive Director of the Grass River Natural Area. "Their support allows us to offer free events to the public and provides assurance our fundraising events will be successful."

For more information on the golf tournament please click here . For a complete schedule of our classes please click here.



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Help Grass River Natural Area Count The Birds

Where are the birds hanging out this winter? Grass River Natural Area and the National Audubon Society want to know and you can help. GRNA naturalists will be joining the Great Backyard Bird Count February 15 through 18 and they hope families in northern Michigan will too.

It's fun, it's easy and it's a great way for kids and adults to enjoy nature. By spending as little as 15 minutes counting the birds in your own backyard you can help scientists learn more about bird migration, species diversity and the impact of things like disease and temperature change on bird populations.

Want to get involved? To get the information you need to be an official bird counter click here, or call the Grass River office at 533-8314 for a mail-in version of the data gathering form.

Grass River will also conduct an informal survey of our region's winter birds. Send a copy of your results to Grass River Natural Area, PO Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615. We’ll add it to our naturalists' data and post it on our website.

The Grass River Natural Area is a wonderful public resource for nature study and observation.  Click here for classes, events, trail maps, and more.

Great Horned Owls are nesting now at Grass River Natural Area. Join a naturalist on February 16th for a moonlit ski or snowshoe hike along the trails to call the owls. They just might answer back or fly out to take a look at who's invaded their territory. Call 231-533-8314 for information and to register.



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Lulu's Staff at Work
Grass River Fundraiser emphasizes support of local foods and environmental issues

Lulu's Bistro in Bellaire hosted a gourmet event to benefit Grass River Natural Area on May 7. The evening featured internationally renowned chef Michel Nishan, who partners with Paul Newman in a new restaurant called the Dressing Room in Connecticut, presenting his message of eating locally produced food. Chef Nishan emphasized the improved nutritional value of fresh food, the better taste, and the positive influence for the local economy that results when people choose locally produced food for their meals. Chef Nishan also took time to autograph his two cookbooks for Grass River supporters.

Lulu's PrincipalsLulu's chef, Michael Peterson, reinforced Chef Nishan's message by creating an outstanding gourmet meal using local foods. Peterson used local fruits, vegetables, and meets, including
Glacier Springs trout and local greenhouse-grown vegetables.

GRNA volunteer board member, Lisa Culver, organized the fundraiser. GRNA director Mark Randolph also addressed the attendees with his message of the importance of local preservation efforts to help the global recovery of rare and endangered species. Loons, Eagles, Sandhill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans all find a safe haven at the Grass River Natural Area, as their populations recover from decades of decline.

For a list of local farmers markets, GRNA suggests calling the MSU extension office at 231 533-8818.




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State awards Grass River Natural Area $2.1 million for land acquisition

daisyLansing, Mich. (12.06.06) --  Antrim County's Grass River Natural Area has been awarded its largest gift ever -- $2.1 million for the purchase of additional property on the Grass River and Lake Bellaire.  The state award was announced today by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and will protect another 1.6 miles of shoreline from development. The county-owned preserve will add 177 acres, bringing the total land protected for the 37-year old nature preserve to 1,325 acres with over six miles of river shoreline.

"This is a very important acquisition as it helps protect the water quality in the Chain of Lakes forever," said GRNA, Inc. Executive Director Mark Randolph about the six parcels in the sale.  "It's wonderful news for everyone who enjoys the lakes and streams, including wildlife, fish and bird populations."

The Grass River award includes what was formerly known as the North Shore Hunt Club, a 155-acre piece of land with .5 miles on the west side of Intermediate River and nearly one mile of shoreline on the north end of Lake Bellaire.  The property has been jointly owned by a group of six individuals that Grass River has been working with for three years.

"It is through the generosity and goodwill of these families that has made this possible by agreeing to sell the land for far less than it's worth," said Randolph.  "We commend them for their philanthropy and dedication to the health and well-being of our environment and community.  The Alden State Bank also stepped up with a bargain sale on two other parcels, making it possible to use that land value and that of the Hunt Club property as the necessary $600,000 match to obtain the grant."

In addition to the North Shore Hunt Club, the other parcels in the grant request are two lots located on the east shore of Lake Bellaire with 250 feet of lake frontage, and three lots along the east side of the Grass River, contiguous to the existing natural area. These five parcels represent 1,074 feet of shoreline.

Grass River Natural Area President Chris Nightingale said, in keeping with the mission of the area, that all the properties will adhere to the GRNA mission of preserving the land.  The new parcels will remain in their natural state, open to hunting and fishing without the addition of trails or buildings.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund granted a total of $25 million to projects around the state for 2006.

Grass River Natural Area is located in the heart of the Chain of Lakes in Antrim County, between Bellaire and Alden on Alden Highway.  Its mission is to protect the river and its watershed, provide opportunities that promote community-wide understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the natural environment. Eighty environmental education classes are offered year-round on and off-site for children, adults and schools with several universities performing research study at the natural area.   It is managed by a 17-member volunteer board of directors under the auspices of Antrim County.

For more information about Grass River Natural Area, visit their website www.grassriver.org , call 231. 533.8314 or email info@grassriver.org.

The MNRTF began as the "Kammer Recreational Land Trust Fund Act of 1976" which created the Michigan Land Trust Fund (MLTF) program to provide a source of funding for the public acquisition of lands for resource protection and public outdoor recreation. Funding was derived from royalties on the sale and lease of State-owned mineral rights.



In 1984, Michigan residents voted in favor of Proposal B, which amended the State Constitution and created the MNRTF. The constitutional amendment required that oil, gas, and other mineral lease and royalty payments be placed into the Trust Fund, with proceeds used to both acquire and develop public recreation lands.



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Dockside Event Raises Funds for GRNA

Dockside Staff

The Dockside Spring Fling officially kicked off the summer season on May 1 and, once again, Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) was the beneficiary. A total of $1,250 was donated to the nonprofit in support of GRNA's mission of environmental education, water and land protection.

"This is a nice event, easy for us and good for the Dockside," said Mark Randolph, Executive Director of Grass River Natural Area. "We really appreciate the moral support and financial help this event provides."

Attendees enjoyed good food and a fun night out while helping to support Grass River Natural Area operations and summer schedule of class offerings.

The Dockside is now open seven days a week at Clam River on Torch Lake.



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Otter * dragonfly * bear cub * buck * flower * lynx
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fawn * eagle * flower * owl * fox * dandelion poof
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heron * berries * loons * fish * coons
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