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.

"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!"

New Watershed Workshop Opportunity! Click here to learn more.

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.

Marirose Terbrueggen plays her egg carton guitar.

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

Denali Pomerville checks out different types of soils.

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,

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!

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.

“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.

A New Years Message from Board President Zach Liggett

Dear Friends of Grass River,

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 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?

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.

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.

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.

Top 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.

 

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.

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.

Dockside Event Raises Funds for GRNA

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.

Scholarships Available For Kids Classes At Grass River Natural Area

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.

Scholarships 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.

 

Installing new "No Wake" Signs on Grass River