|
Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
|
|
CLASSES AND PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Programs at Grass River Natural Area are Green, Special Events that are off-site are Blue, Holidays are Brown.
To register for a program, scroll down to the listing below the calendar.
To register for a program, scroll down to the listing below the calendar.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION
 Searching for bugs in Finch Creek!
GRNA has a wide selection of classes and events for all ages. All programs listed below are open to the general public. Some programs require preregistration.
Register for the classes below by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button, or call (231) 533-8314 to register over the phone. Cancellations: Participants that cancel before 24-hours from the start of a program may receive a full refund, unless otherwise noted. Cancellations within 24 hours receive no refund. Programs run rain or shine, but may be cancelled by GRNA in inclement weather. If canceled by GRNA, it is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund. Questions? Contact: James Dake, james@grassriver.org, or the office at 231-533-8314 |
Subscribe to our email list to get updates and reminders about classes.
|
MARCH
|
Spring Camp
Tuesday March 26 to Thursday March 28 - 9:00am to 3:00pm - $100 per camper Did you decide to stick around northern Michigan for spring break? Now your kids can spend their break tapping maple trees, tracking animals along the boardwalk, building campfires, and taking hikes on our awesome trails - perfect for the child that loves the outdoors in spring. This day camp is open to kids ages 7 to 12. |
FULL
Call (231) 533-8314 to be put on a wait list. |
|
Tapping Maple Trees
Saturday March 30, 2019 - 11:00am (1.5 hours), $5 per person Discover the ceremonial art of maple tapping by both learning traditional and modern methods. This program will cover all of the equipment you need as well as how to do it at home. Get a chance to tap a tree and enjoy a taste of sweet syrup. |
|
APRIL
Soup and Bread at The Little Fleet
Monday April 8, 2019 - 6:00pm (2 hours)
Mark your calendars for Soup & Bread. It’s easy! Local chefs donate four or more soups, one or more of which will appeal to you, and there is plenty of bread to dip or munch on its own. You make a donation, pick up a bowl, and eat soup and bread until it runs out or you are full. April’s proceeds will benefit Grass River Natural Area. We are bringing some interactive items that the whole family will enjoy as an accompaniment to dinner.
Location: The Little Fleet, 448 E. Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Monday April 8, 2019 - 6:00pm (2 hours)
Mark your calendars for Soup & Bread. It’s easy! Local chefs donate four or more soups, one or more of which will appeal to you, and there is plenty of bread to dip or munch on its own. You make a donation, pick up a bowl, and eat soup and bread until it runs out or you are full. April’s proceeds will benefit Grass River Natural Area. We are bringing some interactive items that the whole family will enjoy as an accompaniment to dinner.
Location: The Little Fleet, 448 E. Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
|
Spring Birds and eBird
Saturday April 13, 2019 - 9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person Join us for a spring bird walk to learn to ID birds by sight and sound and how to log observations online using the eBird webpage or app. |
|
|
Frog and Salamander Wetland Walk
Saturday April 20, 2019 - 1:00pm (1.5hrs), $5 per person, please pre-register Celebrate Earth Day and the coming of spring by taking a walk to woodland vernal pools to look for salamanders and listen for frog activity. Learn how to identify local salamanders and frogs and help us record species for research! |
|
GTSI Community Connections Dinner
Tuesday April 23, 2019 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Join us at the Grass River Natural Area from 6-8 for good food, conversation and connection to others interested in place-based education. All participating and interested teachers and community partners of GTSI are welcome to attend with RSVP! We will gain knowledge about place-based education projects around the region along with learning who the community partners are in the region that are ready to support teachers in tangible ways with place-based opportunities. There will be a drawing at 7:30 for each of the following items: Three $20 Taproot Gift Cards, Inland Seas Schoolship Experience (open to 4th-12th grade teachers only). RSVP at - https://goo.gl/forms/LlUwS6QD29xl67oJ2
*Note - A guided hike will take place prior to dinner for those who would like to take part at 4:30pm.
Tuesday April 23, 2019 - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Join us at the Grass River Natural Area from 6-8 for good food, conversation and connection to others interested in place-based education. All participating and interested teachers and community partners of GTSI are welcome to attend with RSVP! We will gain knowledge about place-based education projects around the region along with learning who the community partners are in the region that are ready to support teachers in tangible ways with place-based opportunities. There will be a drawing at 7:30 for each of the following items: Three $20 Taproot Gift Cards, Inland Seas Schoolship Experience (open to 4th-12th grade teachers only). RSVP at - https://goo.gl/forms/LlUwS6QD29xl67oJ2
*Note - A guided hike will take place prior to dinner for those who would like to take part at 4:30pm.
|
Early Spring Wildflowers
Saturday April 27, 2019 - 1:00pm (1.5 hrs), $5 per person Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails to find and identify the beautiful and unique early spring wildflowers at Grass River. |
|
MAY
|
Birding Series: Birding by Ear
Saturday May 4, 2019 - 8:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees start to leaf out. Learn to ID birds by their songs. Grass River is a birding hotspot and a great place to learn and appreciate your birds. |
|
Stream Monitoring Training
Saturday May 4, 2019 - 10:00am – 12:00pm
This training will focus on assessing stream quality based on the types of aquatic insects that are found in a creek. We will spend a short time out in the creek and then come back to the center to pick through our samples. Open to anyone interested in stream monitoring.
Saturday May 4, 2019 - 10:00am – 12:00pm
This training will focus on assessing stream quality based on the types of aquatic insects that are found in a creek. We will spend a short time out in the creek and then come back to the center to pick through our samples. Open to anyone interested in stream monitoring.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday May 7, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday May 7, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Dockside Spring Fling Fundraiser Dinner
Tuesday May 7, 2019 - 5:00 – 10:00pm
Location: Dockside-Torch Lake, 6340 Old Torch Lake Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615
There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 7th from 5 pm to 10 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA.
Tuesday May 7, 2019 - 5:00 – 10:00pm
Location: Dockside-Torch Lake, 6340 Old Torch Lake Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615
There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 7th from 5 pm to 10 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA.
Spring Stream Monitoring
Saturday May 11, 2019 - 8:00am – 12:00pm
Our biannual stream monitoring is a great way to get involved in collecting data for GRNA. We will need two groups of volunteers for the morning: one to collect samples in the stream and one to pick through the samples at the center. All abilities (and ages) welcome. Contact james@grassriver.org for more info.
Saturday May 11, 2019 - 8:00am – 12:00pm
Our biannual stream monitoring is a great way to get involved in collecting data for GRNA. We will need two groups of volunteers for the morning: one to collect samples in the stream and one to pick through the samples at the center. All abilities (and ages) welcome. Contact james@grassriver.org for more info.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday May 14, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday May 14, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
|
MI Butterfly Network Training
Tuesday May 14, 2019 - 2:00pm-5:00pm (Part 1) Indoors Saturday May 18, 2019 - 1:00pm-3:00pm (Part 2) Outdoors Location: Grass River Natural Area, $15 per participant Be trained to identify and monitor our local butterfly populations with the help of Education Director James Dake and the MI Butterfly Networkt! Help to protect these sensitive environmental indicator species by mapping their location. Light snacks will be served during the session on Tuesday. This training is part of a statewide initiative to monitor Michigan’s butterfly populations. Participants will be trained and certified to be butterfly monitor volunteers by the end of the training.$15 per participant, covers both days. |
|
Spring Stewardship Day
Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Join volunteers and staff to help us clean up the property from the long winter and get everything ready for the summer season. There will be lots to do for all abilities. For more information, contact info@grassriver.org
Saturday, May 18, 2019, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Join volunteers and staff to help us clean up the property from the long winter and get everything ready for the summer season. There will be lots to do for all abilities. For more information, contact info@grassriver.org
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday May 21, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday May 21, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday May 28, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday May 28, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
JUNE
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday June 4, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday June 4, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Birding by Kayak
Saturday June 8, 8:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
Paddle down beautiful Grass River with a naturalist for a 2.5 hour guided paddle to learn the birds of Grass River by sight and song. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Saturday June 8, 8:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
Paddle down beautiful Grass River with a naturalist for a 2.5 hour guided paddle to learn the birds of Grass River by sight and song. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday June 11, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday June 11, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Filling Station Fundraiser
Wednesday June 12, 2019, 4pm-10pm
Location: Filling Station Microbrewery, 642 Railroad Pl, Traverse City, MI 49686
Join us at the Filling Station in Traverse City for a fundraiser to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Wednesday June 12, 2019, 4pm-10pm
Location: Filling Station Microbrewery, 642 Railroad Pl, Traverse City, MI 49686
Join us at the Filling Station in Traverse City for a fundraiser to help us celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants
Friday June 14, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person
Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, on lesser known areas of GRNA. Adults only. Limited space. Must be able to hike on some uneven terrain for the outdoor portion.
Friday June 14, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person
Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, on lesser known areas of GRNA. Adults only. Limited space. Must be able to hike on some uneven terrain for the outdoor portion.
Kayak Grass River
Monday June 17, 2019 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs.), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Monday June 17, 2019 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs.), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday June 18, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday June 18, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Kayak Grass River
Wednesday June 19, 2019 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs.), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Wednesday June 19, 2019 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs.), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Wildlife in Watercolor: Painting Workshop with Dani Knoph
Thursday June 20, 2019 - 9:00 am (3 hrs), $25 per person, must pre-register
Learn about laying down watercolor washes, layering, and color with wildlife artist Dani Knoph. Observe an artist demonstration then put your knowledge to practice. You'll learn fun facts about local wildlife with an emphasis on fish of Northwest Michigan, such as a world record muskellunge and rare native lake trout discovered in the Chain of Lakes, as well as the return of Northern Michigan's once predominant trout, Grayling. You're encouraged to bring photos of fish, flora or fauna that inspire you to use as references. You are also encouraged to bring watercolor supplies if you have your own, but supplies will be provided. Limited space.
Thursday June 20, 2019 - 9:00 am (3 hrs), $25 per person, must pre-register
Learn about laying down watercolor washes, layering, and color with wildlife artist Dani Knoph. Observe an artist demonstration then put your knowledge to practice. You'll learn fun facts about local wildlife with an emphasis on fish of Northwest Michigan, such as a world record muskellunge and rare native lake trout discovered in the Chain of Lakes, as well as the return of Northern Michigan's once predominant trout, Grayling. You're encouraged to bring photos of fish, flora or fauna that inspire you to use as references. You are also encouraged to bring watercolor supplies if you have your own, but supplies will be provided. Limited space.
Nature Story Time
Friday June 21, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Friday June 21, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday June 25, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Tuesday June 25, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd each week to find and identify the beautiful and unique wildflowers at Grass River. Along the way we will listen and look for the birds that call Grass River home. Every Tuesday at 10am. Donations requested.
Nature Story Time
Friday June 28, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Friday June 28, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Intro to Fly Fishing
Saturday June 29, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10, please preregister, limited space
Join Trout Unlimited in a two-hour workshop that introduces you to the basics of the great outdoor sport of fly fishing. Learn what you need to know to get started, included fly tackle selection, fly casting, and local fly fishing opportunities.
Saturday June 29, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10, please preregister, limited space
Join Trout Unlimited in a two-hour workshop that introduces you to the basics of the great outdoor sport of fly fishing. Learn what you need to know to get started, included fly tackle selection, fly casting, and local fly fishing opportunities.
