CLASSES AND PROGRAMS CALENDAR
Scroll down to see full class listings
Programs at Grass River Natural Area are Green, Special Events that are off-site are Blue, Holidays are Brown.
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. 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, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, james@grassriver.org |
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MAY
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
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Spring Sketching & Watercolor
Saturday, May 28 - 1:00 PM (2 hrs), $10 per person We'll find inspiration on a nearby trail, then return to the Center to create a painting using a variety of watercolor media. All supplies and instruction provided. |
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JUNE
NMC Wetland Wildflowers
Thursday June 2, 2022 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education: nmc.augusoft.net
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register through NMC Extended Ed nmc.augusoft.net
Thursday June 2, 2022 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education: nmc.augusoft.net
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register through NMC Extended Ed nmc.augusoft.net
Naturalist on the Trail
Every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.
Every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
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Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants
Friday June 10, 2022 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register 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, in lesser known areas of GRNA. Adults only. Limited space. Must be able to hike on uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet. This program meets at the Grass River Center. |
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Kayak Grass River
Monday June 13, 2022 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Monday June 13, 2022 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
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Summer Bird Walk
Saturday June 18, 2022 - 8am (2hrs), $5 per person The birds that call Grass River home are now nesting and singing. Learn to ID birds by song and habitat on a guided bird walk. |
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Sedges Of Northern Michigan
Friday June 24, 2022 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Regsiter through NMC Extended Ed: nmc.augusoft.net
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in Northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. Register through NMC Extended Ed at nmc.augusoft.net
Friday June 24, 2022 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Regsiter through NMC Extended Ed: nmc.augusoft.net
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in Northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. Register through NMC Extended Ed at nmc.augusoft.net
Kayak Grass River
Wednesday June 29, 2022 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Wednesday June 29, 2022 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
JULY
Naturalist on the Trail
Every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.
Every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
MI Paddle Stewards Training with Paddle Antrim
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 - 6:00pm (2hrs.) - at Willow Day Park
Join local conservation professionals in Northwest Michigan to learn how you can contribute to our work while you are out paddling and playing on the water! You will learn how to identify and report invasive species while preventing their spread. All classes will include off-water and on-water instruction. This event will take place on July 26 from 6 – 8 PM in Bellaire meeting at Willow Day Park.
Specific paddle locations will be emailed to participants after registration. We look forward to seeing you out on the water!
REQUIREMENTS:
Participants must bring a kayak/canoe/paddle board for the on-water events.
Paddlers must always wear life jackets out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling class waiver prior to participation.
Register and get more details through Paddle Antrim here: www.paddleantrim.com/event/mi-paddle-stewards-training-grass-river/
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 - 6:00pm (2hrs.) - at Willow Day Park
Join local conservation professionals in Northwest Michigan to learn how you can contribute to our work while you are out paddling and playing on the water! You will learn how to identify and report invasive species while preventing their spread. All classes will include off-water and on-water instruction. This event will take place on July 26 from 6 – 8 PM in Bellaire meeting at Willow Day Park.
Specific paddle locations will be emailed to participants after registration. We look forward to seeing you out on the water!
REQUIREMENTS:
Participants must bring a kayak/canoe/paddle board for the on-water events.
Paddlers must always wear life jackets out on the water.
All paddlers must complete a paddling class waiver prior to participation.
Register and get more details through Paddle Antrim here: www.paddleantrim.com/event/mi-paddle-stewards-training-grass-river/
AUGUST
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations welcome
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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. Walk-ins welcome, donations appreciated.
Naturalist on the Trail
Every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.
Every Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Every Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages! Donations welcome.
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact james@grassriver.org
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Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
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