Grass River Natural Area, Inc.
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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 CreekSearching 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. Many 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


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.

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.

Art on Thursdays: Dyeing with Fungi and Lichens
Thursday, August 25, 2022 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
Join Julie Hurd, GRNA's wildflower guide, as she weaves the story of fiber dyes created from fungi and lichens. Both these natural sources have long been used to provide a rich range of unique and glowing hues.   Attend this presentation for an introduction to the history and techniques used to extract the colors of the fields and forest.

SEPTEMBER

Kayak Grass River 
Wednesday September 14, 2022 - 10:00am (2 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. ​To register 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.

September Sunset Paddle
Friday September 23, 2022 - 6:30pm (1.5 hours), $40 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset than on the Grass River, paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak (provided) with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife while enjoying sundown. 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.

OCTOBER

Fall Stewardship Day
Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Summer is ushering in autumn, which means cooler weather and some good ol' fall season work! Come on out and join the many stewardship activities as we prepared the buildings, trails, and grounds for winter. No experience is necessary; just a pair of work gloves and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org.

Cross Stitch Embroidery for Beginners
Saturday, October 8, 2022 - 1:00pm (2 hrs.), $15 per person
Cross stitch embroidery was all the rage more than a thousand years ago, and it is making a comeback! More and more people are discovering the enjoyment and meditative benefits of this beginner-friendly craft. In this workshop you will learn the basics of cross stitch embroidery, including materials and techniques, with naturalist Angie Les. You will follow a pattern to start an oak-inspired project and leave with all of the materials and knowledge needed to finish the project- and plan new ones!
This workshop is targeted toward adult beginners, although young adults with some hand sewing experience may also participate. Limited space, please register in advance.
Allergens: Please inform the instructor in advance if you have a nickel allergy or sensitivity.

Owl Prowl 
Friday, October 14, 2022 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register 
Join us as we learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. $10 per person. Must pre-register. No walk-in spaces available.

If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact james@grassriver.org

Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
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Grass River Natural Area
6500 Alden Hwy, P.O. Box 231
Bellaire, MI 49615
Office: 231.533.8314
Grass River Center: 231.533.8576

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