CLASSES AND PROGRAM SCHEDULE
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, or call the Center at (231) 533-8576 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, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, james@grassriver.org, or call 231-350-9461 |
Subscribe to our email list to get updates and reminders about classes.
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FEBRUARY
The Science of Making Maple Syrup (NMC Hybrid)
Thurs., Feb. 25 and March 4, 1-3 p.m., livestream and face to face, $69 through NMC Extended Education
Discover the art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. Tap into the science of maple syrup production, tree identification, equipment needs, and get instruction for small scale DIY projects. The first class meets via Zoom and the second meets in the field at Grass River Education Center (6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire) to see the process and equipment in action (dress to be outdoors). This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate. Wear a mask to the second class.
Register through NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
Thurs., Feb. 25 and March 4, 1-3 p.m., livestream and face to face, $69 through NMC Extended Education
Discover the art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. Tap into the science of maple syrup production, tree identification, equipment needs, and get instruction for small scale DIY projects. The first class meets via Zoom and the second meets in the field at Grass River Education Center (6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire) to see the process and equipment in action (dress to be outdoors). This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate. Wear a mask to the second class.
Register through NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
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Lantern-lit Ski and Snowshoe
Friday February 26, 2021 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm (3 hrs), $5 per person Lantern light reflecting off of freshly fallen snow is a great way to enjoy the forest in winter. Enjoy an evening ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails, or snowshoe the boardwalk to the river. We will have a warm campfire at the Center pavilion and the heated building will be open and staffed, with one group/household allowed indoors at a time. Masks are required inside the Center and at the Pavilion. Come any time during the 3-hour, self-guided, "open-house" style ski or snowshoe. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. If it is clear there may be moon light. Adult snowshoes, and child skis and snowshoes, are available for rent at the Grass River Center for an additional $5 rental fee during the program, or bring your own. |
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MARCH
Late Winter Tracking (online)
Tuesday March 2, 12 noon (1hr), Free Online Program via Zoom
Join Emily Burke as we explore the science and art of wildlife tracking in this virtual Zoom program. Late winter is a perfect time of year to learn or improve this skill, with snow and the mud created from melting snow providing great mediums for preserving tracks. In this program, we'll discover how to identify tracks of Northern Michigan mammals to the species level, discuss gait and animal movement patterns, and learn how to glean information like an animal's direction, speed, and when it traveled through the area, all from its tracks! Free program. Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtc-qqrTkvGte01Nzuc-mlxvqCVNdNrxKU
Tuesday March 2, 12 noon (1hr), Free Online Program via Zoom
Join Emily Burke as we explore the science and art of wildlife tracking in this virtual Zoom program. Late winter is a perfect time of year to learn or improve this skill, with snow and the mud created from melting snow providing great mediums for preserving tracks. In this program, we'll discover how to identify tracks of Northern Michigan mammals to the species level, discuss gait and animal movement patterns, and learn how to glean information like an animal's direction, speed, and when it traveled through the area, all from its tracks! Free program. Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtc-qqrTkvGte01Nzuc-mlxvqCVNdNrxKU
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Tapping Maple Trees
Saturday March 13, 2021 - 11:00am (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, limited space, must pre-register Discover the ceremonial art of maple tapping by learning both 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 see maple syrup being made, from tree to bottle. This program will take place all outdoors with a small group. Limited space. Must pre-register. |
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Maple Sugaring Basics (online)
Tuesday March 16, 2021 - 12:30pm (1 hr), Free online program via Zoom
Join James Dake online on your lunch break to discover the ceremonial art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. This online presentation will cover the equipment basics you need to do it at home and the process from tree to bottle. This is free online event. Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcodeGsqj8iGdX2a1j6DsgXayHfz7eLbeYI
Tuesday March 16, 2021 - 12:30pm (1 hr), Free online program via Zoom
Join James Dake online on your lunch break to discover the ceremonial art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. This online presentation will cover the equipment basics you need to do it at home and the process from tree to bottle. This is free online event. Register in advance for this meeting on Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcodeGsqj8iGdX2a1j6DsgXayHfz7eLbeYI
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Spring Equinox Bird Walk
Saturday March 20, 2021 - 9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person, must pre-register Who are the first birds to show up in the spring? Join us for the first walk in our birding series on the first day of spring as we look and listen for these early arrivals. Binoculars are available to borrow, or bring your own. If there is still snow bring snowshoes, or rent some for an additional $5 in the Grass River Center. This program will take place all outdoors with a small group. Limited space. Must pre-register. |
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Maple Day!
Saturday March 20, 2021 - 11:00am to 3:00pm, Free, stop by any time
We will be boiling sap to syrup today at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10am to 4pm.
Saturday March 20, 2021 - 11:00am to 3:00pm, Free, stop by any time
We will be boiling sap to syrup today at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10am to 4pm.
Signs of River Otters and Other Elusive Animals (NMC Face to Face)
Tues., March 23, 1-4 p.m. at Grass River, $49 through NMC Extended Education
River otters are active and healthy at Grass River Natural Area. Join a naturalist to learn the natural history of river otters and how to spot signs of these elusive and fun indicators of water quality. On the trail we will look for signs of other elusive animals, like bobcat, mink or black bear (dress to be outdoors). This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate. Wear a mask to this class.
Register though NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
Tues., March 23, 1-4 p.m. at Grass River, $49 through NMC Extended Education
River otters are active and healthy at Grass River Natural Area. Join a naturalist to learn the natural history of river otters and how to spot signs of these elusive and fun indicators of water quality. On the trail we will look for signs of other elusive animals, like bobcat, mink or black bear (dress to be outdoors). This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate. Wear a mask to this class.
Register though NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
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Moonlight Owling
Friday March 26, 2021 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, limited space, must pre-register Do you know which owl you're hearing when they "hoot" at night? Many owls have already began nesting by this time of year. Learn about the calls and habits of local owls and then take a hike under moonlight to listen for owls. Bring a light. Snowshoes are available for rent if snow is deep, or bring your own. Limited space. Must pre-register. |
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APRIL
NMC Coffee Chats: The Field Guide to Northwest Michigan (NMC Livestream)
Fri., April 23, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $15 through NMC Extended Education
Join James Dake, author of the regional best-seller, "Field Guide to Northwest Michigan" and Education Director at Grass River, as he discusses the making of the 2nd edition of the Field Guide. James will share the stories behind the photographs of Michigan plants and animals and illustrate what makes Northwest Michigan unique. Be inspired to get outdoors and explore and protect our beautiful state. This Coffee Chat begins with an upbeat interview of the speaker followed by a live zoom session to continue the conversation. You are invited to participate during the live Q and A portion if you choose.
Register though NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
Fri., April 23, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $15 through NMC Extended Education
Join James Dake, author of the regional best-seller, "Field Guide to Northwest Michigan" and Education Director at Grass River, as he discusses the making of the 2nd edition of the Field Guide. James will share the stories behind the photographs of Michigan plants and animals and illustrate what makes Northwest Michigan unique. Be inspired to get outdoors and explore and protect our beautiful state. This Coffee Chat begins with an upbeat interview of the speaker followed by a live zoom session to continue the conversation. You are invited to participate during the live Q and A portion if you choose.
Register though NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
Amphibians of Northern Michigan (NMC Hybrid)
Tuesdays, April 27 and May 4, 1-3 p.m. $69 through NMC Extended Education
Explore Michigan's wonderful variety of unique frogs and salamanders in this classroom and field course. In the first session, examine the natural history and recent research on Michigan's amphibians before hitting the trail in search of some of these elusive but spectacular creatures. Learn field ID and handling techniques as we search forest, field, swamp and stream. Participate in a citizen science project by contributing our findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas and learn to identify frogs by their calls. The first class meets via Zoom and the second class meets at Grass River Education Center (6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire), dress to be outdoors. This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate. Wear a mask to the second class.
Register through NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
Tuesdays, April 27 and May 4, 1-3 p.m. $69 through NMC Extended Education
Explore Michigan's wonderful variety of unique frogs and salamanders in this classroom and field course. In the first session, examine the natural history and recent research on Michigan's amphibians before hitting the trail in search of some of these elusive but spectacular creatures. Learn field ID and handling techniques as we search forest, field, swamp and stream. Participate in a citizen science project by contributing our findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas and learn to identify frogs by their calls. The first class meets via Zoom and the second class meets at Grass River Education Center (6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire), dress to be outdoors. This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate. Wear a mask to the second class.
Register through NMC at https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
If you are interested in a private program for family groups, contact james@grassriver.org
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