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. 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, a notification is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund.
Questions, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, [email protected]
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, a notification is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund.
Questions, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, [email protected]
NOVEMBER
Nature Trivia Night
Thursday, November 21st, 2024 - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person at Short's Elk Rapids
Join us for Nature Trivia Night at the Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! Get your team of 2-6 players together and get ready to stretch your brain with 5 rounds of clever, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's.
Thursday, November 21st, 2024 - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person at Short's Elk Rapids
Join us for Nature Trivia Night at the Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! Get your team of 2-6 players together and get ready to stretch your brain with 5 rounds of clever, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's.
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Geology Discovery Program: Exploring the Geology of the Grass River Natural Area
Saturday, November 23, 2024 -10 am (2 hrs), $10 per person Join author and Earth scientist Steven Veatch for a morning to connect with nature and geology at the Grass River Natural Area. First, meet at the visitor center for a presentation on the geologic processes that created the GRNA’s landscape. We will spend some time looking at the Ice Age, a transformative period in Earth's history, shaping landscapes, ecosystems, and even the evolution of species. We will delve into this fascinating world of ice, exploring the scientific theories, geological evidence, and paleontological discoveries that have shed light on this extraordinary era. From the colossal ice sheets that covered vast regions to the unique adaptations of the creatures that roamed the icy landscapes, we will investigate the causes, effects, and legacy of the Ice Age. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic epoch and its significance in shaping our planet. |
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DECEMBER
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Owl Prowl
Friday, December 6, 2024 - 6:30pm (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. |
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Lighting of the Bridges
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm, $5 per person Join us for a magical evening as we light up the bridges of our boardwalk with colorful lights and lanterns for one night only. Enjoy a 1/4 mile winter stroll around our boardwalk with the bridges lit up with lights, and then warm up with a campfire and hot cocoa at the pavilion. Inside the Center we will have a variety of holiday crafts to make! You can come any time during this two-hour "open house" style event and walk the self-guided trail, enjoy the fire, and make crafts in the Center. Snowshoes are available for rent if there is deep snow. |
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JANUARY 2025
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Lantern-lit Evening
Friday, January 10, 2025 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm (2 hrs.), $5 per person Lantern light shining through the trees is a great way to enjoy the forest in winter. Enjoy a self-guided lantern-lit hike, or an evening ski or snowshoe on GRNA’s trails and boardwalks if there is snow. We will have a warm campfire at the Center pavilion and the heated building will be open and staffed. Come any time during the 2-hour, self-guided, "open-house" style event. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Skis and snowshoes for all ages 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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Nature Trivia Night
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person at Short's Elk Rapids
Join us for Nature Trivia Night at the Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! Get your team of 2-6 players together and get ready to stretch your brain with 5 rounds of clever, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's.
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person at Short's Elk Rapids
Join us for Nature Trivia Night at the Short's Pull Barn in Elk Rapids! Get your team of 2-6 players together and get ready to stretch your brain with 5 rounds of clever, family-friendly trivia. Don't worry if you're not a nature expert; questions will draw from other areas of knowledge - like movies and music - as well. $5 per player, which supports GRNA. Players will pay upon arriving at Short's.
NMC Winter Tree Identification
Friday, January 31, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) at NMC
Gain the skills to identify Michigan trees in winter by their bark, buds, and branching patterns. We'll use a variety of real specimens collected from Grass River Natural Area, along with photographs and guides to learn ID techniques for woody plants, including broadleaf trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Registration coming soon!
Friday, January 31, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) at NMC
Gain the skills to identify Michigan trees in winter by their bark, buds, and branching patterns. We'll use a variety of real specimens collected from Grass River Natural Area, along with photographs and guides to learn ID techniques for woody plants, including broadleaf trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Registration coming soon!
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact [email protected]
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