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, james@grassriver.org
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, james@grassriver.org
SEPTEMBER
September Sunset Paddle
Friday September 22, 2023 - 6:00pm (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 and teens 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.
Friday September 22, 2023 - 6:00pm (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 and teens 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.
Fall Stream Monitoring
Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
New and seasoned volunteers of all ages are invited to join us as we collect data for our biannual stream monitoring program. Teams will be collecting macroinvertebrates (creek "bugs") at three sites and then will return to the Grass River Center to sort through their critter samples. Note: new volunteers will be put into groups with more experienced volunteers. Dress for the weather, and bring hip waders if you have them (though we have more than enough pairs to loan out!) Email james@grassriver.org if you are interested in participating!
Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
New and seasoned volunteers of all ages are invited to join us as we collect data for our biannual stream monitoring program. Teams will be collecting macroinvertebrates (creek "bugs") at three sites and then will return to the Grass River Center to sort through their critter samples. Note: new volunteers will be put into groups with more experienced volunteers. Dress for the weather, and bring hip waders if you have them (though we have more than enough pairs to loan out!) Email james@grassriver.org if you are interested in participating!
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Fall Fungi Walk
Saturday September 23, 2023 - 10:30am (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, please pre-register As the leaves fall, there will be more nutrients for mushrooms to absorb and recycle. On our walk, we'll look for these fungi, photograph them and collect samples. Back at the Center, we will show you the steps to identify them. Please pre-register. |
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NMC Fall Mushroom Foray at Grass River
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 1:00pm (3 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Tour the woods and fields with naturalists at Grass River Natural Area to freshen up on your mushroom identification skills. On the trek you will seek, find and identify fun fall fungi. In the process, learn about the life-cycles, habitats and features of these organisms. Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 1:00pm (3 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Tour the woods and fields with naturalists at Grass River Natural Area to freshen up on your mushroom identification skills. On the trek you will seek, find and identify fun fall fungi. In the process, learn about the life-cycles, habitats and features of these organisms. Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
Grass River Community Celebration
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:30 (1.5 hours)
Join us as we gather to acknowledge the work that has been done to protect the Grass River, organize around future protection projects, and celebrate the official launch of the Grass River Adaptive Management Plan (GRAMP). Register at bit.ly/GRConnectsCelebration.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:30 (1.5 hours)
Join us as we gather to acknowledge the work that has been done to protect the Grass River, organize around future protection projects, and celebrate the official launch of the Grass River Adaptive Management Plan (GRAMP). Register at bit.ly/GRConnectsCelebration.
Kayak Grass River
Friday September 29, 2023 - 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 and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. To register email james@grassriver.org or call 231-492-8793. 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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Autumn Colors in Pastels
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person, please pre-register, limited space This first week of autumn has brought many changes in the colors here at Grass River. The green of the trees becomes gold in the tamarack, red of the maples and rust of beech leaves. In contrast, the animals and birds take on their camouflage plumage. The woodcock and grouse blend into the fallen leaves. Pastels are the perfect media to represent this panorama whether it's the bright colors of leaves or the muted colors of camouflage. |
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OCTOBER
Fall Color Paddle
Thursday October 5, 2023 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience fall colors at 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 and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. To register email james@grassriver.org or call 231-492-8793. 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.
Thursday October 5, 2023 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience fall colors at 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 and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. To register email james@grassriver.org or call 231-492-8793. 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.
Fall Color Paddle
Friday October 6, 2023 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience fall colors at 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 and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. To register email james@grassriver.org or call 231-492-8793. 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.
Friday October 6, 2023 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience fall colors at 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 and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. To register email james@grassriver.org or call 231-492-8793. 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.
Fall Stewardship Day
Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, volunteers needed
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.
Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, volunteers needed
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.
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Owl Prowl
Friday, October 13, 2023 - 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. |
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NMC Date Night: Owls of Northern Michigan
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), register through NMC Extended Education
Date night is a great excuse to spend time with someone special - your mom, your partner, or your best friend. Enjoy this date night version of a popular class learning about fascinating birds! Spend a little time with the Grass River staff to familiarize yourself with background information on our local owls, then head out for a guided night hike. Grass River staff will teach about times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Register one adult, bring one adult along. Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), register through NMC Extended Education
Date night is a great excuse to spend time with someone special - your mom, your partner, or your best friend. Enjoy this date night version of a popular class learning about fascinating birds! Spend a little time with the Grass River staff to familiarize yourself with background information on our local owls, then head out for a guided night hike. Grass River staff will teach about times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Register one adult, bring one adult along. Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
NMC Owls of Northern Michigan
Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), register through NMC Extended Education
Owls are fascinating birds. What is it about the elusive owl that sparks an air of mystery and intrigue? Join Grass River staff as we learn about local owls, their biology, identification, calls and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Then, we'll 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. Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
Thursday, October 19, 2023 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), register through NMC Extended Education
Owls are fascinating birds. What is it about the elusive owl that sparks an air of mystery and intrigue? Join Grass River staff as we learn about local owls, their biology, identification, calls and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Then, we'll 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. Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
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Owl Prowl
Friday, October 27, 2023 - 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. |
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NOVEMBER
NMC Interpretation & Environmental Education
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), at NMCs Main Campus, Register through NMC Extended Education
You have been working toward getting your Naturalist Certificate and you are excited to share all of your new knowledge. But what is the best way to communicate all of the fantastic knowledge you have learned to various audiences? Learn the art of interpretation and environmental education. Learn interpretive techniques, research effective environmental education, and put together an action plan to turn your knowledge into impact! Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), at NMCs Main Campus, Register through NMC Extended Education
You have been working toward getting your Naturalist Certificate and you are excited to share all of your new knowledge. But what is the best way to communicate all of the fantastic knowledge you have learned to various audiences? Learn the art of interpretation and environmental education. Learn interpretive techniques, research effective environmental education, and put together an action plan to turn your knowledge into impact! Register through NMC Extended Education: HERE
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact james@grassriver.org
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