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, 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
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
JUNE
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.
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.
Kayak Grass River
Thursday June 30, 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.
Thursday June 30, 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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Art on Thursdays: Clay Modeling with Molly - FULL
Thursday, June 30, 2022 – 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register Join us for a clay modeling workshop led by Molly Nolan, an experienced area potter, for ages 10 – adult. She will guide you as you get your hands into the clay and form nature themed pieces that she will take to her studio and fire for you. You will need to return to the Grass River Center to pick up your finished artwork. |
CLASS IS FULL
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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.
Kayak Grass River
Monday July 11, 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 July 11, 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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Art on Thursdays: Summer Silhouettes
Thursday July 14, 1:00 (2hrs) $10 per person One of the nicest things about midsummer is the contrast between light and shade. We will capture this using the bright colors of markers as a backdrop for interesting shadows. Materials supplied. |
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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/
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Painting with Pastels
Thursday, July 28, 1:00pm (2hrs), $10 per person, please preregister Catherine Connolly, pastel artist, will present and work along with you to create landscapes using this gentle medium. We will have photos available for inspiration. Materials supplied |
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Elk Rapids Slow Roll with Norte
Thursday July 28, 2022 - 6:00pm - Elk Rapids Cedar Street Parking Lot
Join Grass River and Norte for a slow roll bike ride in Elk Rapids. We ride slow, chit-chat, ding our bells, wave, and smile a lot at a slow roll. All abilities and levels of biking experience are welcome. We ride to celebrate neighbors, community, bicycles and staying healthy. Grass River Natural Area is this week's slow roll guest!
WHEN: Every Thursday evening. Gather at 5:50 pm. Roll out at 6 pm.
WHERE: Begins at the Cedar Street parking lot and ends at Short’s Brewing Co.
ROUTE: We change the course up weekly and always stick to an easy 4-5 mile route. Let’s explore Elk Rapids’ beautiful neighborhoods.
Thursday July 28, 2022 - 6:00pm - Elk Rapids Cedar Street Parking Lot
Join Grass River and Norte for a slow roll bike ride in Elk Rapids. We ride slow, chit-chat, ding our bells, wave, and smile a lot at a slow roll. All abilities and levels of biking experience are welcome. We ride to celebrate neighbors, community, bicycles and staying healthy. Grass River Natural Area is this week's slow roll guest!
WHEN: Every Thursday evening. Gather at 5:50 pm. Roll out at 6 pm.
WHERE: Begins at the Cedar Street parking lot and ends at Short’s Brewing Co.
ROUTE: We change the course up weekly and always stick to an easy 4-5 mile route. Let’s explore Elk Rapids’ beautiful neighborhoods.
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.
RiverFest
Save the Date - Thursday August 11, 2022 - Join us for our annual celebration. Details coming soon!
Save the Date - Thursday August 11, 2022 - Join us for our annual celebration. Details coming soon!
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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