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, book a private program, or problems registering? Contact: James Dake at 231-492-8793 or [email protected] - we can always register you by phone or email as well.
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, book a private program, or problems registering? Contact: James Dake at 231-492-8793 or [email protected] - we can always register you by phone or email as well.
SEPTEMBER
Family Playgroup
Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 10:30am (1.5 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with NMCAA and the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Thursday, September 3, 2026 - 10:30am (1.5 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with NMCAA and the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Tuesday, September 8, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docent Lyn Petty. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted. Free to attend for individuals. Organized groups should book a separate program.
Tuesday, September 8, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docent Lyn Petty. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted. Free to attend for individuals. Organized groups should book a separate program.
NMC Fall Kayak River Tour
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
There is no better way to experience a Northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Registration coming soon!
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
There is no better way to experience a Northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Registration coming soon!
Boardwalk Ribbon Cutting
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 10:30am
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Michigan's longest ADA-Accessible Boardwalk. The Grass River Natural Area is one of the "hidden gems" of Antrim County, and our Boardwalk is a highlight - a gem within a gem, if you like. We have recently finished the reconstruction project, and all loops are now open. Please join us in celebrating the ribbon-cutting for this multi-stage project.
Friday, September 11, 2026 - 10:30am
Celebrate the Grand Opening of Michigan's longest ADA-Accessible Boardwalk. The Grass River Natural Area is one of the "hidden gems" of Antrim County, and our Boardwalk is a highlight - a gem within a gem, if you like. We have recently finished the reconstruction project, and all loops are now open. Please join us in celebrating the ribbon-cutting for this multi-stage project.
Boardwalk Celebration
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 11:00am to 1:00pm, open house-style free event
You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Michigan's longest ADA-accessible boardwalk.
The Grass River Natural Area is one of the "hidden gems" of Antrim County, and our boardwalk is a highlight - a gem within a gem. We recently finished the reconstruction of 1.26 miles of boardwalk, and all loops are now open. We invite everyone to come explore the boardwalks on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Dinger’s Dawgs will be on-site selling hot dogs, chili dogs, and fresh lemonade.
Visitors are invited to explore the boardwalks and "find" as many of the cool, fun, interactive stations along the way as they can. Everyone who finds at least 5 will receive a limited-edition "I Explored the Boardwalk at GRNA" sticker for their car or water bottle, and those who find at least 10 will get a free hot dog & chips!
Stations will include live music, a guest artist painting landscapes on site, and a children's storybook reading post in partnership with the Northwest Early Childhood Network. Each child who stops to enjoy a story will receive a copy of the book and a bag from PoWeR! Book Bags.
There will also be a fun passport stamp activity for younger boardwalk explorers, and the chance to win one of the pieces of art created on-site.
This event will take place, RAIN or SHINE, so mark your calendars! Grass River Natural Area IS yours to explore and yours to protect.
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - 11:00am to 1:00pm, open house-style free event
You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Michigan's longest ADA-accessible boardwalk.
The Grass River Natural Area is one of the "hidden gems" of Antrim County, and our boardwalk is a highlight - a gem within a gem. We recently finished the reconstruction of 1.26 miles of boardwalk, and all loops are now open. We invite everyone to come explore the boardwalks on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Dinger’s Dawgs will be on-site selling hot dogs, chili dogs, and fresh lemonade.
Visitors are invited to explore the boardwalks and "find" as many of the cool, fun, interactive stations along the way as they can. Everyone who finds at least 5 will receive a limited-edition "I Explored the Boardwalk at GRNA" sticker for their car or water bottle, and those who find at least 10 will get a free hot dog & chips!
Stations will include live music, a guest artist painting landscapes on site, and a children's storybook reading post in partnership with the Northwest Early Childhood Network. Each child who stops to enjoy a story will receive a copy of the book and a bag from PoWeR! Book Bags.
There will also be a fun passport stamp activity for younger boardwalk explorers, and the chance to win one of the pieces of art created on-site.
This event will take place, RAIN or SHINE, so mark your calendars! Grass River Natural Area IS yours to explore and yours to protect.
Family Playgroup
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 10:30am (1 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Thursday, September 17, 2026 - 10:30am (1 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Bats of Northern Michigan
Friday September 18, 7pm-9pm, Register through NMC Exteded Education
Bats are among Northern Michigan's most fascinating—and misunderstood—mammals. Join Grass River staff as we explore the incredible world of our local bats, learning about their biology, identification, echolocation, life history, and the important role they play in keeping insect populations in check. We'll also discuss the challenges bats face and discover the best times and places to observe them in the wild. Then, we'll head out for an evening hike equipped with a bat detector to listen for and identify bats as they forage overhead. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at dusk on trails. Bring a flashlight. Register through NMC Extended Ed here: Bats of Northern Michigan - NMC Extended Education & Training
Friday September 18, 7pm-9pm, Register through NMC Exteded Education
Bats are among Northern Michigan's most fascinating—and misunderstood—mammals. Join Grass River staff as we explore the incredible world of our local bats, learning about their biology, identification, echolocation, life history, and the important role they play in keeping insect populations in check. We'll also discuss the challenges bats face and discover the best times and places to observe them in the wild. Then, we'll head out for an evening hike equipped with a bat detector to listen for and identify bats as they forage overhead. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at dusk on trails. Bring a flashlight. Register through NMC Extended Ed here: Bats of Northern Michigan - NMC Extended Education & Training
Paddle Antrim Festival
September 19-20, 2026
The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival, always the second weekend after Labor Day, includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Paddle one day or two days and choose the distance that is best for your paddling ability and desired distance/time on the water.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE: Festival Details - Paddle Antrim - Antrim County Michigan
September 19-20, 2026
The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival, always the second weekend after Labor Day, includes a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Paddle one day or two days and choose the distance that is best for your paddling ability and desired distance/time on the water.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE: Festival Details - Paddle Antrim - Antrim County Michigan
Fall Stream Monitoring
September 26, 2026, 9:00a.m.-11:00a.m. - volunteer opportunity
Twice a year Grass River collects data through stream monitoring. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) at several sites along Cold Creek. After collection we will return to the Grass River Center to sort through the samples. Pre-registration for this event is required. Pre-register by RSVP’ing to Emma at [email protected].
September 26, 2026, 9:00a.m.-11:00a.m. - volunteer opportunity
Twice a year Grass River collects data through stream monitoring. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) at several sites along Cold Creek. After collection we will return to the Grass River Center to sort through the samples. Pre-registration for this event is required. Pre-register by RSVP’ing to Emma at [email protected].
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Owl Prowl
Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 7:30pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, please 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. Please pre-register. |
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OCTOBER
Family Playgroup
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 10:30am (1.5 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with NMCAA and the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 10:30am (1.5 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with NMCAA and the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Fall Stewardship Day
Saturday, October 4, 2026
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. - Volunteers Welcome!
It’s time for fall cleaning! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks needed to freshen up the Grass River Nature Center in preparation for winter. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves and a good attitude!
Saturday, October 4, 2026
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. - Volunteers Welcome!
It’s time for fall cleaning! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks needed to freshen up the Grass River Nature Center in preparation for winter. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves and a good attitude!
NMC Owls of Northern Michigan
Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 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 here: Owls of Northern Michigan - NMC Extended Education & Training
Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 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 here: Owls of Northern Michigan - NMC Extended Education & Training
Family Playgroup
Thursday, October 15, 2026 - 10:30am (1 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Thursday, October 15, 2026 - 10:30am (1 hr), Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed! Offered in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Help Me Grow
Crosshatch Felt Embroidery Workshop
Saturday October 17, 2026 - 1:00pm (3hrs), $65 per person, hosted at Grass River Natural Area
Join Kim of Fran & Judy for three cozy hours of stitching! In this workshop, you’ll get to choose one Cozy Cottage ornament to make. The workshop will start with an overview of embroidery and practicing a few stitches on scrap felt. Once you’re ready, Kim will guide you step by step through the process of making a felt embroidered ornament, with plenty of individual instruction and hands-on support along the way.
Whether you’re completely new to embroidery or looking to build confidence with your stitching, this workshop is designed to be relaxed, encouraging, and enjoyable. And don’t worry if you don’t finish! Your kit includes step-by-step instructions so you can take it home and finish at your own pace.
The workshop will be held at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, Michigan, so feel free to arrive early, take a walk through the trails, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors before we begin!
Workshop Cost: $50
Material Cost: $15
Register at: Cozy Cottage Felt Embroidery Workshop Tickets, Saturday, October 17 • 1 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite
Saturday October 17, 2026 - 1:00pm (3hrs), $65 per person, hosted at Grass River Natural Area
Join Kim of Fran & Judy for three cozy hours of stitching! In this workshop, you’ll get to choose one Cozy Cottage ornament to make. The workshop will start with an overview of embroidery and practicing a few stitches on scrap felt. Once you’re ready, Kim will guide you step by step through the process of making a felt embroidered ornament, with plenty of individual instruction and hands-on support along the way.
Whether you’re completely new to embroidery or looking to build confidence with your stitching, this workshop is designed to be relaxed, encouraging, and enjoyable. And don’t worry if you don’t finish! Your kit includes step-by-step instructions so you can take it home and finish at your own pace.
The workshop will be held at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, Michigan, so feel free to arrive early, take a walk through the trails, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors before we begin!
Workshop Cost: $50
Material Cost: $15
Register at: Cozy Cottage Felt Embroidery Workshop Tickets, Saturday, October 17 • 1 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite
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Moonlight Owl Prowl
Friday, October 23, 2026 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, please 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 under moonlight in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light in the case that it is cloudy. $10 per person. Please pre-register. |
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If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact [email protected]
