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
MAY
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Birding by Ear
Saturday, May 27, 2023 - 8:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees leaf out. Learn to ID birds by their songs and go for a birding walk. Grass River is a birding hotspot and a great place to learn and appreciate your birds. |
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Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
JUNE
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
NMC Wetland Wildflowers
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in Northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register at: Wetland Wildflowers - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in Northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register at: Wetland Wildflowers - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
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Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants
Thursday, June 8, 2023 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $15 per person, must pre-register Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, in lesser known areas of GRNA. Adults only. Limited space. Must be able to hike on uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet. This program meets at the Grass River Center. |
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Kayak Grass River
Monday June 12, 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. 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 June 12, 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. 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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Summer Bird Walk
Saturday, June 17, 2023 - 8am (2hrs), $5 per person The birds that call Grass River home are now nesting and singing. Learn to ID birds by song and habitat on a guided bird walk. |
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Kayak Grass River
Monday June 19, 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. 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 June 19, 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. 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.
NMC Sedges of Northern Michigan
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 10:00am (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in Northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. Register at: Sedges of Northern Michigan - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - 10:00am (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in Northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. Register at: Sedges of Northern Michigan - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Art on Thursdays
Select Thursdays throughout the summer at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Select Thursdays throughout the summer at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
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Nature Story Time
Friday, June 23, 2023, 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child, please pre-register, limited space Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program. |
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JULY
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
Art on Thursdays
Select Thursdays throughout the summer at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Select Thursdays throughout the summer at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
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Nature Story Time
Friday, July 7, 2023, 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child, please pre-register, limited space Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program. |
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Kayak Grass River
Thursday, July 13, 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. 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, July 13, 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. 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.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
NMC Kayak River Tour - Option 1
Wednesday, July 19, 9:00am (3 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. Register at: Kayak River Tour (Option 1) - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Wednesday, July 19, 9:00am (3 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. Register at: Kayak River Tour (Option 1) - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
NMC Kayak River Tour - Option 2
Thursday, July 20, 9:00am (3 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. Register at: Kayak River Tour (Option 2) - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Thursday, July 20, 9:00am (3 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. Register at: Kayak River Tour (Option 2) - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
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Nature Story Time
Friday, July 21, 2023, 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child, please pre-register, limited space Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program. |
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AUGUST
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), Free but donations appreciated
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. Donations appreciated.
NMC Intro to Herbaria: Plant Pressing
Thursday August 3, 2023 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Ed
From the 1800s to the 1950s, collections of preserved natural organisms were ubiquitous in schools, universities, and households. Cultivating "nature literacy" was a primary educational goal, and examining real examples was the best way to familiarize oneself with the local flora and fauna. Antique and contemporary specimens still are used in teaching and research today, with additional applications in art projects and personal hobbies. Learn the history of herbaria (collections of pressed plant specimens), including how they have been created and utilized over time. Create your own plant-pressing kit and how to compose a useful specimen, and you will have hands-on time to practice pressing a variety of plants or flowers. Register at: Introduction to Herbaria: the Science and Art of Plant Pressing - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Thursday August 3, 2023 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Ed
From the 1800s to the 1950s, collections of preserved natural organisms were ubiquitous in schools, universities, and households. Cultivating "nature literacy" was a primary educational goal, and examining real examples was the best way to familiarize oneself with the local flora and fauna. Antique and contemporary specimens still are used in teaching and research today, with additional applications in art projects and personal hobbies. Learn the history of herbaria (collections of pressed plant specimens), including how they have been created and utilized over time. Create your own plant-pressing kit and how to compose a useful specimen, and you will have hands-on time to practice pressing a variety of plants or flowers. Register at: Introduction to Herbaria: the Science and Art of Plant Pressing - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
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Nature Story Time
Friday, August 4, 2023, 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child, please pre-register, limited space Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program. |
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Art on Thursdays
Select Thursdays throughout the summer at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Select Thursdays throughout the summer at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Kayak Grass River
Wednesday, August 9, 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. 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, August 9, 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. 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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Nature Story Time
Friday, August 18, 2023, 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child, please pre-register, limited space Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program. |
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NMC Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan
Thursday, August 24, 2023 - 10:00am (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified by the plants, animals, other organisms, and environmental conditions that make a landscape look the way they do. Have you ever wondered what makes a fen different from a bog, or a swamp different than a thicket? We’ll help you understand the big picture of natural communities and give you a deeper understanding of the northern Michigan landscape. Register at: Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Thursday, August 24, 2023 - 10:00am (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified by the plants, animals, other organisms, and environmental conditions that make a landscape look the way they do. Have you ever wondered what makes a fen different from a bog, or a swamp different than a thicket? We’ll help you understand the big picture of natural communities and give you a deeper understanding of the northern Michigan landscape. Register at: Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
NMC Mushrooms of Late Summer
Thursday August 31, 2023 - 10:00am (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Late summer is an excellent time to search the fungi of the forest. Join us for a naturalist-led fungus foray in search of the interesting fungi of August. We will learn tips and tricks to identify the mushrooms of Michigan and make a collection. Register at: Mushrooms of Late Summer - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Thursday August 31, 2023 - 10:00am (2hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Late summer is an excellent time to search the fungi of the forest. Join us for a naturalist-led fungus foray in search of the interesting fungi of August. We will learn tips and tricks to identify the mushrooms of Michigan and make a collection. Register at: Mushrooms of Late Summer - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact james@grassriver.org
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