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
MARCH
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Early Spring Bird Walk
Saturday March 25, 2023 - 9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person, must pre-register Who are the first birds to show up in the spring? Join us for the first walk in our birding series at the start of spring as we look and listen for these early arrivals. Binoculars are available to borrow, or bring your own. If there is still snow bring snowshoes, or rent some for an additional $5 in the Grass River Center. Limited space. Please pre-register. |
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Spring Break Day Camp
Tuesday March 28 - Thursday March 30 9:00am to 3:00pm, Ages 7 to 12, $150 per camper, limited space, must pre-register! Grass River Natural Area will be hosting a 2023 spring day camp for children 7 to 12 years old. Your children can spend their spring break tapping maple trees for sap, tracking animals along the boardwalks, building a campfire, or enjoying the view along Grass River - perfect for the child that loves the outdoors in spring. |
APRIL
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Make a Collage Art Class
Saturday April 1st, 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person We'll create a colorful collage using 'found' materials and photos of natural beauty to create unique images of this special place. All materials supplied. You may bring your own photographs and objects of interest that you will glue to a 9" x 12" board, or we may go for a walk to find some. |
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Let's Go Salamandering! (Online)
Wednesday April 5 - 12:00 noon (1hr), Free online Zoom class
Salamanders emerge this time of year from their wintering hideouts. Learn the natural history of these artful amphibians and where to find them. We'll also cover ways to enjoy salamanders without harming them. This is a free online event. Register online HERE.
Wednesday April 5 - 12:00 noon (1hr), Free online Zoom class
Salamanders emerge this time of year from their wintering hideouts. Learn the natural history of these artful amphibians and where to find them. We'll also cover ways to enjoy salamanders without harming them. This is a free online event. Register online HERE.
Nature Trivia Night
Thursday, April 20th - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person
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, April 20th - 6:00 pm (2 hrs), $5 per person
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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Earth Week Dusk Walk
Friday April 21, 2023 - 7:30pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, limited space As part of our Earth Week Celebration, join us for a walk at dusk to listen and look for signs of spring like owls calling, frogs singing, or salamanders migrating. Dusk is one of the best times to look for wildlife at GRNA! Pre-registration required. Limited space. |
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The Big Nature Sit on Earth Day
Saturday, April 22nd , 6:00am (3 hrs), $10 per person, please preregister, limited space Join the GRNA staff as we head out before dawn and experience the Earth waking up! We’ll meet in the main parking lot and hike out to the Grass River dock. Each of us will find a space on the boardwalk to sit quietly & observe the sights and sounds of nature coming to life. Bring a portable, quiet camp chair, a flashlight/headlamp, binoculars (or borrow ours), quiet snacks, and warm clothes. Registration is $10/person and is limited to 10 people, so register early. |
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Earth Day Bird Walk
Saturday April 22, 2023—9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person, please pre-register Join us on Earth Day for a spring bird walk to learn to ID birds by sight and sound and how to log observations online using the eBird webpage or app. Bring binoculars, or borrow some from the Grass River Center. Limited space. Please pre-register. |
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Earth Day at Ethanology
Saturday April 22, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
at Ethanology, 127 Ames St., Elk Rapids
Grass River Natural Area and Ethanology Distillation have teamed up for an Earth Day preservation event. Grass River Natural Area will be on-site offering conifer, hardwood, or shrub saplings with each donation to the non-profit. We all play a role in preserving our ecosystem, and it starts by planting more trees, and making responsible environmentally focused choices. What better way to kick-off earth day, and spring gardening, with the planting of a tree or shrub?
Swing by anytime from 3:00-6:00pm on Saturday, April 22, Earth Day. Grass River will have trees and shrubs on-site to take home during the event.
Saturday April 22, 3:00pm to 6:00pm
at Ethanology, 127 Ames St., Elk Rapids
Grass River Natural Area and Ethanology Distillation have teamed up for an Earth Day preservation event. Grass River Natural Area will be on-site offering conifer, hardwood, or shrub saplings with each donation to the non-profit. We all play a role in preserving our ecosystem, and it starts by planting more trees, and making responsible environmentally focused choices. What better way to kick-off earth day, and spring gardening, with the planting of a tree or shrub?
Swing by anytime from 3:00-6:00pm on Saturday, April 22, Earth Day. Grass River will have trees and shrubs on-site to take home during the event.
MAY
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.
Stream Monitor Training
Thursday, May 11 at 5:30pm (2 hrs)
Twice each year, GRNA monitors several sites along the 3 major streams running through the natural area to assess the health of our waterways. Every year, we train new volunteers to help us collect this data and contribute to keeping GRNA's creeks healthy. If you're interested in learning how to collect this data, join us for this training! Pre-registration is required - email Emily at emily@grassriver.org.
Thursday, May 11 at 5:30pm (2 hrs)
Twice each year, GRNA monitors several sites along the 3 major streams running through the natural area to assess the health of our waterways. Every year, we train new volunteers to help us collect this data and contribute to keeping GRNA's creeks healthy. If you're interested in learning how to collect this data, join us for this training! Pre-registration is required - email Emily at emily@grassriver.org.
Spring Stream Monitoring
Saturday, May 13 at 9:00am (4 hrs)
New and seasoned volunteers of all ages are invited to join us as we collect data as part of our biannual stream monitoring program. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (creek "bugs") at four sites along Cold Creek and then will return to the Grass River Center to sort through their critter samples. Pre-registration is required - email Emily at emily@grassriver.org. Note: we strongly encourage new volunteers to attend the Stream Monitoring Training on May 11th to become familiar with collection and sorting methods.
Saturday, May 13 at 9:00am (4 hrs)
New and seasoned volunteers of all ages are invited to join us as we collect data as part of our biannual stream monitoring program. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (creek "bugs") at four sites along Cold Creek and then will return to the Grass River Center to sort through their critter samples. Pre-registration is required - email Emily at emily@grassriver.org. Note: we strongly encourage new volunteers to attend the Stream Monitoring Training on May 11th to become familiar with collection and sorting methods.
Michigan Butterfly Monitor Training (Online)
Saturday, May 13, 2023 - 11:00am (2hrs), free online class
If you would like to become a volunteer monitor for the Michigan Butterfly Network, join this free online training to learn more. Register through the Kalamazoo Nature Center: https://naturecenter.doubleknot.com/event/virtual-butterfly-monitoring-training/2967291
Saturday, May 13, 2023 - 11:00am (2hrs), free online class
If you would like to become a volunteer monitor for the Michigan Butterfly Network, join this free online training to learn more. Register through the Kalamazoo Nature Center: https://naturecenter.doubleknot.com/event/virtual-butterfly-monitoring-training/2967291
Spring Stewardship Day
Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a "spring" in your step, and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org.
Saturday, May 20 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a "spring" in your step, and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org.
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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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JUNE
Native Plant Sale at Grass River
Saturday June 3 - Save the Date!
Details coming soon!
Saturday June 3 - Save the Date!
Details coming soon!
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.
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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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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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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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