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CLASSES AND PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Programs at Grass River Natural Area are Green, Special Events that are off-site are Blue, Holidays are Brown.
To register for a program, scroll down to the listing below the calendar.
To register for a program, scroll down to the listing below the calendar.
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. Some programs require preregistration.
Register for the classes below by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button, or call (231) 533-8314 to register over the phone. 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? Contact: James Dake, james@grassriver.org, or the office at 231-533-8314 |
Subscribe to our email list to get updates and reminders about classes.
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NOVEMBER
Wildlife in Watercolor: Painting Workshop with Dani Knoph CLASS IS FULL
Saturday November 23, 2019 - 9:00 am (3 hrs), $25 per person, must pre-register
Learn about laying down watercolor washes, layering, and color with local artist Dani Knoph. Observe an artist demonstration then put your knowledge to practice. You'll learn fun facts about local wildlife with an emphasis on fish of Northwest Michigan. You're encouraged to bring photos of fish, flora or fauna that inspire you to use as references. You are also encouraged to bring watercolor supplies if you have your own, but supplies will be provided. Limited space.
Saturday November 23, 2019 - 9:00 am (3 hrs), $25 per person, must pre-register
Learn about laying down watercolor washes, layering, and color with local artist Dani Knoph. Observe an artist demonstration then put your knowledge to practice. You'll learn fun facts about local wildlife with an emphasis on fish of Northwest Michigan. You're encouraged to bring photos of fish, flora or fauna that inspire you to use as references. You are also encouraged to bring watercolor supplies if you have your own, but supplies will be provided. Limited space.
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Bow and Drill Fire-making Workshop
Sunday November 24, 2019 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $20 per person, for adults and teens Learn to build and use a bow and drill kit to create fire by friction. First, we will collect natural materials to build our own kits and then learn proper technique to create fire. Each participant will go home with their own bow and drill kit and the skills to keep practicing on their own. For Adults and Teens. $20 per person. |
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Book Signing with Peg Comfort - POSTPONED
This event is postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Celebrate the publication of Grass River's new book "Great Lakes Wetland Walks" by Peg Comfort. Peg will give a short talk on the making and inspiration for the book at 11am, followed by an opportunity for questions and a chance to purchase and get your own copy signed by the author!
This event is postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Celebrate the publication of Grass River's new book "Great Lakes Wetland Walks" by Peg Comfort. Peg will give a short talk on the making and inspiration for the book at 11am, followed by an opportunity for questions and a chance to purchase and get your own copy signed by the author!
DECEMBER
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Holiday Wreaths and Centerpieces
Saturday December 7 - 1:00pm (2hrs), $10 per participant, for adults, and families w/ older children Tis the Season for the smell of balsam, the bright red of berries, and the drumbeat of woodpeckers. Take home a bit of Grass River Natural Area by making your own centerpieces using candles, cedar, bark, berries, and other objects we find on the trail, and also create works of grapevine wreath art. All supplies are provided. Best for adults and older children. |
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Holiday Crafts for Kids
Saturday December 14, 2019 - 11:00am (3hrs) Take a break from the holiday rush and join us as we create an assortment of nature-inspired holiday crafts and gifts. There will be a variety of crafts suitable for ages 3 - 16. |
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JANUARY 2020
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Winter Day Camp
Wednesday Jan 1 - Friday Jan 3, 9:30am to 3:00pm, Ages 7 to 12, $100 per camper for full 3 days Grass River Natural Area will be hosting a 2020 3-day winter camp for children 7 to 12 years old. Your children can spend their winter break building a snow shelter, tracking animals along the boardwalks, building a campfire, or enjoying the view along Grass River - perfect for the child that loves the outdoors in winter. Limited space, must pre-register. |
Winter Birds at the Feeder
Saturday, January 4, 2020, 1:00pm, $5 per person
Join us as we learn more about the birds that stay up north during the winter and how they survive in northern Michigan's frosty temperatures. Enjoy winter bird viewing from the window with a naturalist and enjoy some hot cocoa. There will be an optional short walk outdoors to the bird feeding areas.
Saturday, January 4, 2020, 1:00pm, $5 per person
Join us as we learn more about the birds that stay up north during the winter and how they survive in northern Michigan's frosty temperatures. Enjoy winter bird viewing from the window with a naturalist and enjoy some hot cocoa. There will be an optional short walk outdoors to the bird feeding areas.
WINTERFEST!
Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 12:00pm Noon to 3:00pm
A fun-filled family event with outdoor and indoor activities, snowshoeing and x-country skiing weather permitting, crafts, games, and nature story time. Plus a blazing fire to keep you warm. This event is available at no charge thanks to the generous support of Mammoth Distilling.
Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 12:00pm Noon to 3:00pm
A fun-filled family event with outdoor and indoor activities, snowshoeing and x-country skiing weather permitting, crafts, games, and nature story time. Plus a blazing fire to keep you warm. This event is available at no charge thanks to the generous support of Mammoth Distilling.
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Winter Pastels Workshop
Saturday January 18, 2020 - 1:00pm (2 hrs) - $10 per person Join us for this interactive art workshop where we learn how to express the subtle colors of snow, shadows and light with pastels. All materials and instruction supplied. |
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Winter Owl Prowl
Friday January 24, 2020 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs) $5 per person The Great Horned and Barred Owls are beginning to nest at Grass River Natural Area. Do you know which owl you're hearing when they "hoot" at night? Learn about their calls and habits and take a evening hike in the woods. We recommend snowshoes if the snow is deep. Snowshoes may be rented at the Grass River Center for the program for an additional $5. Meet at the Grass River Center. Please pre-register. |
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Winter Tracking
Saturday January 25, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person
The natural area is a haven for everything from bobcats to deer to snowshoe hare in the winter months. Join a naturalist as we learn the art of tracking wildlife in winter when snow makes the perfect medium for preserving animal tracks and trails. This workshop will start indoors, where we'll learn the track shapes and gait patterns of a variety of northern Michigan wildlife species, then we'll head outside on the trails to search for tracks and practice our new skills. Dress for the weather.
Saturday January 25, 2019 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person
The natural area is a haven for everything from bobcats to deer to snowshoe hare in the winter months. Join a naturalist as we learn the art of tracking wildlife in winter when snow makes the perfect medium for preserving animal tracks and trails. This workshop will start indoors, where we'll learn the track shapes and gait patterns of a variety of northern Michigan wildlife species, then we'll head outside on the trails to search for tracks and practice our new skills. Dress for the weather.
