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](/uploads/7/6/5/7/7657490/editor/kids-stream-samplinng.jpg?1654798334)
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, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, [email protected]
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, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, [email protected]
JULY
Weekly Invasive Species Pull
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May-August, 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 docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. 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.
Every Tuesday, May-August, 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 docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. 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.
NMC Kayak River Tour
Friday, July 26, 2024 - 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. Register through NMC Extended Education
Friday, July 26, 2024 - 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. Register through NMC Extended Education
July Mushroom Meander
Saturday July 27, 2024 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person Join Naturalists Franny and Arlene as they guide us on a search for fungi. We'll return to the Center to learn how to identify our summer finds. |
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AUGUST
Art on Thursdays - Poetry and Parchment
Thursday August 1, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person 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! This week, join us as our Conservation Director, Sean, helps us create poetry inspired by Grass River Natural Area. Arlene, GRNA Naturalist, will then help us create a wall hanging. Best for adults and kids 7 and over. |
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Weekly Invasive Species Pull
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Nature Story Time
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child 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
Tuesday August 13, 2024 - 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 [email protected]. 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.
Tuesday August 13, 2024 - 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 [email protected]. 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.
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May-August, 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 docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. 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.
Every Tuesday, May-August, 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 docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. 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.
Art on Thursdays
Thursday August 15, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
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!
Thursday August 15, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
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!
Nature Story Time
Friday, August 16, 2024 - 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child 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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RiverFest
Thursday August 15, 2024, 5:30pm to 9:00pm Save the date for Grass River's Annual RiverFest at Shanty Creek Resorts. |
Author Reading And Fiction Writing Workshop
Join author Mary Kay Zuravleff, author of American Ending, for a reading and discussion of newest novel on August 21 and a writing workshop on August 22. The first 25 people to register for either event will receive a free copy of American Ending. Both events are free of charge, thanks to a generous grant from the Michigan Arts and Humanities Council.
Event: Author Reading and Book Signing
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 21: 7-8:30 pm
Location: Bos Winery, 135 Ames Street, Elk Rapids
Register here: https://events.getlocalhop.com/author-reading-mary-kay-zurvaleff/event/jfLwIXzNlf/
Event: Fiction Writing Workshop
Date and Time: Thursday, August 22, 1-3 pm
Location: Grass River Natural Area (Education Center), 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire
Register here: https://events.getlocalhop.com/writing-workshop-mary-kay-zuravleff/event/c2WUIkACrJ/
About the Author:
Award-winning author Mary Kay Zuravleff has published four novels. Her most recent, American Ending, was an Oprah Spring Book pick and a finalist for the Langum Prize for American Historical Fiction. That book was inspired by both sets of her grandparents, Russian Orthodox Old Believers who lived in an Appalachian coal-mining town, and especially by her paternal grandmother, who was born in America and lost her citizenship for marrying her Russian-born spouse. She taught graduate students at numerous universities and has had the pleasure of teaching fiction workshops at Chautauqua, Key West, and Interlochen.
Join author Mary Kay Zuravleff, author of American Ending, for a reading and discussion of newest novel on August 21 and a writing workshop on August 22. The first 25 people to register for either event will receive a free copy of American Ending. Both events are free of charge, thanks to a generous grant from the Michigan Arts and Humanities Council.
Event: Author Reading and Book Signing
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 21: 7-8:30 pm
Location: Bos Winery, 135 Ames Street, Elk Rapids
Register here: https://events.getlocalhop.com/author-reading-mary-kay-zurvaleff/event/jfLwIXzNlf/
Event: Fiction Writing Workshop
Date and Time: Thursday, August 22, 1-3 pm
Location: Grass River Natural Area (Education Center), 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire
Register here: https://events.getlocalhop.com/writing-workshop-mary-kay-zuravleff/event/c2WUIkACrJ/
About the Author:
Award-winning author Mary Kay Zuravleff has published four novels. Her most recent, American Ending, was an Oprah Spring Book pick and a finalist for the Langum Prize for American Historical Fiction. That book was inspired by both sets of her grandparents, Russian Orthodox Old Believers who lived in an Appalachian coal-mining town, and especially by her paternal grandmother, who was born in America and lost her citizenship for marrying her Russian-born spouse. She taught graduate students at numerous universities and has had the pleasure of teaching fiction workshops at Chautauqua, Key West, and Interlochen.
SEPTEMBER
September Sunset Paddle
Friday September 6, 2024 - 6:30pm (1.5 hours), $40 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset than on the Grass River, paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak (provided) with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife while enjoying sundown. Adults and teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email [email protected]. 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.
Friday September 6, 2024 - 6:30pm (1.5 hours), $40 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset than on the Grass River, paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak (provided) with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife while enjoying sundown. Adults and teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email [email protected]. 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.
Fall Stream Monitoring
Saturday September 28, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Shanty Creek
As part of our Adaptive Management Plan, Grass River Natural Area conducts stream monitoring surveys twice a year. The fall surveys will take place in September. We rotate amongst the three creeks each year, and this year is Shanty Creek! This is a really cool way to better understand our watershed, and the biodiversity within it.
This opportunity does require you to attend a training session. If you'd like to register for this volunteer opportunity, email the Conservation Director at [email protected].
Saturday September 28, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Shanty Creek
As part of our Adaptive Management Plan, Grass River Natural Area conducts stream monitoring surveys twice a year. The fall surveys will take place in September. We rotate amongst the three creeks each year, and this year is Shanty Creek! This is a really cool way to better understand our watershed, and the biodiversity within it.
This opportunity does require you to attend a training session. If you'd like to register for this volunteer opportunity, email the Conservation Director at [email protected].
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact [email protected]
Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
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