|
Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
|
|
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.
|
Issued Friday, March 13
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Grass River Natural Area continues to monitor and follow all recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer regarding the best practices necessary to prepare and respond to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic.
In observance of Governor Whitmer's direction to limit public gatherings, we are cancelling all programming at Grass River Natural Area through the end of April. In addition, the Grass River Center will be closed through April. For now, our trail will remain open from dawn to dusk with limited access to restroom facilities. GRNA administrative offices at the Antrim County building in Bellaire will also be closed while staff works from home. Staff members will be monitoring their work emails and questions or concerns should be addressed to info@grassriver.org.
GRNA will continue to monitor information and will update further cancellations and closings as necessary.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL
Grass River Natural Area continues to monitor and follow all recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer regarding the best practices necessary to prepare and respond to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic.
In observance of Governor Whitmer's direction to limit public gatherings, we are cancelling all programming at Grass River Natural Area through the end of April. In addition, the Grass River Center will be closed through April. For now, our trail will remain open from dawn to dusk with limited access to restroom facilities. GRNA administrative offices at the Antrim County building in Bellaire will also be closed while staff works from home. Staff members will be monitoring their work emails and questions or concerns should be addressed to info@grassriver.org.
GRNA will continue to monitor information and will update further cancellations and closings as necessary.
MAY
Spring Stream Monitoring
Saturday May 2, 2020 - 9:00am to 1pm
Our biannual stream monitoring is a great way to get involved in collecting data for GRNA and to monitor the health of our streams. Volunteers will assist with two jobs: one group will collect samples in the stream and one group will pick through the samples at the center. Come for one or both. All abilities (and ages) welcome. A training will be offered for those that are new.
Saturday May 2, 2020 - 9:00am to 1pm
Our biannual stream monitoring is a great way to get involved in collecting data for GRNA and to monitor the health of our streams. Volunteers will assist with two jobs: one group will collect samples in the stream and one group will pick through the samples at the center. Come for one or both. All abilities (and ages) welcome. A training will be offered for those that are new.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday May 5, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday May 5, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Spring Fling Fundraiser Dinner
Location: Dockside-Torch Lake, 6340 Old Torch Lake Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615
Tuesday, May 5th, 5-10 PM
There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 7th from 5 pm to 10 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA.
Enjoy great food with wonderful people in a relaxing environment all while supporting a great organization.
And make sure to give the staff a big hug for their generosity!
Directions: The Dockside, 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr., Bellaire, MI 49615 - (231) 377-7777
Location: Dockside-Torch Lake, 6340 Old Torch Lake Drive, Bellaire, MI 49615
Tuesday, May 5th, 5-10 PM
There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 7th from 5 pm to 10 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA.
Enjoy great food with wonderful people in a relaxing environment all while supporting a great organization.
And make sure to give the staff a big hug for their generosity!
Directions: The Dockside, 6340 Old Torch Lake Dr., Bellaire, MI 49615 - (231) 377-7777
Spring Stewardship Day
Saturday, May 9, 2020 - 9:00am – Noon
Join volunteers and staff to help us clean up the property from the long winter and get everything ready for the summer season. There will be lots to do for all abilities with a potluck lunch to follow. For more information, contact stewardship@grassriver.org
Saturday, May 9, 2020 - 9:00am – Noon
Join volunteers and staff to help us clean up the property from the long winter and get everything ready for the summer season. There will be lots to do for all abilities with a potluck lunch to follow. For more information, contact stewardship@grassriver.org
Spring Mushroom Hunt
Sunday May 10, 2020 - 1pm, $5 per person
Morels, fiddleheads, and tasty spring edibles are cropping up all over. We will search for morels and more along with a naturalist from Grass River. We're hoping for a good year, so come join us!
Sunday May 10, 2020 - 1pm, $5 per person
Morels, fiddleheads, and tasty spring edibles are cropping up all over. We will search for morels and more along with a naturalist from Grass River. We're hoping for a good year, so come join us!
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday May 12, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday May 12, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
MI Butterfly Network Training
Saturday May 16, 2020 - 9:00am (3hr), $10 per participant
Be trained to identify and monitor our local butterfly populations with the help of Education Director, James Dake. Help to protect these sensitive environmental indicator species by mapping their location. This training is part of a statewide initiative to monitor Michigan’s butterfly populations. Most of the training is indoors. An outdoor field portion will be at the end of the training. Participants will be trained and certified to be butterfly monitor volunteers by the end of the training. $10 per participant
Saturday May 16, 2020 - 9:00am (3hr), $10 per participant
Be trained to identify and monitor our local butterfly populations with the help of Education Director, James Dake. Help to protect these sensitive environmental indicator species by mapping their location. This training is part of a statewide initiative to monitor Michigan’s butterfly populations. Most of the training is indoors. An outdoor field portion will be at the end of the training. Participants will be trained and certified to be butterfly monitor volunteers by the end of the training. $10 per participant
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday May 19, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday May 19, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday May 26, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday May 26, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Birding by Ear
Saturday May 30, 2020 - 8:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person
The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees start to 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.
Saturday May 30, 2020 - 8:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person
The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees start to 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.
JUNE
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday June 2, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday June 2, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday June 9, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday June 9, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Kayak Grass River
Monday June 15, 2020 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. Call GRNA to register: 231-533-8314. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock. Rented kayaks are ready for you at the dock.
Monday June 15, 2020 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. Call GRNA to register: 231-533-8314. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock. Rented kayaks are ready for you at the dock.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday June 16, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Tuesday June 16, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Donations requested
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docent Julie Hurd 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 requested.
Kayak Grass River
Wednesday June 17, 2020 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. Call GRNA to register: 231-533-8314. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock. Rented kayaks are ready for you at the dock.
Wednesday June 17, 2020 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. Call GRNA to register: 231-533-8314. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock. Rented kayaks are ready for you at the dock.
Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants
Friday June 19, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person
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 some uneven and wet terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is recommended.
Friday June 19, 2020 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person
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 some uneven and wet terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is recommended.
Birding by Kayak
Saturday June 20, 8:30am (2.5 hrs), $20 w/ own equipment, $40 w/ rental
Paddle up and down beautiful Grass River with a naturalist for a 2.5 hour guided paddle to learn the birds of Grass River by sight and song. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock.
Saturday June 20, 8:30am (2.5 hrs), $20 w/ own equipment, $40 w/ rental
Paddle up and down beautiful Grass River with a naturalist for a 2.5 hour guided paddle to learn the birds of Grass River by sight and song. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock.
Nature Story Time
Friday June 26, 2020 - 10:00am, (1.5 hrs) $5 per child
Every Friday at 10am through the summer 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.
Friday June 26, 2020 - 10:00am, (1.5 hrs) $5 per child
Every Friday at 10am through the summer 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.
Kayak Grass River
Monday June 29, 2020 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. Call GRNA to register: 231-533-8314. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock. Rented kayaks are ready for you at the dock.
Monday June 29, 2020 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 w/ own equipment, $45 w/ rental
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. $25 per person with own kayak, $45 with kayak rental. Adults Only. Must preregister, space limited. Call GRNA to register: 231-533-8314. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. If you are bringing your own kayak, a kayak dolly and assistance will be provided to get your kayak to and from the dock. Rented kayaks are ready for you at the dock.
