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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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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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JULY
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday July 2, 2019 - 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 July 2, 2019 - 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.
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Nature Story Time
Friday July 5, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead. |
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Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday July 9, 2019 - 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 July 9, 2019 - 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.
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Yoga in the Outdoors
Wednesday July 10, 10:00am, (1 hr), $5 per person Start the morning with stretching & breathing in the fresh northern Michigan air. All abilities welcome. Bring a mat if you have one. |
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Morning Loon Hike
Thursday July 11, 2019 - 8:00 am (1hr), $5 per person Meet one of our naturalists at one of our outlying properties to look for loons on a short hike to Clam Lake. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meets on Bliss Road off of Crystal Springs. Directions: From the Grass River Natural Area entrance on Alden Highway head west on Alden Highway. In 1.5 miles you turn right to head north on Crystal Springs Road. Take Crystal Springs Road 1 mile north until you get the the intersection of Paige Road/Bliss Road. Turn right onto the gravel road, which is Bliss Road. As Bliss Road begins to turn, you will see a Grass River Logo sign on the left. Park on the two-track there. From there we will walk to Clam Lake. |
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ART: Gyotaku Fish Printing
Thursday July 11, 2019 - 1pm (1.5 hrs), $5 per participant Try the art form of Gyotaku, a traditional Japanese method of making fish prints. Learn the history of this special art and create your own beautiful fish print. |
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Nature Story Time
Friday July 12, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead. |
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Evening Loon Pontoon Cruise
Saturday July 13, 2019 - 7:00pm (2 hours), $25 per person
Join a Grass River Naturalist for a cruise along the river and lakes to learn about loons. Must preregister. Call 231-533-8314. This pontoon cruise meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to board the pontoon at 7pm.
Saturday July 13, 2019 - 7:00pm (2 hours), $25 per person
Join a Grass River Naturalist for a cruise along the river and lakes to learn about loons. Must preregister. Call 231-533-8314. This pontoon cruise meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to board the pontoon at 7pm.
Kayak Grass River
Monday July 15, 2019 - 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Monday July 15, 2019 - 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday July 16, 2019 - 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 July 16, 2019 - 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 July 17, 2019 - 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Wednesday July 17, 2019 - 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
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ART: Watercolors Along Finch Creek
Thursday July 18, 2019—1pm (2 hrs), $8 To capture the atmosphere, we'll take our drawing boards watercolor pencils with us as we walk along Finch Creek, . We'll make quick sketches of whatever catches our eye, then return to the Center to make a finished drawing/painting. |
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Nature Story Time
Friday July 19, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead. |
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Grass River Fundraiser at WaterFire Vineyards in Kewadin
Friday July 19, 2019 - 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: WaterFire Vineyards, 12180 Sutter Rd, Kewadin, MI 49648
Join the staff of Grass River at WaterFire Vineyards for a gathering and fundraiser. At 4pm there will be a pond exploration of the pond at the vineyard to look for wetland plants and wildlife. Education Director, James Dake, will be playing music from 5pm to 7pm on the covered patio. For each glass poured, $1 goes to Grass River Natural Area to support our important work. Come join us at this gorgeous and environmental vineyard in Antrim County!
Friday July 19, 2019 - 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: WaterFire Vineyards, 12180 Sutter Rd, Kewadin, MI 49648
Join the staff of Grass River at WaterFire Vineyards for a gathering and fundraiser. At 4pm there will be a pond exploration of the pond at the vineyard to look for wetland plants and wildlife. Education Director, James Dake, will be playing music from 5pm to 7pm on the covered patio. For each glass poured, $1 goes to Grass River Natural Area to support our important work. Come join us at this gorgeous and environmental vineyard in Antrim County!
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday July 23, 2019 - 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 July 23, 2019 - 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.
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Yoga in the Outdoors
Wednesday July 24, 2019—10 am (1hr), $5 per person Start the morning with stretching & breathing in the fresh northern Michigan air. All abilities welcome. Bring a mat if you have one. |
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ART: Watercolor Reflections
Thursday July 25, 2019—1 pm (2hrs), $8 per person Watercolors are perfect for painting reflections and shadows. We will use photos taken at Grass River for inspiration as we create light and shade with paint. |
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Nature Story Time
Friday July 26, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead. |
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Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday July 30, 2019 - 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 July 30, 2019 - 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.
AUGUST
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ART: The Wonder of Bumble Bees
Thursday August 1, 2019—1 pm (1.5 hrs), $5 Join Sheridan Haack, bumble bee enthusiast, for a presentation on the ecology and ID of bumble bees, then go for a hike to photograph and find the bees! |
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Kayak Grass River
Friday August 2, 2019 - 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Friday August 2, 2019 - 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Nature Story Time
Friday August 2, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Friday August 2, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Tuesday August 6, 2019 - 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 August 6, 2019 - 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.
Morning Pontoon River Cruise
Wednesday August 7, 2019 - 9:00am (2 hours), $25 per person
Join a Grass River Naturalist for a relaxing pontoon tour of the river to look for wildlife, learn the natural history of the river, and understand GRNA's conservation work. Must preregister. Call 231-533-8314. This pontoon cruise meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to board the pontoon.
Wednesday August 7, 2019 - 9:00am (2 hours), $25 per person
Join a Grass River Naturalist for a relaxing pontoon tour of the river to look for wildlife, learn the natural history of the river, and understand GRNA's conservation work. Must preregister. Call 231-533-8314. This pontoon cruise meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to board the pontoon.
Yoga in the Outdoors
Wednesday August 7, 2019—10 am (1hr), $5 per person
Start the morning with stretching & breathing in the fresh northern Michigan air. All abilities welcome. Bring a mat if you have one.
Wednesday August 7, 2019—10 am (1hr), $5 per person
Start the morning with stretching & breathing in the fresh northern Michigan air. All abilities welcome. Bring a mat if you have one.
ART: Create with Clay
Thursday August 8, 2019—10 am (1.5 hrs), $8, must pre-register
Join us in this popular pottery class where we use clay to make pinch pots, native animals, & more. We’ll also use some natural clay from the creek.
Thursday August 8, 2019—10 am (1.5 hrs), $8, must pre-register
Join us in this popular pottery class where we use clay to make pinch pots, native animals, & more. We’ll also use some natural clay from the creek.
Nature Story Time
Friday August 9, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
Friday August 9, 2019 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs), $5 per child
Each week on Friday enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. For young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead.
ART: Nature’s Patterns & Textures
Thursday August 15, 2019—1pm (1.5hrs), $8 per person
Capture the "feel" of Grass River Natural Area in a collage. We will make rubbings and use 'natural' stamps to create a unique and imaginative work of art.
Thursday August 15, 2019—1pm (1.5hrs), $8 per person
Capture the "feel" of Grass River Natural Area in a collage. We will make rubbings and use 'natural' stamps to create a unique and imaginative work of art.
Kayak Grass River
Friday August 16, 2019 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 with own kayak, $45 with 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Friday August 16, 2019 - 9:00am (2.5 hrs), $25 with own kayak, $45 with 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 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. This program meets off-site at the end of Grass River Road off of M-88. No restrooms at launch site.
Yoga in the Outdoors
Wednesday August 21, 2019—10 am (1hr), $5 per person
Start the morning with stretching & breathing in the fresh northern Michigan air. All abilities welcome. Bring a mat if you have one.
Wednesday August 21, 2019—10 am (1hr), $5 per person
Start the morning with stretching & breathing in the fresh northern Michigan air. All abilities welcome. Bring a mat if you have one.
ART: Natural Dye Workshop
Thursday August 22, 2019—10 am (2 hrs), $15 per person
In this hands-on, adult workshop, Julie Hurd will introduce sustainable plant dye methods & application of natural dyes inspired by modern and ancient traditions.
Thursday August 22, 2019—10 am (2 hrs), $15 per person
In this hands-on, adult workshop, Julie Hurd will introduce sustainable plant dye methods & application of natural dyes inspired by modern and ancient traditions.
