CLASSES AND PROGRAMS CALENDAR
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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. Some 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 |
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JANUARY 2022
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New Year’s Night Ski and Snowshoe
Friday, January 7, 2022 - 7:00pm (2 hrs.), $5 per person Start the new year off right with an evening self-guided ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails or a snowshoe to the river. A fire and hot cocoa will be available at the pavilion and the Center will be open while the night ski and snowshoe is open. Bring your own headlamp to light your way. |
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Moon-lit Guided Snowshoe
Friday January 14, 2022 - 7:00pm (1.5hrs), $10 per person Moonlight reflecting off of freshly fallen snow is a great way to enjoy the forest in January. Join a naturalist on a guided snowshoe through Grass River's forests at night to look for signs and sounds of nocturnal animals. Snowshoes are available for rent for an additional $5 rental fee during the program, or bring your own. Meet at the Grass River Center. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. If it is clear, there may be moonlight. |
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NMC Wildlife Tracking
Wednesday January 19 (online) and Friday January 21 (at GRNA), 2021 - 9:00am (2 hrs), $69 through NMC EE
Winter is a perfect time of year to learn the art and science of tracking animals, with snow providing a great medium for preserving tracks. In Day 1 of this course, we'll discover how to identify tracks of Northern Michigan mammals to the species level, discuss gait and animal movement patterns, and learn how to glean information like an animal's direction, speed, and when it traveled through the area, all from its tracks. On Day 2, we'll practice our new skills on an outdoor tracking adventure in the forests and wetlands of Grass River Natural Area. Dress for the weather on Day 2. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
Wednesday January 19 (online) and Friday January 21 (at GRNA), 2021 - 9:00am (2 hrs), $69 through NMC EE
Winter is a perfect time of year to learn the art and science of tracking animals, with snow providing a great medium for preserving tracks. In Day 1 of this course, we'll discover how to identify tracks of Northern Michigan mammals to the species level, discuss gait and animal movement patterns, and learn how to glean information like an animal's direction, speed, and when it traveled through the area, all from its tracks. On Day 2, we'll practice our new skills on an outdoor tracking adventure in the forests and wetlands of Grass River Natural Area. Dress for the weather on Day 2. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
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Winter Fungi Walk
Saturday January 22, 2022 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person Fungus is all around, even in the winter time! Go on a winter walk in search of the fungi of winter, like shelf mushrooms on fallen logs, bark, and standing trees! Along the way we will likely see a lot of lichens as well. We will collect some for identification and discuss some of their medicinal qualities with long-time mushroom hunter and naturalist, Franny Bluhm. Snowshoes will be available for rent if there is deep snow. |
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Winter Watercolors
Saturday, January 29, 1pm (2hrs), $10 per person Winter is an inspiring time to make art. With instruction from naturalist Arlene Westhoven, create a winter scene using watercolors as your medium. All materials supplied but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook and watercolors. |
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FEBRUARY
NMC Winter Tree Identification
Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), at NMC UC, $49 through NMC EE
Gain the skills to identify Michigan Trees in winter by their bark, buds, and branching patterns. We'll use a variety of real specimens collected from Grass River Natural Area, along with photographs and guides to learn ID techniques for woody plants, including broadleaf trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
Thursday, February 3, 2022 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), at NMC UC, $49 through NMC EE
Gain the skills to identify Michigan Trees in winter by their bark, buds, and branching patterns. We'll use a variety of real specimens collected from Grass River Natural Area, along with photographs and guides to learn ID techniques for woody plants, including broadleaf trees, shrubs, and evergreens. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
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Lantern-lit Ski and Snowshoe
Saturday February 5, 2022 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm (3 hrs), $5 per person Lantern light reflecting off of freshly fallen snow is a great way to enjoy the forest in winter. Enjoy an evening ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails, or snowshoe the boardwalk to the river. We will have a warm campfire at the Center pavilion and the heated building will be open and staffed. Come any time during the 3-hour, self-guided, "open-house" style ski or snowshoe. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Skis and snowshoes for all ages are available for rent at the Grass River Center for an additional $5 rental fee during the program, or bring your own. |
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Grass River Shiver
5k/10k Snowshoe Race Fundraiser Saturday February 12, 2022 - 10:00am at Grass River Natural Area - Bellaire, MI $25 preregistration, $30 on race day Put on your snowshoes and run or walk through the beautiful snow-covered Grass River Natural Area as a fundraiser for our programs! This snowshoe race in northern Michigan is only a short distance from Traverse City. A prize is awarded to overall male and female 5K/10K winners. 10k runners do two loops of the course. Walkers are welcome, too! This year we are adapting the Shiver to a virtual hybrid format. Run or walk at your convenience on Saturday or Sunday. An official clock will start at 10am on Saturday morning for those that would like an official clocked time to run their race with other runners and walkers. |
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WINTERFEST!
Saturday February 12, afternoon - More Details Coming Soon
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.
Saturday February 12, afternoon - More Details Coming Soon
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.
NMC Animal Winter Adaptations
Wednesday February 16, 2022 (Online), $49 through NMC EE
As we humans cozy up to the woodstove and burrow under down comforters, the nonmigratory animals that call the woods and waters of northern Michigan home must endure the brutal cold outside for months. Learn about the fascinating and diverse adaptations that allow our animal neighbors to survive this harsh time of year, including changes in behavior and physiology. Discover the details of how the most well-known method, hibernation, works, and also learn about lesser-known phenomena like honeybees huddling for warmth, frogs manufacturing their own “antifreeze,” and beavers stockpiling food and surviving the winter locked inside their ice-bound lodges. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
Wednesday February 16, 2022 (Online), $49 through NMC EE
As we humans cozy up to the woodstove and burrow under down comforters, the nonmigratory animals that call the woods and waters of northern Michigan home must endure the brutal cold outside for months. Learn about the fascinating and diverse adaptations that allow our animal neighbors to survive this harsh time of year, including changes in behavior and physiology. Discover the details of how the most well-known method, hibernation, works, and also learn about lesser-known phenomena like honeybees huddling for warmth, frogs manufacturing their own “antifreeze,” and beavers stockpiling food and surviving the winter locked inside their ice-bound lodges. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
NMC The Science of Making Maple Syrup
Thursday February 24 (Online) & Thursday March 3 (at GRNA) $69 through NMC EE
Discover the art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. Tap into the science of maple syrup production, tree identification, equipment needs, and get instruction for small scale DIY projects. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
Thursday February 24 (Online) & Thursday March 3 (at GRNA) $69 through NMC EE
Discover the art of tapping maple trees by learning both traditional and modern methods. Tap into the science of maple syrup production, tree identification, equipment needs, and get instruction for small scale DIY projects. Register through NMC EE at: https://nmc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010
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Lantern-lit Ski and Snowshoe
Friday February 25, 2022 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm (3 hrs), $5 per person Lantern light reflecting off of freshly fallen snow is a great way to enjoy the forest in winter. Enjoy an evening ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails, or snowshoe the boardwalk to the river. We will have a warm campfire at the Center pavilion and the heated building will be open and staffed. Come any time during the 3-hour, self-guided, "open-house" style ski or snowshoe. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Skis and snowshoes for all ages are available for rent at the Grass River Center for an additional $5 rental fee during the program, or bring your own. |
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MARCH
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Tapping Maple Trees
Saturday March 12, 2022 - 11:00am (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, limited space, must pre-register Discover the ceremonial art of maple tapping by learning both traditional and modern methods. This program will cover all of the equipment you need to get started, as well as how to do it at home. Get a chance to tap a tree, and see maple syrup being made, from tree to bottle. Limited space. Must pre-register. |
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Maple Day!
Saturday March 19, 2022 - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Join us as we boil sap to syrup today on the evaporator at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we tap trees, hang buckets and lines, and collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10am to 4pm. A limited supply of Grass River Maple Syrup may be available for sale.
Saturday March 19, 2022 - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Join us as we boil sap to syrup today on the evaporator at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we tap trees, hang buckets and lines, and collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10am to 4pm. A limited supply of Grass River Maple Syrup may be available for sale.
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Spring Camp
Tuesday March 29 - Friday April 1 9:00am to 3:00pm, Tuesday through Friday Ages 7 to 12, $160 per camper, limited space, must pre-register! Registration Open Jan 27 Grass River Natural Area will be hosting a 2022 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. |
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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