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!
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, or call 231-350-9461 |
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JUNE
Naturalist on the Trail
Every Friday,10:30am – 1:30pm, June through August, Free, Donations welcome, come any time
Each Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages!
Every Friday,10:30am – 1:30pm, June through August, Free, Donations welcome, come any time
Each Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages!
Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants - PROGRAM IS FULL, call to be added to wait list
Friday June 11, 2021 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register
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 uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet. This program meets at the Grass River Center.
Friday June 11, 2021 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register
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 uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet. This program meets at the Grass River Center.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday at 10:00am (2 hrs), May through August, donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Every Tuesday at 10:00am (2 hrs), May through August, donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
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Art on Thursdays
Swirls, Lines, and Dots: Patterns in Nature June 17 -1:00 PM. $10 per person - materials supplied Nature has many beautiful repeated designs such as insect wings, fern fronds, or reptile scales. As we walk along the trails, we will 'collect' them by sketching them with water color pencils when we return to the pavilion. We will add water to create a dramatic composition. For Adults and children 10 years and up. Limited Space. Please pre-register. |
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Sedges of Northern Michigan (NMC Face to Face class at Grass River)
Friday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. (2hrs), $39 per participant
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in Northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate and takes place outdoors at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire. Register through NMC here: https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
Friday, June 18, 10:00 a.m. (2hrs), $39 per participant
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the most numerous and common plants! When you take the time to slow down and look at them closely, you find they are quite attractive and simple to identify. This field class will walk you through a variety of wetland communities as we learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in Northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. This course qualifies toward the Naturalist Certificate and takes place outdoors at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire. Register through NMC here: https://www.nmc.edu/resources/extended-education/find-a-class/adult-classes/index.html
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Summer Bird Walk
Saturday June 19, 2021 - 8am (2hrs), $5 per person The birds that call Grass River home are now nesting and singing. Learn to ID birds by song and habitat on a guided bird walk. |
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Kayak Grass River
Monday June 28, 2021 - 9:00am (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 Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
Monday June 28, 2021 - 9:00am (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 Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
JULY
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Art on Thursdays
Winged Creatures in Watercolor July 1 - 1:00PM. $10 per person - materials supplied What has wings? Lots of things. Birds, bees, butterflies and bats. In this class we will illustrate the colorful flying creatures of Grass River Natural Area. For adults and children 10 years and up. Materials supplied. Limited space. Please pre-register. |
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Evening River Paddle
Thursday July 1, 2021 - 7:00pm (1.5 hours), $35 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy evening 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 the evening. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
Thursday July 1, 2021 - 7:00pm (1.5 hours), $35 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy evening 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 the evening. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
Naturalist on the Trail
Every Friday,10:30am – 1:30pm, June through August, Free, Donations welcome, come any time
Each Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages!
Every Friday,10:30am – 1:30pm, June through August, Free, Donations welcome, come any time
Each Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages!
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday at 10:00am (2 hrs), May through August, donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Every Tuesday at 10:00am (2 hrs), May through August, donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Antrim Creek Hike
Saturday July 10, 2021 - 10:00am (2hrs), Free, supported by Antrim Creek Natural Area
Meet at the South Entrance of Antrim Creek Natural Area, Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI (https://goo.gl/maps/Axdkwxy79EA5QEWTA)
On Select Saturdays at 10am this summer, join a Grass River naturalist at the Antrim Creek Natural Area South Entrance for an outdoor nature program and hike. Free to all ages!
Saturday July 10, 2021 - 10:00am (2hrs), Free, supported by Antrim Creek Natural Area
Meet at the South Entrance of Antrim Creek Natural Area, Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI (https://goo.gl/maps/Axdkwxy79EA5QEWTA)
On Select Saturdays at 10am this summer, join a Grass River naturalist at the Antrim Creek Natural Area South Entrance for an outdoor nature program and hike. Free to all ages!
Art on Thursdays
July 15th at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring art program outdoors! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
July 15th at 1pm
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring art program outdoors! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Antrim Creek Hike
Saturday July 24, 2021 - 10:00am (2hrs), Free, supported by Antrim Creek Natural Area
Meet at the South Entrance of Antrim Creek Natural Area, Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI (https://goo.gl/maps/Axdkwxy79EA5QEWTA)
On Select Saturdays at 10am this summer, join a Grass River naturalist at the Antrim Creek Natural Area South Entrance for an outdoor nature program and hike. Free to all ages!
Saturday July 24, 2021 - 10:00am (2hrs), Free, supported by Antrim Creek Natural Area
Meet at the South Entrance of Antrim Creek Natural Area, Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI (https://goo.gl/maps/Axdkwxy79EA5QEWTA)
On Select Saturdays at 10am this summer, join a Grass River naturalist at the Antrim Creek Natural Area South Entrance for an outdoor nature program and hike. Free to all ages!
Kayak Grass River
Monday July 26, 2021 - 9:00am (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 Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
Monday July 26, 2021 - 9:00am (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 Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Every Tuesday through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Intro to Kayaking
Thursday July 29, 2021 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs.), $30 per person - includes class, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
New to paddling? Enjoy an easy paddle on the river to learn basic techniques and kayak skills & safety. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
Thursday July 29, 2021 - 10:00am (1.5 hrs.), $30 per person - includes class, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
New to paddling? Enjoy an easy paddle on the river to learn basic techniques and kayak skills & safety. Adults Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-350-9461, or email james@grassriver.org. 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.
AUGUST
Blooms & Birds: Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Every Tuesday through August, 10:00am (2 hrs), donations appreciated
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents Julie Hurd and Phil Jarvi 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.
Naturalist on the Trail
Every Friday, June through August, 10:30am – 1:30pm, Free, Donations welcome
Each Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages!
Every Friday, June through August, 10:30am – 1:30pm, Free, Donations welcome
Each Friday this summer a naturalist will be stationed outdoors on our trail system, offering a new mobile mini-program each week. Stop into the Center to find out where the naturalist is that day, or go find them on the trail! You can drop in any time during the 3-hour window of the program. For all ages!
Antrim Creek Hike
Saturday August 7, 2021 - 10:00am (2hrs), Free, supported by Antrim Creek Natural Area
Meet at the South Entrance of Antrim Creek Natural Area, Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI (https://goo.gl/maps/Axdkwxy79EA5QEWTA)
On Select Saturdays at 10am this summer, join a Grass River naturalist at the Antrim Creek Natural Area South Entrance for an outdoor nature program and hike. Free to all ages!
Saturday August 7, 2021 - 10:00am (2hrs), Free, supported by Antrim Creek Natural Area
Meet at the South Entrance of Antrim Creek Natural Area, Old Dixie Hwy, Ellsworth, MI (https://goo.gl/maps/Axdkwxy79EA5QEWTA)
On Select Saturdays at 10am this summer, join a Grass River naturalist at the Antrim Creek Natural Area South Entrance for an outdoor nature program and hike. Free to all ages!
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact james@grassriver.org
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