|
Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
|
|
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS SCHEDULE/REGISTRATION
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.
|
JANUARY
|
Winter Owl Prowl
Friday January 25, 2019 - 7:00pm, $5 per person The Great Horned and Barred Owls are beginning to nest at Grass River Natural Area. Do you know which owl you're hearing when they "hoot" at night? Join us as we learn about their calls and habits and take a night hike. Bring a light and snowshoes or skis if the snow is deep. |
|
FEBRUARY
A Grass River Groundhog Day at Townline Ciderworks
A 50th Anniversary Celebration to Support GRNA's Education Program
Saturday February 2, 2019 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Celebrate Groundhog Day with a fundraiser at Townline Ciderworks. At 3pm there will be an orchard hike/snowshoe/ski with a specialty cider pour in the orchard. From 4pm to 6pm, there will be live music indoors performed by Grass River's Education Director, James Dake, along with delicious ciders, and food delivery available from the Elk Rapids General Store. Join us to celebrate GRNA's 50th Anniversary. This event is open to all ages and is family-friendly. Location: Townline Ciderworks, 11595 US 31, Williamsburg, MI 49690
A 50th Anniversary Celebration to Support GRNA's Education Program
Saturday February 2, 2019 - 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Celebrate Groundhog Day with a fundraiser at Townline Ciderworks. At 3pm there will be an orchard hike/snowshoe/ski with a specialty cider pour in the orchard. From 4pm to 6pm, there will be live music indoors performed by Grass River's Education Director, James Dake, along with delicious ciders, and food delivery available from the Elk Rapids General Store. Join us to celebrate GRNA's 50th Anniversary. This event is open to all ages and is family-friendly. Location: Townline Ciderworks, 11595 US 31, Williamsburg, MI 49690
Happy Hour for a Cause at Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen
A 50th Anniversary Celebration to Support GRNA's Education Program
Thursday February 7, 2019 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Join us for an evening as we celebrate Grass River Natural Areas 50th anniversary at Pearl's! Funds raised will go to the educational programs that GRNA holds. Your $10 goes to Grass River while you enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and happy hour prices. Enjoy great food and drink while mingling with staff, volunteers, and lovers of GRNA. Location: Pearl's, 617 Ames, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
A 50th Anniversary Celebration to Support GRNA's Education Program
Thursday February 7, 2019 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Join us for an evening as we celebrate Grass River Natural Areas 50th anniversary at Pearl's! Funds raised will go to the educational programs that GRNA holds. Your $10 goes to Grass River while you enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and happy hour prices. Enjoy great food and drink while mingling with staff, volunteers, and lovers of GRNA. Location: Pearl's, 617 Ames, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
|
Waterfowl on the River
Saturday February 9, 2019 - 11:00am, $5 per person The open waters of Grass River are a hotspot for water birds in the winter. Join us as we learn to ID birds on the water using mounts indoors and take a hike to the river. Use some of GRNA's binoculars or bring your own. |
|
|
Buds, Bark and Branches
Saturday February 16, 2019 - 1:00pm, $5 per person How well can you identify trees without leaves in the winter? Gain the skills to identify Michigan trees by their bark, buds, and branching patterns while taking a short hike on our beautiful trails with a naturalist. |
|
|
Signs of River Otter
Saturday February 23, 2019 - 1:00pm, $5 per person We have a healthy river otter population at Grass River but not many people know what to look for to find signs of them. Join us we learn what types of things to look for when trying to spot signs of river otters. |
|
MARCH
Owl Calling
Friday March 1, 2019 - 7:00pm (1.5 hours), $5 per person
Do you know which owl you're hearing when they "hoot" at night? Learn about the calls and habits of local owls and then take a moonlit hike while practicing your owl calls. This program includes about a 1 mile hike in the dark on uneven ground. If there is deep snow, snowshoes are recommended. Bring a light.
Friday March 1, 2019 - 7:00pm (1.5 hours), $5 per person
Do you know which owl you're hearing when they "hoot" at night? Learn about the calls and habits of local owls and then take a moonlit hike while practicing your owl calls. This program includes about a 1 mile hike in the dark on uneven ground. If there is deep snow, snowshoes are recommended. Bring a light.
Grass River Fundraiser at Ethanology
A 50th Anniversary Celebration and Presentation to Support Grass River Natural Area
Friday March 8, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Join Grass River Natural Area at Ethanology in Elk Rapids for a special presentation and fundraiser to support their educational programs. At 6pm enjoy a presentation with James Dake, author of "Field Guide to Northwest Michigan," on the plants, botanicals, and animals that make Northern Michigan Unique (suggested $5 donation). From 7pm to 8pm enjoy cocktail hour with a specialty cocktail where $5 from each drink sold goes to Grass River. Location: Ethanology, 127 Ames St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629
A 50th Anniversary Celebration and Presentation to Support Grass River Natural Area
Friday March 8, 2019 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Join Grass River Natural Area at Ethanology in Elk Rapids for a special presentation and fundraiser to support their educational programs. At 6pm enjoy a presentation with James Dake, author of "Field Guide to Northwest Michigan," on the plants, botanicals, and animals that make Northern Michigan Unique (suggested $5 donation). From 7pm to 8pm enjoy cocktail hour with a specialty cocktail where $5 from each drink sold goes to Grass River. Location: Ethanology, 127 Ames St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Early Spring Birds
Saturday March 23, 2019 - 9:00am (2 hours), $5 per person
Who are the first birds to show up in the spring? Join us for the first walk in our birding series as we look and listen for this early arrivals.
Saturday March 23, 2019 - 9:00am (2 hours), $5 per person
Who are the first birds to show up in the spring? Join us for the first walk in our birding series as we look and listen for this early arrivals.
|
Spring Camp
Tuesday March 26 to Thursday March 28 - 9:00am to 3:00pm - $100 per camper Did you decide to stick around northern Michigan for spring break? Now your kids can spend their break tapping maple trees, tracking animals along the boardwalk, building campfires, and taking hikes on our awesome trails - perfect for the child that loves the outdoors in spring. This day camp is open to kids ages 7 to 12. |
Tapping Maple Trees
Saturday March 30, 2019 - 11:00am (1.5 hours), $5 per person
Discover the ceremonial art of maple tapping by both learning traditional and modern methods. This program will cover all of the equipment you need as well as how to do it at home. Get a chance to tap a tree and enjoy a taste of sweet syrup.
Saturday March 30, 2019 - 11:00am (1.5 hours), $5 per person
Discover the ceremonial art of maple tapping by both learning traditional and modern methods. This program will cover all of the equipment you need as well as how to do it at home. Get a chance to tap a tree and enjoy a taste of sweet syrup.
APRIL
Spring Birds and eBird
Saturday April 13, 2019—9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person
Join us for a spring bird walk to learn to ID birds by sight and sound and how to log observations online using the eBird webpage or app.
Saturday April 13, 2019—9:00am (2 hrs), $5 per person
Join us for a spring bird walk to learn to ID birds by sight and sound and how to log observations online using the eBird webpage or app.
Frog and Salamander Wetland Walk
Saturday April 20, 2019 - 1:00pm (1.5hrs), $5 per person, please pre-register
Celebrate Earth Day and the coming of spring by taking a walk to woodland vernal pools to look for salamanders and listen for frog activity. Learn how to identify local salamanders and frogs and help us record species for research!
Saturday April 20, 2019 - 1:00pm (1.5hrs), $5 per person, please pre-register
Celebrate Earth Day and the coming of spring by taking a walk to woodland vernal pools to look for salamanders and listen for frog activity. Learn how to identify local salamanders and frogs and help us record species for research!
Early Spring Wildflowers
Saturday April 27, 2019 - 1:00pm (1.5 hrs), $5 per person
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails to find and identify the beautiful and unique early spring wildflowers at Grass River.
Saturday April 27, 2019 - 1:00pm (1.5 hrs), $5 per person
Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails to find and identify the beautiful and unique early spring wildflowers at Grass River.
MAY
Birding Series: Birding by Ear
Saturday May 4, 2019 - 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. Grass River is a birding hotspot and a great place to learn and appreciate your birds.
Saturday May 4, 2019 - 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. Grass River is a birding hotspot and a great place to learn and appreciate your birds.
Wildflower & Bird Walk
Tuesday May 7, 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 May 7, 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.
