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. Many 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, a notification is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund.
Questions, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, [email protected]
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, a notification is posted online and registered participants are notified & receive a full refund.
Questions, or want a private program? Contact: James Dake, [email protected]
OCTOBER
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Owl Prowl
Friday, October 4, 2024 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register Join us as we learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. $10 per person. Must pre-register. No walk-in spaces available. |
SOLD OUT.
Email [email protected] to be added to waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may add a second owl prowl for Saturday 10/5 |
Fall Stewardship Day
Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, volunteers needed
Summer is ushering in autumn, which means cooler weather and some good ol' fall season work! Come on out and join the many stewardship activities as we prepared the buildings, trails, and grounds for winter. No experience is necessary; just a pair of work gloves and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at [email protected].
Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, volunteers needed
Summer is ushering in autumn, which means cooler weather and some good ol' fall season work! Come on out and join the many stewardship activities as we prepared the buildings, trails, and grounds for winter. No experience is necessary; just a pair of work gloves and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at [email protected].
NMC Owls of Northern Michigan
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Owls are fascinating birds. What is it about the elusive owl that sparks an air of mystery and intrigue? Join Grass River staff as we learn about local owls, their biology, identification, calls, and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Then, we'll head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Register here: Owls of Northern Michigan - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Owls are fascinating birds. What is it about the elusive owl that sparks an air of mystery and intrigue? Join Grass River staff as we learn about local owls, their biology, identification, calls, and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Then, we'll head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Register here: Owls of Northern Michigan - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Autumn Craft Day
Saturday, October 19, 2024 - 12pm to 3pm, free
Join us for a day of fun fall crafts. Stop into the Center anytime 12 noon to 3pm, and Naturalist Arlene will assist you with Autumn Crafts. Free family fun! The Center is open 10am to 4pm, and the trails are open for a hike.
Saturday, October 19, 2024 - 12pm to 3pm, free
Join us for a day of fun fall crafts. Stop into the Center anytime 12 noon to 3pm, and Naturalist Arlene will assist you with Autumn Crafts. Free family fun! The Center is open 10am to 4pm, and the trails are open for a hike.
Poetry Reading and Book Signing
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 6:00pm at Bos Winery, 135 Ames Street, Elk Rapids
Join Fleda Brown, author of The Woods Are on Fire: New and Selected Poems, for a reading and discussion of poetry on October 23 at Bos Winter in Elk Rapids. The first 25 people to register for this event or the poetry workshop on October 24 at Grass River will receive a free copy of The Woods Are on Fire. Register online at: Antrim Writers Series
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 6:00pm at Bos Winery, 135 Ames Street, Elk Rapids
Join Fleda Brown, author of The Woods Are on Fire: New and Selected Poems, for a reading and discussion of poetry on October 23 at Bos Winter in Elk Rapids. The first 25 people to register for this event or the poetry workshop on October 24 at Grass River will receive a free copy of The Woods Are on Fire. Register online at: Antrim Writers Series
Poetry Writing Workshop
Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Free with registration
Join Fleda Brown, author of The Woods Are on Fire: New and Selected Poems, for a poetry workshop on October 24 at Grass River. The first 25 people to register for this event or for the reading and discussion on October 23 will receive a free copy of The Woods Are On Fire. Register online at: Antrim Writers Series
Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 1:00pm (2hrs), Free with registration
Join Fleda Brown, author of The Woods Are on Fire: New and Selected Poems, for a poetry workshop on October 24 at Grass River. The first 25 people to register for this event or for the reading and discussion on October 23 will receive a free copy of The Woods Are On Fire. Register online at: Antrim Writers Series
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Autumn Pastels
Saturday, October 26, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person, please pre-register, limited space Autumn has brought many changes in the colors here at Grass River. The green of the trees becomes gold in the tamarack, red of the maples and rust of beech leaves. In contrast, the animals and birds take on their camouflage plumage. Pastels are the perfect media to represent this panorama whether it's the bright colors of leaves or the muted colors of camouflage. All materials are supplied for this art class. |
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Fall Fairy House Fun
Sunday, October 27, 2024 - 1:00pm (2hrs.) $10 per participant, please pre-register, limited space Invite some fairies to come over for Halloween and stay till Thanksgiving. We will be working with a plastic pumpkin bucket, hot glue, and lots of fun fall decorations to create a unique fall fairy house. All materials are supplied for this class. |
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NOVEMBER
NMC Interpretation and Environmental Education
Friday, November 1, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended education
You have been working toward getting your Naturalist Certificate and you are excited to share all of your new knowledge. But what is the best way to communicate all of the fantastic knowledge you have learned to various audiences? Learn the art of interpretation and environmental education. Learn interpretive techniques, research effective environmental education, and put together an action plan to turn your knowledge into impact! Register here: Interpretation & Environmental Education - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Friday, November 1, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended education
You have been working toward getting your Naturalist Certificate and you are excited to share all of your new knowledge. But what is the best way to communicate all of the fantastic knowledge you have learned to various audiences? Learn the art of interpretation and environmental education. Learn interpretive techniques, research effective environmental education, and put together an action plan to turn your knowledge into impact! Register here: Interpretation & Environmental Education - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
NMC Winter Slumber
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 9:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Discover the fascinating world of animal winter homes! This lecture explores hidden dens called hibernacula. Learn how animals share these cozy quarters (or go solo), where they hide in plain sight (burrows, caves), and which creatures use them (not all hibernate). We'll delve into winter alliances & rivalries, how climate change affects hibernation, and how this strategy shapes evolution. Uncover the surprising connections between winter slumber and the intricate web of life in northern Michigan. Register here:Winter Slumber: A Look at Hibernacula - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 9:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Discover the fascinating world of animal winter homes! This lecture explores hidden dens called hibernacula. Learn how animals share these cozy quarters (or go solo), where they hide in plain sight (burrows, caves), and which creatures use them (not all hibernate). We'll delve into winter alliances & rivalries, how climate change affects hibernation, and how this strategy shapes evolution. Uncover the surprising connections between winter slumber and the intricate web of life in northern Michigan. Register here:Winter Slumber: A Look at Hibernacula - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
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Owl Prowl
Friday, November 8, 2024 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, must pre-register Join us as we learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. $10 per person. Must pre-register. No walk-in spaces available. |
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Wild Turkey Trot 5k
Saturday November 9, 2024 - Race starts at 11:00am
Celebrate autumn with a wild turkey trot 5k on the trails at Grass River Natural Area. Run or walk the designated course on race day with other participants, or run your own 5k at your own convenience and submit your time later. To register for the race, simply purchase the Wild Turkey Trot T-shirt or Sweatshirt on Bonfire (Wild Turkey Trot 5k | Bonfire). The shirt will be mailed directly to you. All ages welcome. All proceeds go to support the educational programming at Grass River. If you want to register for the race, but do NOT want a t-shirt, you can just pay the registration fee here.
Saturday November 9, 2024 - Race starts at 11:00am
Celebrate autumn with a wild turkey trot 5k on the trails at Grass River Natural Area. Run or walk the designated course on race day with other participants, or run your own 5k at your own convenience and submit your time later. To register for the race, simply purchase the Wild Turkey Trot T-shirt or Sweatshirt on Bonfire (Wild Turkey Trot 5k | Bonfire). The shirt will be mailed directly to you. All ages welcome. All proceeds go to support the educational programming at Grass River. If you want to register for the race, but do NOT want a t-shirt, you can just pay the registration fee here.
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact [email protected]
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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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