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]
MAY
Spring Stream Monitoring
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Twice a year Grass River collects data through stream monitoring. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) at several sites along Finch Creek. After collection we will return to the Grass River Center to sort through the samples.
Pre-registration for this event is required. Pre-register by RSVP’ing to Emma at [email protected].
**New volunteers should reach out to the Conservation Director, Emma, to get training materials in order to be ready for the stream monitoring day. **
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Twice a year Grass River collects data through stream monitoring. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) at several sites along Finch Creek. After collection we will return to the Grass River Center to sort through the samples.
Pre-registration for this event is required. Pre-register by RSVP’ing to Emma at [email protected].
**New volunteers should reach out to the Conservation Director, Emma, to get training materials in order to be ready for the stream monitoring day. **
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Spring Mushroom Hunt
Saturday May 10, 2025 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person Morels, other fungi, fiddleheads, and tasty spring edibles are cropping up all over. We will search for morels and other spring fungi along with a naturalist from Grass River. Afterwards, we will take time to ID what we collect. |
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Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Spring Stewardship Day
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a "spring" in your step, and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at [email protected].
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a "spring" in your step, and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at [email protected].
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Wildflower Watercolors
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person A wonderful way to appreciate and learn about the wildflowers at GRNA is to observe and paint them. This class features the characteristics of each flower as we create images in flowing watercolor. All supplies provided. |
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Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Fiction Writing Workshop with Christine Maul Rice
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs.), free but please register
Join us at Grass River Natural Area Education Center for a fiction writing workshop with Christine Maul Rice. This event is free, but please register. Christine’s novel, Swarm Theory, was called "a gripping work of Midwest Gothic" by NPR and won numerous awards. Christine was included in New City's Lit 50: Who Really Books in Chicago and named One of 30 Writers to Watch by Chicago's Guild Complex. Most recently, her short stories, essays, and interviews have appeared in Allium, Make Literary Magazine, The Rumpus, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, The Millions, Roanoke Review, The Literary Review, among others. Christine is the founder and editor of Hypertext Magazine and is an Assistant Professor of English at Valparaiso University. Her newest novel, based on the Flint water crisis, will be published in 2026. Register HERE
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs.), free but please register
Join us at Grass River Natural Area Education Center for a fiction writing workshop with Christine Maul Rice. This event is free, but please register. Christine’s novel, Swarm Theory, was called "a gripping work of Midwest Gothic" by NPR and won numerous awards. Christine was included in New City's Lit 50: Who Really Books in Chicago and named One of 30 Writers to Watch by Chicago's Guild Complex. Most recently, her short stories, essays, and interviews have appeared in Allium, Make Literary Magazine, The Rumpus, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, The Millions, Roanoke Review, The Literary Review, among others. Christine is the founder and editor of Hypertext Magazine and is an Assistant Professor of English at Valparaiso University. Her newest novel, based on the Flint water crisis, will be published in 2026. Register HERE
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
JUNE
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
NMC Wetland Wildflowers
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in Northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in Northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register at NMC Extended Education.
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Summer Bird Walk
Saturday June 7, 2025 - 8am (2hrs), $10 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 with birding enthusiast Theresa Moore. |
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Native Plant Sale
Saturday, June 7, 2025 -10:00am to 1:00pm Native plants are incredibly important to native wildlife. Join us for this one-day sale event. You can get plants in two ways: 1. Pre-order garden kits below with 38 plugs of a variety of species meant for a 4'x 10' garden. Then, pick them up the day of the event, June 7. Orders need to be placed by May 31. 2. Show up the day of the event (June 7) to purchase single species quarts at the Grass River Center. They are first-come first-served until stock runs out, so arrive early if you want your pick of all the species available! All plants are locally grown and native to Michigan. Sales from this event help to support Grass River's important conservation work. And, you help local wildlife by planting native plants in your yard! |
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
NMC Sedges of Northern Michigan
Friday June 20, 2025 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
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. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Friday June 20, 2025 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
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. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
NMC Wild Michigan Orchids & Other Rare Plants
Friday, June 27, 2025 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Orchids are fascinating, beautiful, and rare plants – and Northern Michigan has some of the best. Join James Dake of Grass River Natural Area as we learn about these important environmental indicators in an exclusive off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants that grow with them, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, in some of the lesser known areas of Grass River. Limited space. Must be able to walk on some uneven and very wet terrain for the hike. Wearing muck boots is recommended. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Friday, June 27, 2025 - 10:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Orchids are fascinating, beautiful, and rare plants – and Northern Michigan has some of the best. Join James Dake of Grass River Natural Area as we learn about these important environmental indicators in an exclusive off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants that grow with them, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, in some of the lesser known areas of Grass River. Limited space. Must be able to walk on some uneven and very wet terrain for the hike. Wearing muck boots is recommended. Register at NMC Extended Education.
JULY
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Every Tuesday, May through August, 10:30am (1.5 hrs), Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docents Lyn Petty and Phil Jarvi. Discover the stunning variety of wildflowers and learn to identify their unique beauty. As we wander, keep an ear out for the delightful melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
NMC Kayak River Tour 1
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Register at NMC Extended Education.
NMC Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs.), Register through NMC Extended Education
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified by the plants, animals, other organisms, and environmental conditions that make a landscape look the way they do. Have you ever wondered what makes a fen different from a bog, or a swamp different than a thicket? We’ll help you understand the big picture of natural communities and give you a deeper understanding of the northern Michigan landscape. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Friday, July 25, 2025 - 1:00pm (2 hrs.), Register through NMC Extended Education
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified by the plants, animals, other organisms, and environmental conditions that make a landscape look the way they do. Have you ever wondered what makes a fen different from a bog, or a swamp different than a thicket? We’ll help you understand the big picture of natural communities and give you a deeper understanding of the northern Michigan landscape. Register at NMC Extended Education.
NMC Kayak River Tour 2
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Register at NMC Extended Education.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, students will explore Grass River by kayak and find out about Grass River Natural Area’s conservation efforts, wetland ecology, and Michigan wildlife. Register at NMC Extended Education.
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact [email protected]
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