EDUCATION OUTREACH
"Thank you for presenting such an engaging lesson on our local ecosystem. The hands-on lessons directly tied to our curriculum and allowed for a deeper understanding of the material. For students who are not able to take trips to preserves, this provided a schema for them to make the necessary connections to the learning of Ecosystems and Populations. One student stated that she was inspired to become a naturalist and work at Grass River. She talked for days about the Grass River Guide you donated to the class. Your presentation allowed the students to connect the classroom learning to their own backyards." - Mancelona Middle School Teacher
PRESENTATION ON THE FIELD GUIDE TO NORTHWEST MICHIGAN
Bring James Dake, author of the regional best-seller, "Field Guide to Northwest Michigan" to your organization or group to speak on the making of the Field Guide. James will share the stories behind the photographs of Michigan plants and animals that make up the field guide and illustrate what makes Northwest Michigan unique. This is a great presentation to inspire people to get outdoors and explore and protect our beautiful state. James Dake has presented and been a speaker at: National Association for Interpretation, Wildflower Association of Michigan, Northwestern Michigan College, and many local schools and libraries. Contact [email protected] for more information |
LIBRARY AND GROUP PROGRAMS
Need a creative and hands-on nature program to visit your library or organization? GRNA has programs that tie in with fantastic nature books to get your visitors excited about reading and the outdoors! LIBRARY & GROUP PROGRAMS: Building a Better World Outdoors (Child & Family Program) In this interactive program we learn to build a better world through taking care of outdoors, teaching people about outdoors, and studying the outdoors. We look at the 3 R's and a variety of live animals to learn about taking care of our local water, plants, and animals. Animals on the Move (Child & Family Program) This year's theme is all about fitness and wellness. One of the healthiest ways to stay fit is to get outdoors and get moving! Learn about a variety of local animals and the ways they move with this interactive program that will get kids moving and active in the outdoors! This program includes interaction with one or more live animals. Wild Super Heroes (Child & Family Program) Animals have some incredible senses. This program looks at the "super powers" of the animals of our local ecosystems and how these powers help them to survive where they live. Tree Identification (Adult and Older Child Program) Gain the skills to identify Michigan trees in winter by their bark, buds, and branching patterns, as well as by leaves. 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. The Science of Making Maple Syrup (Adult and Older Child Program) Discover the ceremonial 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. All About Owls (Adult and Older Child Program) 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 our local owls, their biology, identification, calls, and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and ways to increase your success in finding them. Dissecting owl pellets is also an option to add to the program! 3,000 Miles by Bicycle (Adult Program) During the summer of 2012, our education director, along with his wife, rode their bicycles from Michigan to California in a 3,000 mile journey across America. Hear their stories, experiences, and encounters with an exciting slideshow of their two-wheeled adventure across the country, followed up with inspiration on ways to exercise the body and mind by reading other inspirational stories. The Wonders of Wildflowers (Adult Program) The wildflowers of our region have amazing adaptations for their survival. This colorful and warm photography presentation looks at over a dozen of our local species and how their beauty is only outmatched by their wondrous feats, like their abilities to melt snow, change from male to female, shoot seeds long distances, cure ailments, or trick insects into helping in their survival. Discover methods of seed dispersal, pollination, medicinal and edible properties, and reproduction of our beloved wildflowers that rival exotic plants around the world. Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants (Adult Program) Orchids, sundews, and pitcher plants, oh my! Northern Michigan has a variety of wild orchids and other rare and special plants, many of which are found in wetlands. Join Grass River Natural Area to explore the rare and diverse flowers of our region while learning what makes these plants special and worth protecting. Sedges of Northern Michigan (Adult Program) 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 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. |
RATES:
Library and Large Group Presentations: "On the Road" School Classroom Programs:
Distance from GRNA Center one way (in miles) Distance from GRNA Center one way (in miles)
0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 60-75 Adt’l Prog. 0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 60-75 Adt’l Prog.
$150 $190 $220 $250 $280 $60 $120 $160 $190 $220 $250 $40
Rates are based on a one-hour program. Programs available year-round.
Contact:
James Dake, GRNA Education Director
[email protected]
231.492.8793
Library and Large Group Presentations: "On the Road" School Classroom Programs:
Distance from GRNA Center one way (in miles) Distance from GRNA Center one way (in miles)
0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 60-75 Adt’l Prog. 0-15 16-30 31-45 46-60 60-75 Adt’l Prog.
$150 $190 $220 $250 $280 $60 $120 $160 $190 $220 $250 $40
Rates are based on a one-hour program. Programs available year-round.
Contact:
James Dake, GRNA Education Director
[email protected]
231.492.8793