YOURS TO EXPLORE. YOURS TO PROTECT.
Grass River Natural Area is a 1,502 acre nature preserve surrounding the Grass River, located in the heart of Antrim County. Along with the beautiful views of Grass River, we also offer seven miles of well-maintained trails including 1.5 miles of boardwalk floating above northern fen and cedar wetlands. With all of these natural features, Grass River Natural Area offers visitors an outdoor, living laboratory to explore and learn. The Grass River Center is open year-round, offering a comfortable learning environment for public programming, school field trips, camps, and more.
Admin Office: 231.533.8314 [email protected] Grass River Center: 231.533.8576
Upcoming Programs
Upcoming Programs
OUR MISSION
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To manage the Grass River Natural Area, conserve and protect its watershed, and provide opportunities that increase knowledge, appreciation and community-wide stewardship of the natural environment.
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NOTICE: TRAIL CLOSURE
The next phase of boardwalk reconstruction has begun to improve accessibility! You will see orange fencing blocking off the north section of the Sedge Meadow Boardwalk Loop and the Fern Boardwalk Loop. Of course, the new section of boardwalk leading out to the dock at the river by way of #17 is still open for your enjoyment!
The next phase of boardwalk reconstruction has begun to improve accessibility! You will see orange fencing blocking off the north section of the Sedge Meadow Boardwalk Loop and the Fern Boardwalk Loop. Of course, the new section of boardwalk leading out to the dock at the river by way of #17 is still open for your enjoyment!
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EXPLORE
Boardwalks, hiking, education center, kayaking, skiing, snow-shoeing, birding... Maps Here Dogs and pets: Pets are only allowed on-leash on Rail Trail and Algonquin Trail. Parking is available at the Rail Trial and by the green barn at the Algonquin trailhead at the entrance. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the boardwalk trails. Read more about this guideline here. |
HOURS
Hiking Trails: open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk Grass River Education Center: 6500 Alden Highway, Bellaire, MI Spring, Summer, Fall: Open 7 days a week May-October! 10:00am to 4:00pm 231-533-8576 November-April: Saturdays & Sundays 10:00am to 4:00pm REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS HERE |
UPCOMING EVENTS
See full calendar & register for an event HERE.
Register for a program by clicking HERE.
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ONLINE T-SHIRT ORDERS |
PUBLICATIONS |
WHAT DOES THE RIVER OTTER TELL US?
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River otters are an amphibious mammal that are known for their curious nature, intelligence, and playfulness. Did you know they can act as environmental indicators (also called indicator species)? Contaminants that occur in the environment can concentrate in the otter over time in a process known as biomagnification. For this reason, river otters do not tolerate polluted waters and are typically found utilizing only high quality rivers and wetlands. Therefore the presence or absence of river otters in an ecosystem can serve as an indicator of habitat quality. The video below recorded a river otter family using the protected streams at Grass River - a sign of the health of the natural area and of your efforts to protect it! |
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