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](/uploads/7/6/5/7/7657490/editor/kids-stream-samplinng.jpg?1654798334)
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]
JULY
Botanical Voucher Walk
Friday, July 12, 2024 - 9:00am, volunteer opportunity
Calling all plant enthusiasts! Over the next few years, GRNA is embarking on a mission to create a permanent record of the amazing plant life found here. We'll be collecting and pressing plant specimens to be deposited in the University of Michigan Herbarium. Why is this important? These herbarium specimens will be a vital resource for researchers, helping us understand the biodiversity of GRNA and track changes over time. Think of it as leaving a legacy for future generations! But GRNA has hundreds of plant species! That's where you come in. Join us for a series of botanical voucher walks this summer, where you'll help collect, process, and press plant specimens alongside our knowledgeable staff.
The first walk kicks off on July 12th, 2024 at 9 am. Let's beat the heat and get started on this exciting project!
Please RSVP to [email protected]
Friday, July 12, 2024 - 9:00am, volunteer opportunity
Calling all plant enthusiasts! Over the next few years, GRNA is embarking on a mission to create a permanent record of the amazing plant life found here. We'll be collecting and pressing plant specimens to be deposited in the University of Michigan Herbarium. Why is this important? These herbarium specimens will be a vital resource for researchers, helping us understand the biodiversity of GRNA and track changes over time. Think of it as leaving a legacy for future generations! But GRNA has hundreds of plant species! That's where you come in. Join us for a series of botanical voucher walks this summer, where you'll help collect, process, and press plant specimens alongside our knowledgeable staff.
The first walk kicks off on July 12th, 2024 at 9 am. Let's beat the heat and get started on this exciting project!
Please RSVP to [email protected]
Weekly Invasive Species Pull
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May-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-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.
Art on Thursdays - Macramé
Thursday July 18, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more! This week come create with Jenn Wright as we explore the basics of macrame and make a small wall hanging reflecting elements of the natural world. Using basic knots, we will create beautiful patterns that can be hung on wall. This is geared towards beginners ages 10+. |
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Nature Story Time
Friday, July 19, 2024 - 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program. |
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NMC Kayak River Tour
Friday, July 26, 2024 - 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 through NMC Extended Education
Friday, July 26, 2024 - 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 through NMC Extended Education
July Mushroom Meander
Saturday July 27, 2024 - 10:00am (2 hrs), $10 per person Join Naturalists Franny and Arlene as they guide us on a search for fungi. We'll return to the Center to learn how to identify our summer finds. |
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AUGUST
Art on Thursdays
Thursday August 1, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Thursday August 1, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Weekly Invasive Species Pull
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Weekly on Monday, 9am-1pm
At Grass River Natural Area, we absolutely treasure our biodiversity. Like almost all 21st century wilderness, however, GRNA is not immune to having invasive species. BUT, we work hard to get rid of these! Join us by volunteering on our weekly invasive species pulls. You'll be assisting Conservation Director Sean Callahan identify, remove, and dispose of them. We travel to a variety of places across the natural area, from right near the trails to deep in the woods!
Training required! One 1hr session. Email [email protected] to join!
Nature Story Time
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child
Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program.
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 10:30am (1.5hr), $5 per child
Enjoy a short children's story and an activity or a hike on the beautiful trails at Grass River. Best for young children ages 4 and up, but all ages welcome. $5 per child. Larger groups please call ahead for a private program.
Kayak Grass River
Tuesday August 13, 2024 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email [email protected]. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Tuesday August 13, 2024 - 9:30am (2.5 hrs.), $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife. Adults and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email [email protected]. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Weekly Wildflower Walk
Every Tuesday, May-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-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.
Art on Thursdays
Thursday August 15, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
Thursday August 15, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person
On select Thursdays this summer, join a naturalist at 1pm for a reoccurring nature art program! We will explore painting, sketching, journaling, clay, and more!
RiverFest
Thursday August 15, 2024, 5:30pm to 9:00pm Save the date for Grass River's Annual RiverFest at Shanty Creek Resorts. |
SEPTEMBER
September Sunset Paddle
Friday September 6, 2024 - 6:30pm (1.5 hours), $40 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset than on the Grass River, paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak (provided) with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife while enjoying sundown. Adults and teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email [email protected]. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Friday September 6, 2024 - 6:30pm (1.5 hours), $40 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant
There is no better way to enjoy the sunset than on the Grass River, paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On these guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak (provided) with a naturalist and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife while enjoying sundown. Adults and teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email [email protected]. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.
Fall Stream Monitoring
Saturday September 28, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Shanty Creek
As part of our Adaptive Management Plan, Grass River Natural Area conducts stream monitoring surveys twice a year. The fall surveys will take place in September. We rotate amongst the three creeks each year, and this year is Shanty Creek! This is a really cool way to better understand our watershed, and the biodiversity within it.
This opportunity does require you to attend a training session. If you'd like to register for this volunteer opportunity, email the Conservation Director at [email protected].
Saturday September 28, 2024 - 8:00am
Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Shanty Creek
As part of our Adaptive Management Plan, Grass River Natural Area conducts stream monitoring surveys twice a year. The fall surveys will take place in September. We rotate amongst the three creeks each year, and this year is Shanty Creek! This is a really cool way to better understand our watershed, and the biodiversity within it.
This opportunity does require you to attend a training session. If you'd like to register for this volunteer opportunity, email the Conservation Director at [email protected].
If you are interested in a private program or tour, contact [email protected]
Do you benefit from our 100+ classes and programs? Please consider a donation in support of program development!
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