Weekly Invasive Species Pull

Weekly on Mondays, 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 1 hr session. Email sean@grassriver.org to join!



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 james@grassriver.org. 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.







 

Kayak Grass River

Tuesday September 17, 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 james@grassriver.org. 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.




NMC Fall Kayak River Tour

Thursday, September 19, 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 here: Fall Kayak River Tour - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)





NMC Snakes: The Evolutionary Masters of the North

Friday, September 20, 2024 - 1:00pm (3 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education

Unravel the mystery of snake supremacy in Michigan's chilly climate! Explores why snakes reign supreme over lizards here (18 vs 1 species). Through a blend of lecture and field exploration, discover how snakes evolved to thrive where lizards struggle. Learn about their shared ancestry, unique adaptations (senses, jaws, movement), and how fossils reveal their evolutionary path. We'll delve into the ecological niches of northern Michigan that favor snakes and explore how competition shaped their dominance in North America. Join us and become a snake evolution expert! Register here: Snakes: The Evolutionary Masters of the North - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
 

 

NMC Fall Mushroom Foray

Friday, September 27, 2024 - 1:00pm (3hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education

Tour the woods and fields with naturalists at Grass River Natural Area to freshen up on your mushroom identification skills. On the trek you will seek, find, and identify fun fall fungi. In the process, learn about the life-cycles, habitats, and features of these organisms. Register here: Fall Mushroom Foray at Grass River - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)





Fall Stream Monitoring  

Saturday September 28, 2024 - 9:00am

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 sean@grassriver.org.