GRASS RIVER SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Family Playgroup
Thursday, September 3 and September 17, 2026
10:30am-12:00pm, Free
Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River
Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays
each month. Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other
families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No registration needed!
Offered in partnership with NMCAA and the Great Start Collaborative &
Family Coalition of Traverse Bay. Learn more at Playgroups | Early Childhood
NMC Kayak Tour
Friday, September 11, 2026
9:30am-12:00pm
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. Registration coming soon!
Paddle Antrim Festival
September 19-20, 2026
The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways and
communities of Northern Michigan. The Festival, always the
second weekend after Labor Day, includes a two-day paddle event
through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Paddle one day or two
days and choose the distance that is best for your paddling ability
and desired distance/time on the water.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE: Festival Details - Paddle Antrim - Antrim County Michigan
Fall Stream Monitoring
Saturday, September 26, 2026
9:00-11:00am
Volunteer opportunity
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 Cold 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 emma@grassriver.org.
