Family Playgroup
Thursday, October 1 and October 15, 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
Fall Stewardship Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9:00a.m.-12:00p.m. - Volunteers Welcome!
It’s time for fall cleaning! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks needed to freshen up the Grass River Nature Center in preparation for winter. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves and a good attitude!
NMC Owls of Northern Michigan
Thursday, October 8, 2026
7:00-9:00pm
Register through NMC Extended Education
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 local owls, their biology, identification, calls, and habits. Learn times and places to go searching for owls during day and night, and strategies to increase your success in finding them. Then, we'll head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Register here: Owls of Northern Michigan - NMC Extended Education & Training
Owl Prowl
Friday, October 9, 2026 - 7:00-8:30pm
$10 per person, please pre-register
Join us as we learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light in the case that it is cloudy.
Crosshatch Felt Embroidery Workshop
Saturday, October 17, 2026
1:00-4:00pm
$65 per person, hosted at Grass River Natural Area
Join Kim of Fran & Judy for three cozy hours of stitching! In this workshop, you’ll get to choose one Cozy Cottage ornament to make. The workshop will start with an overview of embroidery and practicing a few stitches on scrap felt. Once you’re ready, Kim will guide you step by step through the process of making a felt embroidered ornament, with plenty of individual instruction and hands-on support along the way. Whether you’re completely new to embroidery or looking to build confidence with your stitching, this workshop is designed to be relaxed, encouraging, and enjoyable. And don’t worry if you don’t finish! Your kit includes step-by-step instructions so you can take it home and finish at your own pace.
The workshop will be held at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, Michigan, so feel free to arrive early, take a walk through the trails, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors before we begin!
Workshop Cost: $50
Material Cost: $15
Register at: Cozy Cottage Felt Embroidery Workshop Tickets, Saturday, October 17 • 1 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite
Moonlight Owl Prowl
Friday, October 23, 2026 - 7:00-8:30pm
$10 per person, please pre-register
Join us as we learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike under moonlight in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light in the case that it is cloudy. $10 per person. Please pre-register.
Fall Fairy Houses
Saturday, October 24, 2026 - 1:00-3:00pm
$10 per participant
Fall fairy fun is here! And what fairy wouldn’t want to live inside a magical pumpkin palace that your imagination creates. Turn a pretend pumpkin into a fabulous work of
fairy house art. We provide all the supplies and you provide all of your whimsical ideas. This class is for adults and kids old enough to use a hot glue gun. Or come as a family and work on a house together.
