Tapping Maple Trees Saturday March 9, 2024 11:00am (1.5 hrs) $10 per person - PLEASE PRE-REGISTER Discover the ceremonial art of maple tapping by learning both traditional and modern methods. This program will cover all of the equipment you need to get started, as well as how to do it at home. Get a chance to tap a tree, and see maple syrup being made, from tree to bottle. Get more information and register at GrassRiver.org. 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire MI 49615. NMC Signs of River Otters and Other Elusive Animals Thursday March 14 1:00pm (2.5 hrs) Register through NMC Extended Education River otters are active and healthy at Grass River Natural Area. Join a naturalist to learn the natural history of river otters and how to spot signs of these elusive and fun indicators of water quality. On the trail we will look for signs of other elusive animals, like bobcat, mink, or black bear (dress to be outdoors). Register through NMC Extended Education. MapleFest Saturday March 16 12:00 noon to 3:00pm Join us as we boil sap to syrup on the evaporator at the Pavilion at the Grass River Center. Stop by any time and see the process in action of making maple syrup. Ask staff questions and hike on the trail to see where we tap trees, hang buckets and lines, and collect the sap. The Center will be open indoors from 10am to 4pm. A limited supply of Grass River Maple Syrup may be available for sale. Get more information at grassriver.org. 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire MI 49615. Spring Day Camp Tuesday March 26 - Thursday March 28 9:00am to 3:00pm Ages 7 to 12 $150 per camper Grass River Natural Area is hosting a 2024 spring day camp for children 7 to 12 years old. Children ages 7 to 12 will spend their spring break tapping maple trees for sap, tracking animals along the boardwalks, building a campfire, or enjoying the view along Grass River - perfect for the child that loves the outdoors in spring. Get more information and register at grassriver.org. 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire MI 49615. Early Spring Bird Walk  Saturday March 30 9:00am (2 hrs) $5 per person - PLEASE PRE-REGISTER Who are the first birds to show up in the spring? Join us for the first walk in our birding series at the start of spring as we look and listen for these early arrivals. Binoculars are available to borrow or bring your own. If there is still snow bring snowshoes or rent a pair for an additional $5 in the Grass River Center. Get more information and register at grassriver.org. 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire MI 49615. Current hours for the Grass River Center are now Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm thru April 30, 2024. As always, the trails are open from dawn to dusk daily.