Sedge Walk
Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 10:00-11:30am - $10 per person
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify.
On this leisurely stroll on wetland boardwalks, we will learn some of the most common sedges
you are likely to encounter in northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with
an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants.
Family Playgroup
Thursday, June 4, 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
Kayak Grass River
Thursday June 4, 2026 - 1:00-3:00pm, $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 this guided tour, 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.
Beginner Birding on the Boardwalks
Friday, June 5, 2026 - 8:45-9:45am, $10 per person
Enjoy a short leisurely stroll on our new boardwalks to the river to listen and look for
birds. We will learn to recognize some of the most common warblers, sparrows, and
other wetland birds by song, and use binoculars to watch for others. Binoculars are
available to borrow if you do not have your own.
Wild Orchid Walk
Friday, June 5, 2026 - 10:00am-12:00pm, $15 per person, must pre-register
Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail
expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants, like carnivorous pitcher
plants and sundews, in lesser-known areas of GRNA. Limited space. Must be able to
hike on uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is
highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet with standing water. This
program meets at the Grass River Center.
Backyard Restoration with CAKE-CISMA
Friday, June 5, 2026 - 1:00-2:30pm, Free, donations welcome
Healthy ecosystems don’t stop at the edge of a preserve, they extend into our
own backyards. This talk by CAKE-CISMA explores how individual actions can
collectively support biodiversity across our region. Learn how to replace
invasive species, incorporate native plants, and create functional habitat that
supports wildlife and improves water quality. Walk away with practical
strategies you can start using right away. This program is free, but please
RSVP if possible to james@grassriver.org so we know how
many to expect.
Kayak Grass River
Saturday June 6, 2026 - 9:30-11:30am, $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 this guided tour, 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.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday June 6, 2026 - 10:00am-1:00pm
Native plants are incredibly important to native wildlife. Join us for this one-day
sale event. You can get plants in two ways:
1. Pre-order garden kits with 38 plugs of a variety of species meant for a 4'x 10'
garden. Then, pick them up the day of the event, June 7. Orders need to be
placed by May 31.
2. Show up the day of the event (June 6) to purchase single species quarts at the
Grass River Center. They are first-come first-served until stock runs out, so arrive
early if you want your pick of all the species available!
All plants are locally grown and native to Michigan. Sales from this event help to
support Grass River's important conservation work. And, you help local wildlife by planting native plants in your yard!
Wetland Wildflower Walk
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 10:30am-12:00pm, $10 per person
Enjoy a fascinating stroll on our new accessible wetland boardwalks alongside
our wildflower guide, Lyn Petty. Discover the stunning variety of wetland
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.
Old-Growth Forest Walk
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 1:00-2:30pm - Free, donations welcome
Leona Addie works as the Great Lakes Regional Manager for the Old-Growth
Forest Network, a national nonprofit focused on protecting, celebrating and
sharing experiences in our nation’s oldest forests. Join us for a brief presentation
followed by a hike to learn about old-growth forests, their characteristics, where
to find them, their ecological importance, and how you can get involved. This
program is free, but please RSVP if possible to james@grassriver.org so we
know how many to expect.
Wetland Wildflower Walk
Sunday, June 7, 2026 - 10:30am-12:00pm, $10 per person
Enjoy a fascinating stroll on our new accessible wetland boardwalks alongside
our wildflower guide, Lyn Petty. Discover the stunning variety of wetland
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.
