Weekly Wildflower Walk - Every Tuesday
10:30am -12:00pm, Free to attend, donations gratefully accepted
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Nature Area alongside knowledgeable docent Lyn Petty. Discover the stunning variety of 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. Join us every Tuesday at 10:30am to see new flowers in bloom. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Family Playgroup
Thursday, July 2 and 16, 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 Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
10:00am -12:00pm, register through NMC Extended Ed
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified by the plants, animals, other organisms, and environmental conditions that make a landscape look the way they do. Have you ever wondered what makes a fen different from a bog, or a swamp different than a thicket? We’ll help you understand the big picture of natural communities and give you a deeper understanding of the northern Michigan landscape.
Register here: Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan - NMC Extended Education & Training
Kayak Grass River
Friday, July 17, 2026
9:30-11:30am, $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle
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.
Summer Fungus Foray
Saturday, July 18, 2026
1:00-3:00pm,, $10 per person
Join us as we look for summer fungi along the trials at Grass River. We'll learn the varieties that grow here at GRNA and how to identify them. Register at GRNA Programs
NMC Kayak Tour
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
9:30am-12:00pm, 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 through NMC Extended Education at: Kayak River Tour (Option 1) - NMC Extended Education & Training
NMC Wetland Wildflowers
Friday, July 31, 2026
10:00am-12:00pm, Register through NMC Extended Education
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the most exquisite wetlands in northern Michigan as we learn the natural history and conservation of these gorgeous flowering plants. Register through NMC Extended Education at: Wetland Wildflowers - NMC Extended Education & Training
