GRASS RIVER NAUTRAL AREA FALL EVENTS
Owl Prowl ; Friday, October 4, 2024 - 7:00pm (1.5 hrs), $10 per person, must 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. $10 per person. Must pre-register. No walk-in spaces available.
Fall Stewardship Day; Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, volunteers needed
Summer is ushering in autumn, which means cooler weather and some good ol' fall season work! Come on out and join the many stewardship activities as we prepare the buildings, trails, and grounds for winter.
No experience is necessary; just a pair of work gloves and an open spirit. Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org.
NMC Watersheds and Ecosystem Hydrology
Monday, October 7, 2024 - 3:00pm (1 hr), Register through NMC Extended Education
Explore the fascinating world of watersheds! This course dives into how these interconnected systems shape our environment. Learn to identify watersheds, trace their boundaries, and understand their various sizes. Discover the crucial role they play in water quality, resource management, and more. The first classroom session is followed by an optional field trip to apply your knowledge firsthand and help the conservation director take data to monitor the hydrology of the natural area. Gain a deeper appreciation for these vital ecosystems! Register here: Watersheds & Ecosystem Hydrology - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
NMC Winter Slumber
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 9:00am (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Discover the fascinating world of animal winter homes! This lecture explores hidden dens called hibernacula. Learn how animals share these cozy quarters (or go solo), where they hide in plain sight (burrows, caves), and which creatures use them (not all hibernate). We'll delve into winter alliances & rivalries, how climate change affects hibernation, and how this strategy shapes evolution. Uncover the surprising connections between winter slumber and the intricate web of life in northern Michigan. Register here:Winter Slumber: A Look at Hibernacula - NMC Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
NMC Owls of Northern Michigan; Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 7:00pm (2 hrs), Register through NMC Extended Education
Owls aee 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 Lifelong & Professional Learning (augusoft.net)
Autumn Pastels; Saturday, October 26, 2024 - 1:00pm (2 hrs), $10 per person, please pre-register, limited space
Autumn has brought many changes in the colors here at Grass River. The green of the trees becomes gold in the tamarack, red of the maples and rust of beech leaves. In contrast, the animals and birds take on
their camouflage plumage. Pastels are the perfect media to represent this panorama whether it's the bright colors of leaves or the muted colors of camouflage. All materials are supplied for this art class.
Fall Fairy House Fun; Sunday, October 27, 2024 - 1:00pm (2hrs.) $10 per participant, please pre-register, limited space
Invite some fairies to come over for Halloween and stay till Thanksgiving. We will be working with a plastic pumpkin bucket, hot glue, and lots of fun fall decorations to create a unique fall fairy house. All materials are supplied for this class.
