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.