Almanac

As summer comes to a close, take a guided hike to look for signs of the seasonal change at Lighthouse West Natural Area, the Leelanau Conservancy’s last stop along the Leelanau Peninsula. We’ll look for some still-resident birds, see some summer vegetation (and maybe find a few ripe blackberries), and, as always, take note of the remarkable landscape left by the glaciers.

Binoculars optional, sensible shoes necessary. Slow, easy pace.

Help plant native plugs at Misty Acres! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration projects by assisting with planting native plugs grown in GTRLC’s very own greenhouse.

GTRLC will supply all materials necessary for the workday, and teach you everything you need to know to properly plant our native species. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers should be prepared for digging and kneeling.

What will volunteers be doing:
Learning about our ongoing restoration and greenhouse projects
Digging and dibble bar usage
Removing and handling native plugs from their containers

What should I bring?
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can handle some mud
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Meet at Misty Acres Farm, NOT the natural area trailhead. The gate to the property will be open when you arrive.

Help us give this beloved trail some TLC! We will tackle problem areas across several trail sections at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, ranging from erosion to unsustainable routes and blind corners.

GTRLC will supply all tools necessary for the work being done. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and trail building and maintenance. No prior experience necessary! This will be a somewhat strenuous event, so come prepared to hike up to two miles and swing hefty trail tools. There are no restrooms or drinking water available onsite at this property.

Volunteers will be :
Re-grading the trail bed with hand tools
Building new sections of trail and re-routing sections that need improvement
Trimming vegetation to open sight lines
Other preserve maintenance tasks, including invasive species management, installing signage, etc.

Location: Please meet us at Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve. A maps link to this location can be found here.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, close-toed shoes that can handle some mud
Wear long pants
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort
A pair of work gloves - we will have extra

Help plant native plugs at GTRLC’s Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration projects by assisting with planting plugs grown in our very own greenhouse. Species planted will include flowering plants and grasses.

GTRLC will supply tools and gloves. We will teach you everything you need to know about how to properly handle and plant plugs in the ground. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers should be prepared for digging and kneeling. Bathrooms and drinking water are both available on site.

Learn about our ongoing restoration and greenhouse projects
Digging and dibble bar usage
Remove and handle native plugs from their containers

Meet us at Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve by the greenhouse/workshop area.

Join us for this interactive workshop as part of the Great lakes Incubator Farm Community "Growing Together" Series, where we’ll explore the benefits of cover cropping and crop rotation for soil health and sustainable farming. Learn which cover crop species work best for different goals, such as improving soil structure, reducing erosion, or fixing nitrogen, and discover how strategic crop rotations can enhance fertility, suppress pests, and maximize yields. Perfect for gardeners, farmers, and anyone passionate about growing sustainably!

Program at Mills Community House at 891 Michigan Avenue (US 31), Benzonia
Or email plantitwild2day@gmail.com to register for a Zoom invitation.

Seeds of Success: The Role of Seed Collection in Local Conservation Efforts.

Native plants are the building blocks of ecological rehabilitation, and it all starts with a seed! Join us as we discover the why, when, and how of seed collection efforts at a local scale, and the importance of such to biological conservation in your own yard.

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems of the Maple Bay Natural Area through invasive autumn olive removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on this healthy habitat are currently under threat of being displaced by this aggressive invasive shrub.

GTRLC will supply all materials necessary for the workday. Our team will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and invasive species identification and removal. No prior experience is necessary - just come ready to learn something new! This activity is moderately strenuous, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to cut and pile plants. There is a porta-john available on site, but no access to drinking water.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can handle some mud
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort
A pair of leather work gloves (autumn olive has thorns!)

Meet us in the parking area for Maple Bay Natural Area. Directions are on our website.

Come on out to help plant native plugs at GTRLC’s Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration projects by assisting with planting plugs grown in our very own greenhouse. Species planted will include flowering plants and grasses.

GTRLC will supply tools and gloves. We will teach you everything you need to know about how to properly handle and plant plugs in the ground. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers should be prepared for digging and kneeling. Bathrooms and drinking water are both available on site. Learn about our ongoing restoration and greenhouse projects

Please meet us at Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve by the greenhouse/workshop area.

Join the Sleeping Bear Nature Group for their monthly excursion, lead by Penny Krebiehl. Meet at the library first for some discussion and practice, then depart to observe local flora and fauna.

Be sure to pack pencils/pens, paper or drawing book/journal, water bottle, snacks/lunch, and dress appropriately for the weather with comfy walking shoes, and your curiosity.

Registration is not mandatory, but is helpful in the event of schedule changes or inclement weather.

This event is the Kingsley Folk School's first annual Herb Fest and is open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about the amazing gifts of herbs.

It is an all day event where participants attend classes and activities with various local experts. Join us for classes such as an Herb and Yoga Walk with Molly Moore of Daughter Corn Farm and Sierra Rose of Bear Earth Herbals, an Energetic Tea Tasting Class by Sierra Rose of Bear Earth Herbals, a make your own herbal remedies station, tabling from local vendors to shop, and so much more. Registration includes access to the full day of events, materials, light morning refreshments and an allergen friendly herbified lunch.

Early bird registration of $85 through August 31st, 2025.