Almanac

Join the Manistee Audubon chapter for a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve! Volunteer leader Brian Allen will highlight the many bird species that can be viewed from the boardwalk at this time of the year.

The Basics

The Arcadia Marsh is one of the most beautiful and diverse nature preserves under GTRLC’s umbrella. The universally accessible boardwalk allows users of all abilities to enjoy this iconic property and experience the unique flora and fauna that call this place home. This will be a relatively easy walk on flat, even terrain.

What should I bring?

Consider bringing your camera and/or binoculars - birds and wildflowers will be abundant!

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance.

Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort.

This is not a dog-friendly event.

Directions

We will meet at the M22 West end of the boardwalk

Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or any other reason will be communicated with registered participants via email.

Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.

The arrival of spring in northern Michigan is heralded by toads and frogs, which fill warming evening air with their enchanting chorus. But what are these amphibians saying? Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for a unique exploration of sound on the trails of Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve, where we’ll listen and learn about their fascinating world.

The Basics

As we explore the preserve’s wetlands, we’ll learn about the different calls of local toad and frog species, discovering how these vocalizations are used to communicate with potential mates and rivals in their attempts to mate. Breeding activity is weather-dependent, so while we can’t guarantee which species we will encounter, we will surely enjoy a fun and engaging experience.

What should I bring?

Dress for the weather—rain gear is recommended.

Wear close-toed shoes that can handle some mud.

Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks if desired.

Please park at the McMullen Family Conservation Center and meet us at the main entrance.

Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or other reasons will be emailed to registered participants.

Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.

This day-long workshop will lead attendees through the basics of soil health and the value of soil amendments. Students will understand how to build healthier soil through the application of various soil amendments that they can make or grow at home. Attendees will learn the basics of soil microbial health, simple composting practices, plants for soil health, and learn how to make and apply simple solutions for thriving gardens.

In-person Class with Kim Seelinger
Saturday, May 3rd • 10:00 AM
Health & Sci Bldg Rm 333

A shade garden can be a tranquil retreat. To help you create a visually appealing and peaceful outdoor sanctuary, we will discuss thoughtful design and plan creation.

We’ll also talk about the importance of foundation plantings with a focus on height, layering, color and texture for shade plants specifically.

We’ll discuss mulching techniques as well as weed & pest management, and we’ll take a look at some exciting new shade plants to incorporate into your shade garden this year.

Join us and CAKE CISMA for a peaceful hike at one of our favorite spots to look for spring wildflowers (aka spring ephemerals). Spring ephemeral flowers are short-lived, blooming after the snow melts but before trees and shrubs leaf out.

In a matter of only a few short weeks, they bloom, photosynthesize, reproduce, and enter dormancy.

Guided by CAKE CISMA Coordinator Katie Gray, we’ll unravel the life cycle of these ephemeral beauties, from their brief but spectacular bloom to their crucial role as early-season pollinators for native insects. Learn about their fascinating adaptations, ecological significance, and the role they play in the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems.

This hike is suitable for all ages but includes uneven, hilly terrain and may include muddy sections of the trail.

What should I bring?

Consider bringing your camera or binoculars

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance

Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Join Grand Traverse County 4-H as we explore the world of birding! Learn how to identify and observe new species – all while enjoying the health benefits that birding can bring! There is no cost to participate, and parents are encouraged to attend with their children. Best suited for youth ages 10-14, but more experienced birders are welcome! Workshop 1 will be held on Sunday, May 7th, at the Grand Traverse Conservation District Community Room from 10:00am-11:30am. The workshop series will be held once a month, on the first Sunday of each month through October at various birding locations around Grand Traverse County.

Registration takes place on 4-H Online website here: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Look to register for the event "4-H Birding Workshop 1: The Basics of Birding."

Please call Emily Kotz, Grand Traverse County 4-H Program Coordinator, at 231-922-4825 or email at kotzemil@msu.edu with questions and event information.

Join GTRLC Land Stewardship Specialist Cody Selewski and Mary Parr, a fire ecologist with Michigan Natural Features Inventory, for an engaging exploration of the historical and modern uses of prescribed fires. Parr, a tribal member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and an experienced fire practitioner, will share insights on the Anishinaabeg migration and cultural and historical uses of fire by Indigenous communities. Selewski, who leads the Conservancy’s prescribed fire program, will discuss how GTRLC and other land managers use prescribed burns as a stewardship practice today. We will dive into the complex planning and safety measures involved and the myriad ecological benefits that these burns provide.

Discover how this ancient practice has evolved with fire-dependent natural communities and how it can be applied to benefit critical habitats on our protected lands, potentially including places like the proposed Perch Lake Addition to Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve.

*The Priority Landscapes Learning Series provides in-depth learning opportunities of conservation and stewardship practices. Each year, the learning series will also call attention to one of the Conservancy’s high-priority land protection projects. In 2025, the featured property is the proposed Perch Lake addition to Upper Manistee Headwaters: the Milock Family Preserve.

Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or other reasons will be emailed to registered participants.

Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.

Join us for a walk along the Pete’s Woods trail within Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve! Volunteer leader Paula Dreeszen will highlight the blooming wildflowers during key periods in spring.

The Basics

A 1.5-mile rolling hike on the beloved loop trail at Pete’s Woods. Known for its dazzling display of spring wildflowers, Pete’s Woods is a fantastic place to see a variety of spring ephemerals that our region has to offer! Come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, water and a snack.

What should I bring?

Consider bringing your camera or binoculars

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance

Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Registration is required as updates or cancellations will be communicated with registered participants via email. If you're completing registration for multiple people, please register each individually. Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.

Join Plant It Wild and GTRLC Steward, Paula Dreeszen for a Spring Wildflower Hike

Join us for a dazzling spring wildflower display along the new Hickory Forest trail. Enjoy a guided walk with GTRLC's Angie Bouma (Senior Ecologist), Steve Lagerquist (Land Steward), and volunteer Paula Dreeszen.

Hickory Forest features steep, rolling terrain with tremendous ecological value. Situated in Garfield Township, this 76-acre property contains one of the largest remaining expanses of undisturbed forest near Traverse City. The property primarily consists of mesic northern forest, a habitat listed as vulnerable in the State of Michigan, and it boasts exceptional floristic quality, providing habitat for numerous fauna species that rely upon this forest type. This property is owned by the Joint Recreational Authority (The Charter Township of Garfield & City of Traverse City) and managed by the Grand Traverse Conservation District.

The Basics

Come prepared for a 2.5-mile moderately strenuous hike on rolling hills, which will take approximately 2 hours. We will walk over a 200-ft elevation change, with a steep climb up to the top and unstable footing.

What to Bring?

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance.

Bug spray for your safety and comfort

Water bottle

Consider bringing your camera or binoculars.

Location

We will meet at the Hickory Hills Recreation Area parking lot.

Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or other reasons will be emailed to registered participants. If you're completing registration for multiple people, please register each individually.

Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.