Apr 28 Sunday
The Grand Traverse Audubon Club is offering bird walks on Sundays, April 7th through June 30th. Locations and meeting times will vary each week. Visit grandtraverseaudubon.org to find the times, locations, and map links. No experience necessary!
May 01 Wednesday
Connect with the natural world on paper! During this 3-part series, you will slow down and nurture your connection with the outdoors. Each week will focus on a different theme including; how to start your nature journal, sketching observations, mapping and storytelling. Afterwards, you will leave with the tools to confidently continue your nature journaling experience!
This first session’s theme is learning how to start a nature journal. Participants can sign up for a single class or the whole series!
This program is geared towards an audience of 16+
Meet at the Oleson Pavilion behind the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Registration: $25/class or $60 to register for all three classes in the series. All supplies are included. Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events
May 04 Saturday
Most of our resident black bears are now awake and becoming reacquainted with their favorite real estate. They are not famished as you might think after so long a sleep, but they are, none the less, looking for some fresh greens topped off with some yummy larvae (and perhaps a few residents’ bird food to build up their weight.) Join docents Ann McInnis, Cathy Stocker and Herb Lindsay as they explore Houdek for evidence of bear activity along with discovering the springtime activities of the many animals and plants that call Houdek Dunes their home.
May 05 Sunday
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-inLook 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.
May 07 Tuesday
Our Peepers Program is an adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old, of all experience levels with the natural world. Join us for 60-minute nature programs that include stories, crafts, music, and discovery activities. The program cost is $5/child per session.
Dive into the underwater realm of fish and other aquatic life on Tuesday, May 7th, from 10:00 - 11:00 am. We will finish the class with a fun fishing game!
*Programming is 100% outdoors, so please dress for the weather.Learn more and Register at www.natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program
May 08 Wednesday
This hike is lead by Paula Dreeszen, GTRLC steward. You will see ephemerals popping up in the woodland. You must register at www.gtrlc.or/recreation-events/events/ as attendance is limited.
May 10 Friday
Join a District naturalist for a guided hike on the Natural Education Reserve to celebrate Mother’s Day! We will explore spring flora and fauna as we walk through different natural areas.
Registration: Free. Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events
May 11 Saturday
May brings thousands of migrating birds to Lake Michigan, and Lighthouse West is their last stop in Leelanau County, a welcome drop-out spot after a long, long flight from the Tropics. We will walk slowly and carefully, taking time to look for birds, of course (so bring binoculars!), but also to look at the habitat and topography of Lighthouse West and consider what makes it such a bird-friendly place.
Join District staff on Mother’s Day Weekend for an opportunity to give back to Mother Earth through stewardship activities at Hickory Meadows! Help improve habitat by controlling highly invasive garlic mustard and planting native seedlings. Foster sustatinability as we refine existing trails and consider potential reroutes. Please bring sturdy shoes and work gloves!Meet at the Randolph Trailhead at the end of Randolph St. Registration: Free. Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events