Almanac

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems on our protected lands in Benzie and Manistee counties by aiding in invasive plant removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on these healthy habitats are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants.

Please meet us at the St. Pierre end of the Arcadia Marsh boardwalk. A link to our specific meeting location can be found here.

GTRLC supplies all tools necessary for the work being done. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No experience necessary - just come ready to learn something new!

This activity is moderately strenuous, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to pull, cut or pile plants. Oftentimes we will be hiking for one to two miles to get to a worksite. Porta johns are available at some trailheads in this area, but not all. There is no drinking water available on site.

Bring us your bugs, weeds, and plant diseases for identification and recommendations!

MSUE will once again host a Plant Diagnostic Clinic at BPL on the 2nd Tuesday, May-September. Staffed by MSUE employees & Extension Master Gardeners, the diagnostic clinic will assist residents with plant pests & diseases, lawn, bug or weed ID & recommendations. 

For questions about the MSUE diagnostic clinic,
call 231-256-9888 or email waltonn2@msu.edu.

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems of Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve through invasive plant removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on this healthy habitat are currently under threat of being displaced by aggressive invasive plants.

GTRLC will supply gloves and tools. 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 pull or dig out plants.

There is access to restrooms and drinking water at this site.

What we recommend bringing:

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
Your favorite pair of work gloves, if preferred

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

Just steps from the bonfire circle, guests can peer into the cosmos at Leelanau’s own Lanphier Observatory. Featuring a 14-foot Celestron telescope and guided by local expert Norm Wheeler and Leelanau faculty member Elizabeth Wolterink, these stargazing nights offer breathtaking views and constellation storytelling for curious minds of all ages.

Summer 2025 Schedule (10 PM–Midnight, weather permitting):

July: 30, 31

August: 6, 13, 14, 20, 21

Admission: Adults $5 | Students $4

Location & Access:
All guests may park in any Leelanau School lot and walk the scenic boardwalk across the Crystal River to reach the bonfire circle or Lanphier Observatory. Adventurous visitors may also walk in along the beach. The observatory is easily spotted nestled between the lakeshore and trees.

Help us give GTRLC’s trails some TLC! Meet with us at Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve to help tackle new problem areas, ranging from erosion to overgrown vegetation.

GTRLC will supply gloves and hand tools. 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 moderately strenuous event, with tasks ranging from lopping overgrown vegetation to fixing areas of erosion on the trail. Participants should be prepared to hike up to two miles.

There are no bathrooms or drinking water available on site.

What will volunteers be doing:
Re-grading the trail bed with hand tools
Trimming vegetation to open sight lines
Other preserve maintenance tasks, including invasive species management, installing signage, etc

Please meet us at the trailhead/parking area for Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve. A maps link to our meeting location can be found here.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, close-toed 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 work gloves, if preferred - we will have extra available

Every year the Conservancy sends out appeals for support to further our mission of protecting land, and every year we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of our donors. We have found that spending time writing simple yet personal “thank you” notes for our donors is a fantastic way to share our appreciation.

GTRLC will provide all materials for writing “thank you” notes, but please feel free to bring your own writing utensil if you prefer.

Directions: Please meet us at the Conservation Center at Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve. Park in any designated space and come in the front entrance. We’ll meet you there and put you to work!

On August 14th, join us for Love Walloon, our 2025 Summer Gala and Fundraiser – a celebration that will not only honor our pristine lake and watershed but also unite us in a shared commitment to preserving this cherished treasure for generations to come. Step into an enchanting night celebrating Walloon and the spirit of community.

The evening will be set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lavender Hill Farm, with twinkling lights and the fragrant scent of lavender filling the air. Immerse yourself in live jazz music, dancing, and heartfelt conversation, all while enjoying local food and drinks. This will be a testament to the beauty of Walloon and the collective passion that drives the work of WLAC.

Whether you are a long-time WLAC supporter or joining us for the first time, Love Walloon is an experience designed for everyone who shares a deep love for our lake and its future. This will be a night to remember – filled with inspiration, connection, and a sense of purpose as we come together to support our mission.

$135/ticket

Tables of 10 available for $1,135 each.

Teens and pre-teens plot a course to navigate their team through an orienteering challenge. Compasses and instruction provided. RSVP.

Birders of all experience levels will enjoy this four-part series, held the third Tuesday of May through August at 6:00 p.m. at the Mason County District Library - Ludington Branch.

May 20 - Birding & Bird Watching in Mason County with presenter Dave Dister of the Sable Dunes Audubon Society.

June 17 - Building a Backyard Wildlife Habitat with presenter Josh Shields of the Mason-Lake Conservation District.

July 15 - How to Photograph Birds with presenter Al Geist of the Mason County District Library

August 19 - Using Birding to Explore Arts, Humanities, and Ecological Urgency with Garth Sabo, professor at Michigan State University and Director, Center for Integrative Studies in the Arts and Humanities.

Join us for a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve! Volunteer leader Paula Dreeszen will highlight the many marsh wildflowers during peak blooming and butterfly viewing times.

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 or binoculars, a reusable water bottle, and snacks

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance

Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort

Sturdy, close-toed shoes recommended

This is not a dog-friendly event

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.