May 18 Saturday
Join us for the second hike in our Family & Children Geology Hike Series featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups - Ancient Echoes Expedition: Journey into the World of Fossils!
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with the "Ancient Echoes Expedition: Journey into the World of Fossils," a thrilling hike that invites you to step back in time and explore the geological wonders of our planet. This immersive program guides hikers through a captivating landscape rich in ancient echoes, where fossilized remnants tell the tales of prehistoric life. Led by seasoned experts in paleontology, the expedition combines the excitement of a scenic hike with hands-on fossil discovery, offering participants the chance to learn about ancient creatures. As the trail winds through breathtaking vistas, participants gain a deep appreciation for the geological history that shaped the world we know today. This hike is not just a physical journey but a profound exploration into the mysteries of Earth's past, fostering a connection between nature enthusiasts and the awe-inspiring narratives concealed within the rocks and fossils of the terrain.per understanding of our interconnected relationship with these vital waterways.
This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.
Meet at the Oleson Pavilion next to the Boardman River Nature Center 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685.
Registration: Free. Register at www.natureiscalling.org/events
The training begins with a general orientation at 1 pm, which is applicable for all volunteers, both experienced and new. This training is a once-a-year chance for volunteers to hear the latest park news from park staff. The 1 pm general training will be followed by 2 pm breakout sessions for Adopt-A-Trail, Adopt-A-Beach, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Preventative Search and Rescue, and the Track Chair program.
For those unable to attend, we will be streaming and recording the general session. More information on this option will be available later.
Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes volunteers logged over 11,000 hours in 2023 through twelve Friends organized programs including Adopt-A-Beach, Adopt-A-Trail, and Adopt-A-River. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated Friends volunteers, 2,360 pounds of trash was collected by Adopt-A-Beach volunteers, and 2,905 hours were logged on the Sleeping Bear Dunes trails by volunteers keeping visitors safe and cleaning the park trails. The Preventive Search and Rescue team made over 30,000 contacts with visitors making sure they are prepared for distance hikes within the park. Friends volunteers also maintain the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail; grooming it for cross-country skiing in the winter and blowing off debris, fixing erosion, and removing downed trees during the hiking and biking seasons. More information on volunteer opportunities with the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, can be found at friendsofsleepingbear.org.
May 19 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 21 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.
Adult butterflies look very different compared to their larva stage. Join us on Tuesday, May 21st from 10:00 - 11:00am to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and their important role in our ecosystem!
*Programming is 100% outdoors, so please dress for the weather.Learn more and Register at www.natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program
May 22 Wednesday
Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain in Alden, where you will enjoy romping in the woods and reading a good book along the way. The storybook for the month of May is “Zoe and the Fawn” by Catherine Jameson and pictures by Julie Flett.
This is the third and final ephemeral walk at Pete's woods this Spring. The walk is lead by GTRLC steward Paula Dreeszen. Attendance is limited, please register at www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/events/ .
May 23 Thursday
The purpose of the East Bay Corners Farmers Market is to provide fresh, locally grown produce and goods to the public, educate the public on the importance of farming and best practices for food production, promote local agriculturally based business development, forge partnerships with local farmers and community partners, create a community gathering space at the Township Hall, and create an agribusiness incubator with green-collar professional development opportunities. All are welcome!
May 25 Saturday
Join Skegemog Raptor Center for an Interactive and informational presentation about the raptors of Michigan featuring live raptors!
This program will be geared towards an adult audience.
Registration: $15/person. Registration is limited and required at www.natureiscalling.org/events
Registration fees contribute to a donation to support Skegemog Raptor Center.
May 26 Sunday
What would it be like to be a pink lady slipper orchid at Houdek Dunes? You might find yourself surrounded by a couple thousand “ cousin” orchids.
For sure you would find yourself blooming in rich communities of native and diverse plants, animals, and fungi….just itching to share this unique natural area with others such as bugs, bees, birds, bears, and much more. Join docents Ann McInnis, Bert Thomas, and Betsy Winter in making discoveries on this Memorial Weekend Sunday afternoon.