Apr 19 Friday
Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain in Alden, where you will enjoy a walk in the woods and reading a good book along the way. The storybook for the month of April is “Book! Book! Book!” by Deborah Bruss. Sponsored by Alden District Library, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.
Apr 20 Saturday
Artist and educator Penny Krebiehl will lead this guided nature journal and drawing workshop, gathering at the library before heading outdoors. Participants should dress for outdoor weather, and bring their own drawing supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc). The group will then meet back at the library to share their work. All ages are welcome.
During this hike we will bring along the poetry of Pattiann Rogers.
As we follow the trail, stopping at different points along the way to listen to a poem, we’ll consider the roles of witnessing, praise and language in how we perceive the natural world (and therefore in how we see ourselves). We’ll explore how, through a cultivation of precise scientific knowledge and poetic sensibility, through a kind of ecstatic cataloguing, Rogers shows us that the spiritual is inherent in the natural world. Roger’s work suggests that science and the spiritual are not separate and that we can learn to see the places we inhabit as “charged with the presence of the holy” in order to recover an attitude of respect and responsibility.
Join Norte and Munson Healthcare for a bike riding celebration! With Munson’s generous support, we will be giving away kid’s bike helmets to any kid who needs one. If your rider already has a helmet, come by to have the bike helmet’s fit assessed by an experienced rider. This is also an excellent opportunity to explore Norte’s Bike Library, where kids can borrow a bike, free of charge, for the summer and beyond.
Adults, we want you to come along for the ride. Our spring bike sale is happening at the same time, and it’s the perfect chance to find a used bike for a screaming deal!
Free Lids for Cyclin’ Kids & the Spring Yard Sale are both from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at the Norte Clubhouse, conveniently located at the south end of the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.
Apr 22 Monday
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 binocularsDress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advanceSunscreen 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.
Apr 23 Tuesday
Come enjoy coffee and tea, and visit with Tom Ulrich, Retired Deputy Superintendent of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Tom will share his experiences and thoughts about the Dunes—yesterday and today—with an opportunity for informal conversation about the region and how it has changed. We are pleased to offer this free opportunity for our community as a way to educate and inform all about our surrounding landscape.
This week also marks "National Park Week: A Celebration of our National Parks"
Join local Indigenous Knowledge Carriers, Tera John along with Courtney Miller, for a special Earth Week Hike at Ingraham Preserve at Cedar River on Tuesday, April 23 at 8:30pm.
Hike in the light of the rising full moon, the Sucker Fish Moon. Learn the story of this moon’s name and how the sucker is honored for keeping the Anishinaabeg people alive in the sparse month of little game and low food caches. Hear how the rich living tradition of Anishinaabe storytelling meets, supports, and enhances the more often heard stories learned from geology, topography, and archeology.
Space is limited and all attendees must register in advance. This hike is not recommended for young children. Pets are not allowed on guided experiences.
Apr 26 Friday
Join District staff in planting of native trees and shrubs at Medalie Park! Wet-tolerant species will be hand-planted in lowland areas along the shores of Boardman Lake to help improve stormwater uptake, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Please bring sturdy footwear, work gloves, and a your favorite planting shovel, if you hae one. Extra shovels will be available along with light snacks and water.
Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events
Apr 27 Saturday
How has Earth Day impacted you? Join docents at one of the Conservancy’s newest Natural Areas, the Ingraham Preserve at Cedar River, as we walk the trail through woods and fields, using the landscape as our impetus to discuss the many ways in which Earth Day and the environmental movement have manifested conservation values in our lives. Sharing observations, ideas, perceptions, and even concerns, we’ll consider the past, the present, and our future as we listen to each others’ perspectives. Hopefully, we’ll gain a little inspiration, too!
Please be aware that this trail has a 30% uphill incline at its onset.
Apr 28 Sunday
North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) is sponsoring the (9th annual) Autism Acceptance Walk for all individuals with Autism, family, friends, and the community. The walk will be about a half mile in length. There will be drawings for great prizes and fun activities for families. Whether you have a personal connection to autism or simply want to be part of a compassionate community, this event is for you. Come together with friends, family, and fellow advocates to make a positive impact. Onsite registration begins at 9 a.m. The walk begins at 10 a.m.
We walk to support one another, to celebrate those who are on the spectrum and those who live with or love someone with Autism. We walk to increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders and promote inclusivity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today and the prevalence continues to increase.
Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with Autism has a distinct set of strengths and areas of need. Research has made clear that high quality early intervention services including Applied Behavior Analysis can improve learning, communication, and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.
Event organizer Christine Dillon notes that about 215 people participated in the 8th annual walk last year. Participation has been continuing to grow each year with many returning participants from as far away as the Grand Rapids area.