Almanac

As summer comes to a close, take a guided hike to look for signs of the seasonal change at Lighthouse West Natural Area, the Leelanau Conservancy’s last stop along the Leelanau Peninsula. We’ll look for some still-resident birds, see some summer vegetation (and maybe find a few ripe blackberries), and, as always, take note of the remarkable landscape left by the glaciers.

Binoculars optional, sensible shoes necessary. Slow, easy pace.

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup CSIW-5* -- Traverse City
Head to Flintfields Horse Park for a Sunday afternoon of extremely competitive show jumping, great food, boutique shopping, and open-air fun. Gates open early, and the main competition begins at 2 PM.

Bring a blanket for the lawn or upgrade your experience with shaded seating, VIP access, or a Cabana Box for your group.

All general admission proceeds benefit local nonprofits—this week, your ticket supports the Great Lakes Sports Commission.

Tickets available online or at the gate and begin at $15. For an enhanced experience, consider our VIP upgrades.

Details at: traversecityhorseshows.com/visit

Celebrate the flavors of fall in true Up North style as you sip your way through 60+ ciders crafted by some of Michigan’s finest cideries, meet the makers, and enjoy a crisp September afternoon in one of Traverse City’s most beautiful settings.

Set against the historic charm of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, this family-friendly outdoor festival is the perfect blend of Michigan cider, live music, delicious food, and pure autumn vibes.

Whether you’re a seasoned cider fan or just curious to try something new, this is your chance to:
* Sample an incredible variety of hard ciders (and a few non-alcoholic options) - your ticket includes 10 samples!
* Enjoy live music that sets the perfect fall soundtrack - featuring the wonderful Grand Rising band
* Savor delicious local food - including a doughnut decorating bar

Tasting Ticket (21+ Years Only) - $45 // Includes TEN 5 oz. cider samples!

Designated Driver / NA Ticket - $20 // Includes THREE NA beverages!

Kids Ticket (1 - 17 Years) - $10 // Includes ONE NA beverage and ONE doughnut bar ticket!

Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain, located at 9011 Valley St. in Alden, to enjoy a romp in the woods and reading a good book along the way.

The storybook is “Tidy” by Emily Gravett, and covers about a 1/2-mile portion of the trail.

Free Event. Sponsored by Alden District Library and Friends, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

For our September meeting, the Grand Traverse Humanists will welcome Dr. Robert Brook with a presentation called "The IQ of AQI: Air Quality and Health."

Dr. Brook is a professor of medicine and the Director of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Wayne State University. His research has focused on studying the adverse effects of environmental pollution on cardiovascular health, particularly the effects of air pollution. He is the current chairperson of the World Health Organization report on improving air quality indices.

Help plant native plugs at Misty Acres! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration projects by assisting with planting native plugs grown in GTRLC’s very own greenhouse.

GTRLC will supply all materials necessary for the workday, and teach you everything you need to know to properly plant our native species. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers should be prepared for digging and kneeling.

What will volunteers be doing:
Learning about our ongoing restoration and greenhouse projects
Digging and dibble bar usage
Removing and handling native plugs from their containers

What should I bring?
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

Meet at Misty Acres Farm, NOT the natural area trailhead. The gate to the property will be open when you arrive.

Help us give this beloved trail some TLC! We will tackle problem areas across several trail sections at the Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, ranging from erosion to unsustainable routes and blind corners.

GTRLC will supply all tools necessary for the work being done. 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 somewhat strenuous event, so come prepared to hike up to two miles and swing hefty trail tools. There are no restrooms or drinking water available onsite at this property.

Volunteers will be :
Re-grading the trail bed with hand tools
Building new sections of trail and re-routing sections that need improvement
Trimming vegetation to open sight lines
Other preserve maintenance tasks, including invasive species management, installing signage, etc.

Location: Please meet us at Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve. A maps link to this location can be found here.

Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance
Sturdy, close-toed shoes that can handle some mud
Wear long pants
Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray for your safety and comfort
A pair of work gloves - we will have extra

Help plant native plugs at GTRLC’s Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s ongoing habitat restoration projects by assisting with planting plugs grown in our very own greenhouse. Species planted will include flowering plants and grasses.

GTRLC will supply tools and gloves. We will teach you everything you need to know about how to properly handle and plant plugs in the ground. No prior experience is necessary! This is a moderately light, family-friendly activity, though volunteers should be prepared for digging and kneeling. Bathrooms and drinking water are both available on site.

Learn about our ongoing restoration and greenhouse projects
Digging and dibble bar usage
Remove and handle native plugs from their containers

Meet us at Mitchell Creek Meadows Nature Preserve by the greenhouse/workshop area.

The Guided Walking History Tours of Traverse City will begin its tenth season on July 9th, following the National Cherry Festival.

The informative tour is about two and a half hours covering a two-mile route. The tours begin at the Perry Hannah Plaza, located at the corner 6th and Union St. near downtown.

There is no charge for the tours, but gratuities for the guides are appreciated. Groups of six or more can schedule tours at other times.

For 2025 our 10:00 AM walking tours begin on Wednesday July 9th and continue daily through October 8th. No reservations are needed, simply arrive by 10:00 AM please.

Join us for this interactive workshop as part of the Great lakes Incubator Farm Community "Growing Together" Series, where we’ll explore the benefits of cover cropping and crop rotation for soil health and sustainable farming. Learn which cover crop species work best for different goals, such as improving soil structure, reducing erosion, or fixing nitrogen, and discover how strategic crop rotations can enhance fertility, suppress pests, and maximize yields. Perfect for gardeners, farmers, and anyone passionate about growing sustainably!