Almanac

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems of the Maple Bay Natural Area through invasive autumn olive removal! Native wildflowers, mushrooms, trees, and shrubs that rely on this healthy habitat are currently under threat of being displaced by this aggressive invasive shrub.

GTRLC will supply all materials necessary for the workday. 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 cut and pile plants. There is a porta-john available on site, but no access to drinking water.

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
A pair of leather work gloves (autumn olive has thorns!)

Meet us in the parking area for Maple Bay Natural Area. Directions are on our website.

Ohio artist Nicholas Hill brings the 19th century to his Glen Arbor Arts Center residency in September. Hill, a resident of Granville, Ohio, has developed a practice around the combining of intaglio printmaking and cyanotype photography, a plein air approach to cameraless photography. Hill will talk about the resulting collages he’ll make while in Northern Michigan at a presentation on September 18, 10 am.
The program takes place at the GAAC, and is open to the public at no charge.

“I use the concept of ‘plein air’ in a distinctive manner,” he said. “I work outside when creating plates and cyanotypes. I use the studio for the printing phase. I return to outside to create the finished collages. This use of direct observation is unique because I am creating the finished images as ‘printerly’ collages in nature.

The GAAC has been hosting visiting artmakers as part of its residency program since the 1990s. For more information about the GAAC’s AIR Program go to GlenArborArt.org / ARTISTS.

Date: September 15, 16, and 19 2025
Time: 1–4 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Location: Thoreson Farm
Learn new techniques or refresh your skills in surface decoration using sgraffito, slip trailing, and overglaze brushwork. The instructor will provide tiles and extruded pieces. Students are welcome to bring their leather-hard pieces to decorate.

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!

The purpose of the East Bay Corners Farmers Market is to provide fresh and locally grown products, educate the public on the importance of farming best practices, promote local agriculturally based business development, forge partnerships with local farmers and community partners, and create a community gathering space at the Township Hall. East Bay Corners Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT benefits and also offers a Power of Produce program for kids ages 5-13. There is family-friendly programming throughout the summer including live music, food trucks, and family game nights. It is a great night out for the whole family.

The Market will open on June 5, 2025 and run until October 2, 2025. It will be held on Thursdays from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the Township Hall at 1965 N. 3 Mile Road Traverse City, MI 49696. More information about the East Bay Corners Farmers Market and other Food Security programs can be found on the East Bay Township website by visiting: https://eastbaytwp.org/residents/food_security.php

Register by September 16th

In this class, northern Michigan artist Steve Seebohm, we will delve into common principles of drawing for beginner or intermediate level artists, or students who want to improve their skills. You will review the importance of “How to Look,” the Line in artwork, along with drawing basic shapes, the importance of measuring, basics of perspective, value, composition and contour drawing.

Steve is a local artist who graduated from Parsons School of Design with a degree in illustration and began his journey in Drawing through 20 hours of work with 5 instructors weekly during the pre-cellphone, pre-digital days. It is his desire to help other artists improve their work by understanding drawing principles that are basic for most artwork, and avoid falling into “Photocopier Syndrome!”

Steve will provide a drawn demonstration of the principles he is discussing, but encourages students to bring something to draw on and with, and for taking notes.

Individuals of all levels are welcome: Beginners to Experienced!

Book Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm

Join the fun for our fall opening reception! Doors will open at 6:45 PM. Enjoy an evening with desserts and a cash bar. Each guest will receive one drink ticket upon arrival. Members receive free admission and double discounts in the Museum Store the night of the event. Guests of members and the public are welcome to attend at the cost of admission.

Please RSVP in advance. Limit of 300.

The riotous live musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film! When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid traditions of the church and uptight Mother Superior. Using her sense of humor, disco dance moves, and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. The chase is on as Deloris begins to understand the power of her newly found sisterhood.

The Elk Rapids Farmers Market is brought to you by the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. This Friday morning market offers a wide selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and plants, baked goods, cheese, meats and fish, jams, maple syrup, local honey, coffee and tea, lavender products and so much more! In 2025, the Market is open every Friday from 8:00am to Noon from May 30th through October 3rd.