Almanac

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.

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

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.

OMP's very own Mary Sue Wilkinson will perform a special children's concert.

Northwest Michigan Works! in partnership with Northwestern Michigan College and Northwest Michigan Behavioral Health Initiative is hosting a free Registered Apprenticeship Lunch and Learn Workshop Wednesday August 27th. Behavioral Health Providers and other businesses from across northwest Lower Michigan are invited to attend the informational session at the NMC Innovation Center located at 1702 College Drive in Traverse City. The informative session will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and employers from throughout the region are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

The session will include an overview of US Department of Labor registered apprenticeships, the simplified process of developing or growing a program, and using apprenticeships to fill workforce gaps. A wide range of occupations will be explored including behavioral health, covering traditional and non-traditional industries. A panel of experienced employers and apprentices will share firsthand insights on Registered Apprenticeship, offering practical guidance on how to create, register, and manage a successful program. Following the event, A Race to Talent Champion employer recognition will be celebrated.

The Northwest Michigan Works! Apprenticeship team will be available to discuss requirements, next steps and begin the employer registration process.

RSVPs are required, seating is limited. To register for the luncheon please send an email to apprenticeshipteam@networksnorthwest.org and a link to reserve your seat will be provided.

Every Wednesday May 7th, 2025 - Oct 29th, 2025, Except the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Free lessons at 11:30am. Lunch (bring your own) and bridge talk at Noon. ACBL-sanctioned bridge game for $5.00 begins at 12:30pm. For more details, contact Lou Slyker at 248-770-6152 or ljslyker@gmail.com Sponsored by Alden District Library and held at Helena Township Community Center, 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support groups for families and individuals living with a mental health challenge. Groups are confidential, free and no registration is required.

Email info@namigt.org or call 231-944-8448 for more information.

Join the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) to learn about management of the invasive shrub, autumn olive. This shrub can quickly take over open fields, crowd out forest edges, and can restrict wildlife movement.

During this workshop, you can learn about creating a successful management plan from beginning to end. On hand will also be Manistee Conservation District staff to talk about additional management techniques and cost-share incentives that landowners can enroll in.

We'll round out the workshop with an in-person look at ISN's equipment and ask experts questions.

Space is limited, so register now!

Educational seminar for those who are aging into Medicare. This is a non-sales educational only seminar, open to the public.

Participants will learn all about Medicare and the process of signing up. Led by Fred Goldenberg.

Gather botanical material outside and learn how to print in very thin, translucent color layers with printing tools that consist of paper, paint, Gelli pads, and brayers. You'll create compositions of botanical materials of different shapes and sizes. You'll learn how to use the proper tools and techniques to achieve your creative vision through an instructor-led process.

Autumn Kirby is an artist who loves sharing her knowledge with students of all ages and abilities. She graduated with a MFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a BFA from Western Michigan University. She has worked with Art Escapes through Northwest Ed, NMC College for Kids, Interlochen College for Creative Arts, Source MN, Lapeer Community Health, Woodland Park Academy, and Cowell Family Cancer Center. She is currently the Office Manager at Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Registration Fee: $20

The Antrim Writers Series invites the public to attend two readings by Desiree Cooper on Wednesday, August 27.

Desiree Cooper is a 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow, former attorney, and Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist. Her debut collection of flash fiction," Know the Mother," won numerous awards, including 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award.

Cooper will read from her flash fiction collection, "Know the Mother." The first thirteen people who register for this event will receive a free copy of "Know the Mother." This event takes place at Bee Well Mead and Cider, 116 N Bridge Street, Bellaire.

Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Both events are free, thanks to a generous grant by the Grand Traverse Community Foundation.