Community Calendar

Too much to do and not enough time? You’re not alone! Join this interactive workshop to learn tools and strategies to sharpen your focus, align your team, and boost your impact — without burnout.

Facilitator: Colleen Masterson-Bzdok
Colleen Masterson-Bzdok has over 20 years of experience working with northern Michigan nonprofits as a staff member, board member, volunteer, funder and consultant. She is passionate about helping leaders and organizations improve their culture, align their work around what is most important and maximize their impact in the communities they serve.

Venue - WestShore Bank - Traverse City, 3rd Floor

Audience: Who is this for?

This session is designed for: Art & culture administrators

Details: Registration is required

Help us restore and protect the incredible ecosystems of Maple Bay Natural Area by installing native plants grown in GTRLC’s very own greenhouse! Volunteers will learn about and take an active part in the Conservancy’s restoration of this site by planting several species of flowering plants and grasses in order to further strengthen this ecologically unique shoreline.

GTRLC will supply gloves, tools, and anything else necessary for the work day. Our team will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, and how to properly plant our native species. No prior experience is necessary - just come ready to learn something new! This task will be a moderate activity level, with volunteers often bending and kneeling to plant plugs. A porta john is available in the parking area where we’ll be meeting.

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 work gloves

Location: Maple Bay Natural Area Please meet us at the main trailhead for Maple Bay Natural Area.

Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) for a fall color hike at Perch Lake, a proposed new addition to the Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve, in Kalkaska County.

The Basics
The Perch Lake addition protects the entirety of Perch Lake and several ecologically rich bogs that support water quality within the north branch of the Manistee River and the Manistee River watershed.

We expect to see some interesting species in and around this kettle lake during our 2.5-mile hike over primarily flat terrain. Natural communities include submergent marsh, bog and dry-mesic northern forest.

What should I bring?
-Consider bringing your camera and/or binoculars to capture the fall colors and perhaps some migrating birds.
-Dress for the weather! Always check the forecast in advance.

Address
3004 Darke Rd, Kalkaska, MI 49696

Directions

We will meet at a trail access to Perch Lake, located off of Darke Road where it intersects Myers Road in Kalkaska County. From Traverse City, follow M-72 east to Sigma Road, then turn left (north). Continue north on Sigma Road to Myers Road and turn right (east), and follow until it T’s at Darke Road.

Please note that this property is not yet open to the public, making this event a unique opportunity to explore while enjoying the beauty of northern Michigan fall colors. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or any other reason will be communicated with registered participants via email.

Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.

Celebrate Indigenous knowledge and culture at NCMC!

North Central Michigan College invites the community to an Indigenous Studies Collection Open House on Thursday, October 23, from 5–8 p.m. in the NCMC Library. Explore the newly reimagined collection, meet Indigenous artists and collaborators, and learn about the cultural significance of the project. Free and open to the public.

Learn more at https://www.ncmich.edu/community-events/indigenous-studies-collection-open-house.html.

TADL and Citizens Climate Lobby are partnering to bring you this facilitated film series about various aspects of climate change and how it affects people and our region.

Each evening in this series you'll watch a short film or two and then participate in an open discussion about the topic with local environmental enthusiasts and experts.

October 23rd - From Sagan's Congressional Testimony to Now: 40 Years of Climate Innovation

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Leelanau Peninsula will set the stage for an extraordinary Fall Harvest Dinner featuring some of Michigan’s most celebrated chefs. 

The evening is presented by Chef Keith Famie, who plans to film it for his forthcoming Detroit: The City of Chefs III, part of his Detroit PBS documentary series spotlighting Michigan’s culinary heritage.

For this third installment, Famie focuses on vegetarianism, farm-to-table dining, and the powerful role of Michigan’s agricultural community. Notable chefs will partner with local farms to create a multi-course, wine-paired meal that tells a story from seed to plate. 

In addition to showcasing Michigan’s rich food culture, the Fall Harvest Dinner supports three vital local organizations—Project Feed the Kids, 5Loaves2FishNMI and Leelanau Christian Neighbors. Each of these addresses food insecurity in the region. 

Seats at the table are available. The event runs 6:30-9 p.m. at Black Star Farms, 10844 E. Revold Road in Suttons Bay, Mich. Book reservations at blackstarfarms.com/Detroit-Chefs-Harvest-Dinner.

Famie and his team will capture all the participating chefs in action both in the kitchen and in the fields, weaving their stories into a film set to release in Fall 2026. Learn more at www.detroitcityofchefs.com.

On Thursday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m., America’s favorite humorist brings his sharp wit and heart to Corson Auditorium for one unforgettable night of readings and reflections.

Tickets starting at $50. Tickets available at interlochen.org/tickets.

On Thursday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m., celebrate the season with original songs from Interlochen’s rising singer-songwriters. Fresh voices, new stories—live at Dendrinos Chapel.

Tickets: $17 adults, $14 students. Tickets available at interlochen.org/tickets.

In honor of Health Literacy Month, the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library invites you to hear from a wellness expert Friday mornings in October. All programs are at 10:30am in the library’s lower level Community Room. Each hour-long program will feature a presentation and time for a Q&A.

Kicking us off on Friday October 3, join physical therapist and author Mike Swinger for a presentation on Strength and Balance for Winter. Swinger is a Physical Therapist at Leelanau Physical Therapy and the author of Runner’s Fix: DIY Guide to Running Pain-Free.

On Friday October 10, join licensed esthetician & herbalist Kelly Kehl for a session on ways to nurture the body through the seasonal shift into winter, including herbs, foods, skin care, and tools. A demonstration of skincare tools will be included. Kehl is the owner of Little Beauty Kitchen.

On Friday October 17, join psychiatrist Andrea Skrocki for a presentation and discussion on Seasonal Affective Disorder. Learn practical tools to manage the “winter blues” and how to improve your wellbeing during the winter months. Skrocki is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience, and the CEO of Total Clarity Psychiatry.

Wrapping up the series on Friday October 24, join physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist Dr. Erica O’Neal for a presentation on Pelvic Health Basics. This talk will cover the essentials, common concerns, practical tips and more. O’Neal is a licensed Physical Therapist, certified Brain Injury Specialist, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and a trained pelvic health therapist at Trailhead Physical Therapy in Traverse City.

No pre-registration required. Please call the library at 231-271-3512 or email information@sbbdl.org to learn more.

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Indigenous art and culture at the Jordan River Arts Council. This exhibit builds on the success of our 2023 show, showcasing contemporary visual and performing arts rooted in the traditions of Native Peoples from Northwest Michigan. Featuring a diverse array of media, the exhibition honors Indigenous voices and creative excellence. Small works by participating artists are also available for purchase in the JRAC Gift Shop. Featured artwork is "Spirit Lodge" by Gary Andress

Exhibit is open everyday from 12:30-4:30pm.