Education Events & Programs
February
Peepers – Frozen Feathers
When: Tues, February 5, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Not everyone migrates when it turns cold! Find out at “Frozen Feathers” this week which feathered friends stay around during winter months in our area (and how we can help them!) Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Be My Valentine Craft Time
When: Saturday, February 9th, 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: Free
Age: All (Children must attend with an adult)
Description: Visit us for a special Valentine event for the whole family! Stop in a make a wild Valentine for someone special!
Peepers – Winter Friends
When: Tues, February 12, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: This week is part one of a two part lesson! Critters have some fabulous ways of making it through the dropping temperatures. Tuesday at Peepers, join us to see which animal friends stay active and what special adaptations they use to stay warm! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Peepers – Winter Sleepers
When: Tues, February 19, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Part two of our Animals in winter lesson. This week at Peepers we’ll find out which animal friends have went to bed for the winter as well as how deep of sleepers they actually are! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Educator Open House
When: Thursday, February 21st, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: This Open House is for formal/non-formal educators, school administrators, and members of the community who are interested in helping students learn first-hand about natural resources in their community. Dinner will be provided and those in attendance will be entered to win a free Boardman River Nature Center experience during the 2013-14 school year (a $150 value) and other nature-related giveaways.
Peepers – Slitherin’ Snakes
When: Tues, February 26, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Slither on in this Tuesday to find out how awesome snakes are! We have nothing to fear of these rockin’ reptiles as they here to help us! Find out how and more this week at Peepers! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
March
Peepers – Fish Friends
When: Tues, March 5, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Get ready to look below the surface as we get up close with some “Fish Friends” this week. We’ll learn about the different kinds of fish in this area as well as about their life cycle. Wear you’re water shoes as we’ll certainly go looking for some friends in Jack’s Creek. Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Peepers – Little Stinkers
When: Tues, March 12, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Plug your nose! This session on Peepers we’ll explore SKUNKS; our cute and stinky friends who have a great way of staying safe. Dress to play outside rain or shine! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Seedling Sale Open House
When: Thursday, March 14th, 4:00-6:30pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Thinking about purchasing some seedlings at our annual sale but not sure what would work best for your home landscape? Join native plant experts to discuss the species available during our Seedling Sale or come in for assistance placing an order on our website. Register now
Peepers – Hippity Hoppers
When: Tues, March 19, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Rabbits are EVERYWHERE this time of year! At Peepers this week we’ll learn all about our floppy-eared friends. Come ready to hop around the nature center and we search for rabbits around the Boardman River Nature Center this week at “Hippity Hoppers.” Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Spring Break Series
When: Monday-Friday, March 25th-29th 1:00-2:00opm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: $2 pre-registered/$3 drop-in
Age: 5+ (children must attend with an adult)
Description: Wishing you were somewhere warm this spring break? Flash forward to summer at the Boardman River Nature Center as we preview a different summer camp every day! Come in daily between 1:00-2:00 to participate in a fun crafts and activities and to find out more about camp! Don’t forget to get your “Passport to Nature” stamped daily for a special prize! Register now to save your spot!
Peepers – Special Sessions as part of the Spring Break Series
When: Tues, March 26 & Thurs, March 28, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Join us and special guest Jen Strauss for a BONUS session this week! Both Tuesday AND Thursday from 10-11am Strauss will share springtime stories that are both engaging and educational. Peepers will get up, moving, singing, and dancing on both days for these free sessions. Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Springtime Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, March 30th, 10:00 & 11:30am
Where: Kids Creek Trails (map and parking)
Price: $5 Per Child
Ages: 0-5 /6-13 (Children will be split by age group)
Description: Come visit Ollie the Otter and his new friends as we partner with the Great Wolf Lodge to bring you more eggs, different trails to search, and a Michigan Animal Egg Mini- Exhibit! One of the few egg hunts around where you actually get to FIND your eggs, this event will be sure to sell out so buy your tickets early!
Friends of the Conservation District can pre-register for this event!
April
Peepers – Return of the Birds
When: Tues, April 2, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Spring has sprung and the birds are back! This Tuesday at Peepers we’ll learn all about the birds that migrate during the winter months. We’ll grab our binoculars and head outside to see who is back in town! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Peepers – Quack Me Up!
When: Tues, April 9, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: This week at Peepers you’re sure to have fun as we explore DUCKS! We’ll venture out of the Boardman River Nature Center as we look for these feathered friends on Sabin Pond. Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Environmental Education Volunteer Training Part 1
When: Friday, April 12th, 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: Free
Age: 16+
Description: Interested in volunteering with the Grand Traverse Conservation District? You can share your passion of the natural world while gaining valuable experience volunteering with the Education Team. This session will prepare you for assisting with programs we provide during the school year. A portion of this class will include hiking. Register now
Environmental Education Volunteer Training Part 2
When: Saturday, April 13th, 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: Free
Age: 16+
Description: Interested in sharing your passion of the natural world with others? In this session of our volunteer training series we will provide training for the second half of programs that we provide during the school year as well as some ways to be involved in summer programming. A portion of this class will include hiking. Register now
Peepers – Fabulous Frogs
When: Tues, April 16, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Hop on over and join us as we learn all about our Fabulous Frog Friends this week. We’ll explore the lifecycle of frogs, characteristics of an amphibian, and even meet the frogs that live in the Boardman River Nature Center! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Community Stewardship Series Parkland Event: Explore the Trails of the Commons!
When: Saturday, April 27th, 9:00-10:30 and 11:00-12:30 – Sorry, this time slot is full.
Where: Program will start at The Greenspire School
Price: Free
Age: All
Description: You’ve been to the Commons, but have you checked out the trails? Interested in why trees are being removed from the area? Curious about that plant you can’t identify? Or maybe you’re just intrigued by what used to be there? Join GTCD staff and the students from Greenspire to get a fun and engaging tour of the trails. Our program will include a short documentary, hike, seedling planting, and optional scavenger hunt to really get to know the trails we all share and love. Register now
Peepers – Busy Bees
When: Tues, April 30, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Buzzzzz on over to Peepers this week as we explore BEES! We’ll sample honey, learn what it’s like to live in a hive, find out why bees are our friends! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
May
Native Plant Sale Open House
When: Saturday, May 4 from 1:00-4:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Thinking about purchasing some native plants at our annual sale but not sure what would work best for your home landscape? Join native plant experts to discuss the species available during our Native Plant Sale and answer any questions you might have. Register now
Peepers – Fancy Fliers: Dragonflies and Butterflies
When: Tues, May 7, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Bring your nets and your magnify glasses! This Tuesday we’ll chase a few “Fancy Fliers” as we learn all about the lifecycle of butterflies and dragon flies. Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Grand Traverse Stewardship Initiative Spring Celebration
When: Wednesday, May 8 from 5:00- 7:00pm
Where: Grand Traverse Circuit, 225 W. Fourteenth St. Traverse City, MI 49684
Description: Join us to celebrate the students, teachers, and community partners who have worked together on year-long natural resource stewardship projects in their communities during the 2012-2013 school year. Enjoy live presentations, engaging displays, video footage, and light refreshments. Talk with GTSI team members and learn more about their projects.
Peepers – Jump into Grasshoppers
When: Tues, May 14, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Jump on over to the Boardman River Nature Center this Tuesday as we learn all about grasshoppers. Be prepared to hop, skip, and jump around outside to find a few new friends! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
Peepers – Discovery Garden
When: Tues, May 21, 10am – 11:30am
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Description: Come ready to get growin’ in the garden this week! We’ll learn who lives in, on and around the garden this week. We’ll also do some planting for our butterfly friends! Shovels and watering cans provided! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District every Tuesday morning at the Boardman River Nature Center for the Peepers pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) program. This fun and educational parent/child program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers and will have an outdoor activity every class (make sure grown-ups and children both come dressed for the weather). Save your spot!
June
Ollie’s Birthday Party
When: Saturday, June 15 from 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: Free
Age: All (children must attend with an adult)
Description: It’s Ollie the Otter’s Birthday! Join us for cake, a special visit with Ollie, and a walk on our trails. Register now
Community Stewardship Series Agriculture Event: Wine Tour of MAEAP Verified Wineries
When: Saturday, June 22 from 1:00-5:00pm
Where: Meets at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: $35
Age: 21+
Description: Join us for a wine tour through the Old Mission Peninsula. During the bus tour we will visit three wineries that have all been verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. On your ride enjoy discussions by our staff about the MAEAP program and its importance for farmers and the rest of the community. Meet with wine makers at each winery and conclude with an in-depth tour of the final winery examining what makes it MAEAP verified. Register now
July – August
Summer Camps & Trailblazers – Learn more
October
Community Stewardship Series Stewardship Event: Kayak to Brown Bridge Quiet Area
When: Saturday, October 5 from 10:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Brown Bridge Quiet Area
Price: $20
Age: 13+
Description: A spectacular paddle down the Boardman River that will conclude at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Led by Boardman River Coordinator, Steve Largent, the trip will provide an opportunity to share the growth and change over the last year, discuss our efforts still underway with the dam removal, and appreciate the beauty of the fall colors. Kayaks will be provided by Backcountry North. Register now
Spooky Fall Stories
When: Saturday, October 29 from 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: Free
Age: All (children must attend with an adult)
Description: Put on your costume, bring a blanket, and come ready to hear some kid-friendly spooky stories! Register now
December
Holiday Gift Making
When: Saturday, December 3 from 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: Free
Age: All (children must attend with an adult)
Description: Nothing says holidays like handmade gifts! Drop-in and make a unique holiday ornament or gift. Register now
Community Stewardship Series Education Event: Full Moon Owl Hike with Wings of Wonder
When: Tuesday, December 17 from 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City
Price: $10
Age: 6+
Description: A winter evening event for all! Rebecca Lessard of Wings of Wonder will start the evening featuring numerous live birds of prey, emphasizing owls native to our area. Once the full moon is above us we’ll head outside where numerous owl searching hikes will be led by staff and partnering community organizations. Please bring snowshoes if snow is present! Register now