Description: Agricultural producers! If you have old or unwanted large tractor tires and other tires from large agricultural equipment, this event is for you! Register today for this tire recycling event taking place on September 13th from 9:00am - 2:30pm at the Northwest Education Services Career Center.

Only tires from large equipment and tractors for agricultural production will be accepted.

This event is made possible due to generous donations from the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation and partnership with the Northwest Education Services Career Center.

When: Friday, September 13th from 9:00am - 2:30pm

Where: Northwest Education Services Career Center., 800 Parsons Rd., Traverse City

Registration: Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join us on Thursday, August 15th for a lantern make and take workshop. Use recyclable materials and natural objects to make two unique styles of lanterns!

All materials will be provided
This workshop is recommended for ages 12+

When: Thursday, August 15th from 5:00 - 6:30pm

Where: Oleson Pavilion at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $15/person. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Have an up-close experience with live raptors from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary! Join us with a blanket on our programming lawn to learn about Michigan raptors in the summer.

This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.

When: Saturday, August 3rd from 2:00 - 3:00pm

Where: Outside at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: Registration prices below. Please click here to register.

• $10 for children under 12

• $15 for ages 12 and up

• Free for ages under 2

• $55 for a family of 5+
  
  Registration fees contribute to a donation to support North Sky Raptor Sanctuary.

Description: Join GTCD naturalists on a walk through East Creek Reserve to identify edible mushrooms growing in August!

When: Thursday, August 1st from 5:00 - 6:30pm

Where: East Creek Reserve. Meet at the parking lot on Mayfield Rd.

Registration: $15/person. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Visit the Boardman River Nature Center for after-hours fun! Be a nature detective and complete an educational scavenger hunt and learn about Michigan Animals and ecosystems through the soft glow of lanterns!

When: Friday, July 26th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join Storyteller Jen Strauss for this special Summer Peeper’s Pop-up program, Growing Green with Jenny Jean! This program is designed for a preschool audience and is all about growing things that are healthy and green. With songs, stories, puppets and props, Jenny Jean will introduce young listeners to gardening tools and gardening clothes, and participants will even meet two important garden helpers: Herman the Worm and Lady Bug Lou! Listeners will learn the importance of sun, soil, air, and water, make a rainstorm, sing songs about rainbows, and even do the Bean Planting Dance! Participants will plant their own Bean Groot in a mini-greenhouse, make their own Herman the Worm, and receive a Jenny Jean coloring sheet to take home!

When: Tuesday, July 23 from 10:00 - 11:00am

Where: Oleson Pavilion at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $10/child. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join Skegemog Raptor Center for an Interactive and informational presentation about the raptors of Michigan featuring live raptors!

This program will be geared towards an adult audience.

When: Saturday, July 20th from 5:00 - 6:00pm

Where: The Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $15/person. Registration required. Please click here to register.
Registration fees contribute to a donation to support Skegemog Raptor Center.

Description: Take a break and immerse yourself in nature. Reap the benefits of hearing birds or touching trees while practicing mindfulness techniques. During this walk at Brown Bridge Quiet Area, a GTCD naturalist will lead participants on a trail to slow down and use their five senses.

When: Tuesday, July 16th from 2:00 - 3:30pm

Where: Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Meet at the Canoe Landing on Brown Bridge Road.

Registration: Free. Registration required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join us as we go Back To Basics for the 6th annual Protecting our Lakes and Shorelands (POLS) series hosted in partnership with the Friends of Spider Lake and Rennie Lake. The goal of the POLS series is to share information about northern Michigan’s lakes and shorelands and encourage community members to be better lake stewards. Our first ever POLS presenter, Grand Traverse Bay Waterkeeper, Heather Smith, from The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, will return to share information on the Grand Traverse Bay watershed and the beautiful, unique water features that make our area such a desirable place to live and visit. We will learn about the interconnections between ground and surface water with shorelines and uplands and the native flora and fauna that thrive there. She will discuss water quality threats specific to our region and the way in which The Watershed Center works with local communities to restore, protect, and improve our wetlands, lakes and streams. She’ll conclude with information on how riparian owners and lake users can help protect our invaluable water resources today and into the future. Time for questions will be available.  

When: Saturday, June 15th from 10:00 - 11:00am

Doors open : 9:30am

Refreshments follow:  11:00 - 11:30am

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685. Virtual option is also available.  

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Description: Get crafty at the Boardman River Nature Center! Use natural materials to experiment with color and texture to create a completely unique piece of art!

This program will be geared towards ages 16+.

When: Wednesday, June 12th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where: The Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $15/person or $40 for a group of 3 or more. Registration is limited and required. Please click here to register. All materials provided.

Description: Become a certified educator in the nationally-recognized Project Learning Tree and Project WILD curricula! Engage in a hands-on workshop investigating environmental topics with indoor and outdoor activities. This workshop is designed for both formal* and non-formal educators.

When: Thursday, June 6th from 9:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $70/person. Includes two curriculum books. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Event Canceled: Due to unforseen circumstances this hike: Geology Hike Series: Ice Age Odyssey, scheduled for 06/01 at Brown Bridge Quiet Area is canceled. We look forward to inviting all attendees for a special Geology Hike Series in the fall! We encourage all to get out and enjoy nature this weekend. Thank you for your understanding. - GTCD

Description: Join us for the third and final hike in our Family & Children Geology Hike Series featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups. This hike offers participants the unique opportunity to traverse the terrains shaped by the colossal forces of the Ice Age. Led by knowledgeable guides well-versed in geological history, hikers will walk through picturesque remnants of ice-carved landscapes while gaining insights into the ecological and geological legacies left by the retreating ice.

This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.

When: Saturday, June 1st from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Please note the location of this event has changed. This hike will now take place at Brown Bridge Quiet Area Canoe Landing, 3408 Brown Bridge Rd, Kingsley, MI 49649.

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Description: Connect with the natural world on paper! During this 3-part series, you will slow down and nurture your connection with the outdoors. Each week will focus on a different theme including; how to start your nature journal, sketching observations, mapping and storytelling. Afterwards, you will leave with the tools to confidently continue your nature journaling experience!

This third and final session’s theme is mapping & storytelling. Participants can sign up for a single class or the whole series!

This program is geared towards an audience of 16+

When: Wednesday, May 29th from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Oleson Pavilion behind the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $25/class or $60 to register for all three classes in the series. All supplies are included. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join Skegemog Raptor Center for an Interactive and informational presentation about the raptors of Michigan featuring live raptors!

This program will be geared towards an adult audience.

When: Saturday, May 25th from 1:00 - 2:00pm

Where: The Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: This is event is now full. Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you at another raptor event this summer!

Description: Our Plant Sale is a one day first-come, first-served event, which will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 10:00am - 2:00pm outdoors at the Boardman River Nature Center, featuring over 70 species of Michigan native flowers, ferns, and grasses!

Plants are available individually in quarts (or in some cases, gallons or single-species flats). All plants are Michigan-grown and organic, and ready to go in the ground as soon as you pick them up.

We also offer Plant-By-Number flats. These kits are the perfect way to plant a beautiful garden without hours of research — just choose the type of garden you want and receive a flat of 38 plugs of a variety of species with a planting plan for a 4x10 foot area. There is a little preparation needed, though; Plant-By-Number flats are only available by pre-ordering starting on April 1st for pickup during the Native Plant Sale.

When: Saturday, May 18th from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Description: Join us for the second hike in our Family & Children Geology Hike Series featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups - Ancient Echoes Expedition! Embark on a hike that invites you to step back in time and explore the geological wonders of our planet. This program will guide hikers through a landscape rich in ancient echoes, where fossilized remnants tell the tales of prehistoric life. Led by seasoned experts in paleontology, this event combines a scenic hike with hands-on fossil discovery, offering participants the chance to learn about ancient creatures.

This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.

When: Saturday, May 18th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Meet at the Meadows Pavilion on the Natural Education Reserve.

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Description: Connect with the natural world on paper! During this 3-part series, you will slow down and nurture your connection with the outdoors. Each week will focus on a different theme including; how to start your nature journal, sketching observations, mapping and storytelling. Afterwards, you will leave with the tools to confidently continue your nature journaling experience!

This second session’s theme is sketching nature. Participants can sign up for a single class or the whole series!

This program is geared towards an audience of 16+

When: Wednesday, May 15th from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Oleson Pavilion behind the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $25/class or $60 to register for all three classes in the series. All supplies are included. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Experiment with textures and ink with monoprinting at the Boardman River Nature Center! Whether you're a seasoned printmaker or a curious beginner, you’ll create something completely unique.

Participants will have the opportunity to create and take home three 9x12 prints and 5 charming greeting cards.

This workshop is recommended for ages 10+.

When: Sunday, May 12th from 6:00 - 7:30pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center’s Community Room, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $35/person OR $60 per two people + $10 per additional registrant. Registration is limited and required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join District staff for an opportunity to give back to the natural world through stewardship activities at Hickory Meadows! Help improve habitat by controlling highly invasive garlic mustard and planting native seedlings. Foster sustainability as we refine existing trails and potential reroutes. Please bring sturdy shoes and work gloves!

When: Saturday, May 11th from 9:30am - 12:00pm

Where: Hickory Meadows. Meet at the Randolph Trailhead at the end of Randolph St.

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join a District naturalist for a guided hike on the Natural Education Reserve to celebrate Mother’s Day! We will explore spring flora and fauna as we walk through different natural areas.

When: Friday, May 10th from 10:00 - 11:30am

Where: Meet at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Connect with the natural world on paper! During this 3-part series, you will slow down and nurture your connection with the outdoors. Each week will focus on a different theme including; how to start your nature journal, sketching observations, mapping and storytelling. Afterwards, you will leave with the tools to confidently continue your nature journaling experience!

This first session’s theme is learning how to start a nature journal. Participants can sign up for a single class or the whole series!

This program is geared towards an audience of 16+

When: Wednesday, May 1st from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Oleson Pavilion behind the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $25/class or $60 to register for all three classes in the series. All supplies are included. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join District staff in planting of native trees and shrubs at Medalie Park! Wet-tolerant species will be hand-planted in lowland areas along the shores of Boardman Lake to help improve stormwater uptake, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Please bring sturdy footwear, work gloves, and your favorite planting shovel if you have one. Extra shovels will be available along with light snacks and water.

When: Friday, April 26th from 9:30am - 12:00pm

Where: Medalie Park

Registration: Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Take a walk with us at East Creek Reserve to learn about spring edible flora and funga.

When: Thursday, April 25th from 3:00 - 4:30pm

Where: East Creek Reserve. 44.62776, -85.50406. Meet at the parking lot on Mayfield Rd.

Registration: $10. Please click here to register. Attendees aged 18+ are welcome to this event.

Description: Become a certified educator in the nationally-recognized Project Learning Tree and Project WILD curricula! Engage in a hands-on workshop investigating environmental topics with indoor and outdoor activities. This workshop is designed for both formal* and non-formal educators.

When: Thursday, April 18th from 9:00am - 3:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $70/person. Includes two curriculum books. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

Description: Join us for the first hike in our Family & Children Geology Hike Series featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups - Water Reflections! This hike is designed to explore the world hidden within the river. Through a combination of interactive experiences and expert-led discussions, the program invites your family to connect with the natural beauty of rivers, fostering an appreciation for the delicate ecosystems and mysteries that lie beneath.

This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.

When: Saturday, April 13th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Meet at the Oleson Pavilion next to the Boardman River Nature Center 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685.

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Description: Have an up-close experience with live raptors from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary! Join us with a blanket on our programming lawn to learn about Michigan raptors in the spring. This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.

This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.

When: Thursday, April 11th from 5:30 - 6:30pm

Where: Outside at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: Registration is full. We hope to see you at our other raport events throughout the summer!

Description: Join GTCD at the Boardman River Nature Center to celebrate the Spring Equinox! On Saturday, March 16th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM we will prepare for warmer days and the new growing season. Learn about the importance of pollinators and native flowers while making seed balls, building bee hotels, and learn about the process of making honey. Get prepared for your 2024 garden and learn what you can start growing now!

Each individual will take home a seed bomb and each group will make and take home a bee hotel.

When: Saturday, March 16th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: $10 per person or $30 for a group of 3+. Supplies are limited - register by March 1st to secure a bee hotel (Walk-ins are not guaranteed a bee hotel). Please click here to register.

Description: It’s that time of year! We’re back with our 4th Annual Community Seed Swap!

Bring your garden seeds - any vegetables, fruits, or flowers that you enjoy growing - and plan to leave with seeds and dreams for your 2024 garden.

We will have envelopes and pens at each station. Stations will be grouped by similar plants - squash, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, brassicas, root vegetables, native plants, ornamental (but not invasive!) flowers, etc. You do not have to bring seeds to attend this event.

Shelly Stusick, Go Beyond Beauty Specialist with the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network will also be on-site with more information on avoiding invasives and planting native.

When: Saturday, March 9th, 10:00am - 12:00pm.

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Description: Join other women who own and/or appreciate woodlands on March 8th from 1:00 - 4:00pm for a hands-on workshop to learn about best land management practices. Discover ways to manage invasive species and deer population. Become inspired to add natives into your landscape, and sketch out a management plan of your own!

Featuring:
Audrey Menninga: Managing Invasives
Nia M Becker: Deer hunting
Carolyn Thayer: Native landscape design
Ellie Johnson: Forestry/Sketching a management plan
Miranda Fraley: Sketching a management plan

When: Friday, March 8th from 1:00 - 4:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Description: Join GTCD staff as we prepare for this year’s Native Seedling Sale! Want to plant a tree, but don’t know where to start? District Forester Ellie Johnson, along with members of the GTCD staff, will walk you through the process from start to finish. We will discuss a seedling’s journey from the nursery to your home, planting tips & tricks and how to care for your newly planted trees, as well as common ecosystems in Northwest Michigan you may have on your property, and how to choose which species will fit well in your landscape. This webinar is geared towards residents and landowners in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties.

When: Tuesday, March 5th from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Zoom.

Registration: Free. Registration is required. A zoom link will be sent to participants. Please click here to register.