See what’s planned this month at the Grand Traverse Conservation District!
Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
The ABC’s of Nature
Fun for the whole family! // Boardman River Nature Center
Stop by the Boardman River Nature Center any time between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to participate in a fun scavenger hunt to find the alphabet throughout the Natural Education Reserve. $5 suggested donation.
Tuesday, February 7, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Peepers – Winter Birds
Preschool aged children and families // Boardman River Nature Center
Which birds decide to stay “up north” throughout the winter rather than flying south to warmer climates? Kids will learn about the different species of Michigan birds and how they survive the harsh northern winters.Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for the Peepers program at the Boardman River Nature Center. This fun and educational program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers. Every Tuesday your preschoolers can explore a different seasonal nature theme with experienced early childhood educators and naturalists. Each morning will include indoor and outdoor activities – so dress for the weather!
Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Photo Frenzy on the Natural Education Reserve
All ages welcome // Boardman River Nature Center
Spring is on its way, so now is the time to traverse the trails of the Natural Education Reserve! Stop in to the Boardman River Nature Center anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up a Photo Scavenger Hunt sheet and take it out on the trails. Your goal is to snap pictures of everything on the list, then bring your camera back to the Nature Center desk and show off your pictures for a prize. Be sure to bring your own camera! $5 suggested donation.
Tuesday, February 14, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Peepers – Active Animals of Winter
Preschool aged children and families // Boardman River Nature Center
Some animals hibernate through the winter as a survial strategy, but others have adapted to cold climates and stay active all winter long. Find out which animals stay active through the cold and how they survive with less food available. Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for the Peepers program at the Boardman River Nature Center. This fun and educational program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers. Every Tuesday your preschoolers can explore a different seasonal nature theme with experienced early childhood educators and naturalists. Each morning will include indoor and outdoor activities – so dress for the weather!
Saturday, February 18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Beekeeping Basics
Recommended for adults // Boardman River Nature Center
Learn the basics to get started in beekeeping! Local beekeepers Yvonne Stephens and Heather Miller will lead this workshop which will cover essential tools and equipment, how to obtain bees, basic bee care, ideal hive location, foraging plants, and more. This will be an introduction to the resources you need to begin this relaxing and compelling hobby. A partnership of the Grand Traverse Conservation District, ISLAND, NRCS and the Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference. Contact Yvonne at ISLAND at 231-480-4515 or yvonne@artmeetsearth.org to preregister by February 15th. The cost is $15 per person to attend this workshop.
Tuesday, February 21, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Peepers – Sleeping Animals of Winter
Preschool aged children and families // Boardman River Nature Center
Some animals stay active all winter long, while others have adapted to hibernate through the colder months. This amazing adaptation will be studied and explained highlighting some of northern Michigan’s favorite critters! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for the Peepers program at the Boardman River Nature Center. This fun and educational program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers. Every Tuesday your preschoolers can explore a different seasonal nature theme with experienced early childhood educators and naturalists. Each morning will include indoor and outdoor activities – so dress for the weather!
Tuesday, February 21, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Celebrating GTHC’s 100 Miles of Trail with the GT Hiking Club
Recommended for adults & teens // Boardman River Nature Center
Join the Grand Traverse Hiking Club as they celebrate the GTHC’s 100 miles of trail with a slideshow of member’s images of the beautiful North Country trail. We’ll also celebrate people who have completed the 100 Mile Challenge and those who have made it possible. $5 suggested donation.
Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Birds and Animals of the Serengeti: Tanzania, Africa with the Grand Traverse Audubon Club
Recommended for adults & teens // Boardman River Nature Center
Join the GT Audubon Club at the Boardman River Nature Center as we listen to fellow birder Emmy Lou Cholak talk about the animals found in the Serengeti!
Saturday, February 25, 1 p.m – 3 p.m.
Mushing 101: An Intro to Dog Sledding & Rides
All ages welcome // Hickory Meadows Open Space (Use the parking lot off Randolph St. at the base of Hickory Hills)
See what this unique sport is all about. Local mushers will share the adventures of owning and operating small sled dog kennels. This exciting, hands-on presentation will explain the experience of mushing, introduce attendees to the history of dog sledding, local events, and sled dog racing. Mushers will give an overview of equipment, basics used in the sport and talk about the relationships with the dogs. Participants get to meet some of the dogs and see their unique personalities. The presentation will conclude with the opportunity for some attendees to experience the thrill of being pulled by a team. Only a certain number of rides will be offered in order to limit physical strain on the dogs. Please call 231-941-0960 to reserve a ride; all remaining ride slots will be filled on a first come, first served basis on the day of the event. $5 suggested donation.
Tuesday, February 28, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Peepers – Slitherin’ Snakes
Preschool aged children and families // Boardman River Nature Center
This is one animal you won’t find in Michigan during the winter – snakes! Kids will learn all about this slitherin’ reptile while the snakes are busy sleeping the winter away! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for the Peepers program at the Boardman River Nature Center. This fun and educational program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers. Every Tuesday your preschoolers can explore a different seasonal nature theme with experienced early childhood educators and naturalists. Each morning will include indoor and outdoor activities – so dress for the weather!