Description: Come dressed in your costume and ready celebrate Halloween with a self-guided hike at the Boardman River Nature Center, featuring North Sky Raptor Sanctuary! Get ready for games, trivia, and live Raptors on the trail! Registration is required.

When: Thursday, October 29th from 6:00 - 8:00pm

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

Registration: $5/person, kids 12 and under are free.. Registration required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults & Families

Description: Help restore, diversify, and beautify the Brown Bridge Quiet Area by planting native trees and shrubs along the banks of the Boardman-Ottaway River. Plants will range in size from very small bare-root seedlings to large saplings. All ages and abilities are welcome. A limited number of extra shovels will be available, please bring your own if you're able.

When: Thursday, October 29th from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Where: Brown Bridge Quiet Area, meet at the Canoe Landing Trailhead off Brown Bridge Road

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults and families

Description: Celebrate the season with a day of nature, fall colors, and community! Shop native conifers (jack pine, white pine, red pine, white spruce, and black spruce), perfect for planting in autumn! We will also offer native wildflower plugs, perennial plants, and garden kits.

In addition to tree sales, families can enjoy pumpkin painting, self-guided hikes on the Natural Education Reserve, and cider & donuts. The Boardman River Nature Center will also be open from 10:00am – 2:00pm for the community to explore.

When: Saturday, October 24th from 10:00am - 2::00pm

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

Registration: No registration required.

Audience: Adults & Families

Description: Calling all trivia buffs! Test your knowledge of the natural world with us at Earthen Ales! Occurring seasonally, each trivia night will include five exciting rounds and one speed-round featuring a local partner organization who will bring their own expertise to the evening. Expect engaging questions, great conversation, and a deeper connection to our region’s ecology and community!

When: Friday, October 23rd from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Where: Earthen Ales, 1371 Gray Dr #200, Traverse City, MI 49684

Registration: $5 suggested donation at the door. Registration not required.

Audience: Adults

Description: Celebrate Earth Science Week (October 11th-17th) and National Fossil Day (October 14th) with Pebble Pups and the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Boardman River Nature Center!

This celebration will showcase the incredible ways Earth science is conducted by a diverse range of people and professions, as well as how they work together to solve critical problems that our planet and communities face. Through this year’s theme, “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society”, minerals that are essential for modern life and how professionals source them responsibly will also be highlighted. Marvel over a collection of truly amazing fossils and uncover the secrets they hold about ancient life and Earth's history. You won't just learn about fossils – you'll leave with one of your own to start your personal collection!

When: Wednesday, October 14th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm

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

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Families and children

Description: Stop by Nocturnal Bloom on Tuesday, October 6th from 5:00 - 7:00pm to say hello to District staff and pick up an "I  ♡ GTCD" sign to show your love of local conservation.

Enjoy a fall evening with a beverage from Nocturnal Brewing, food from Acorn Kitchen, and the company of District Staff. 

When: Friday, October 6th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where: Nocturnal Bloom Brewing, 3344 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49684

Registration: Free. Registration not required.

Audience: Adults

Description: Celebrate 85 years of conservation during The Year of the River with the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Speakers Series. Throughout the year, this series will feature engaging talks from professional speakers covering a wide range of topics, including the Boardman–Ottaway River, conservation efforts, GTCD history, natural resources, and more. Each program offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and deepen our connection to the river and landscapes that shape our community.

Featured Speaker: Sara Vaughan, GTCD Director of Conservation

When: Wednesday, September 23rd from 5:00 - 6:00pm

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

Registration: $5/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults and teens

Description: Stop into the Boardman River Nature Center for a Mini Makerfest and engage in hands-on, educational activities from local organizations! The STEAM/Maker Alliance (SMA) of Northwest Michigan aims to create opportunities for youth to explore and be inspired by hands-on, quality STEAM activities in our region. All children attending must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.

When: Friday, September 18th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Children and families

Description: GTCD’s Family River Days are monthly, weekend programs that invite families to explore and connect with the Boardman–Ottaway River throughout the Natural Education Reserve. During each River Day, the Nature Center will be open for two hours, serving as a home base for hands-on learning, self-guided discovery, and exploration along the river.

Families are encouraged to explore habitats both above and below the water’s surface, discovering the plants and animals that call the river home. Each River Day features opportunities to observe aquatic macroinvertebrates, catch and release frogs while learning about their life cycles and habitats, and participate in a community BioBlitz by helping document and log wildlife found within the parkland. These shared experiences foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and a sense of stewardship, empowering families to care for the river and the natural spaces that make our community unique.

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

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

Registration: Free, registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Families and children

Description: Fireside Chats are monthly, recurring gatherings that invite the community to come together around the warmth of a shared campfire for open, meaningful conversation. Each gathering follows a loose theme—serving as a gentle starting point rather than a set agenda—allowing discussions to unfold naturally based on the interests, experiences, and perspectives of those gathered.

These informal, welcoming conversations create space for connection, reflection, and listening, strengthening relationships within the community while honoring the simple tradition of gathering around a fire.

When: Friday, September 11th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Families and children

Description: Join Michigan's TOPP Technicians for monthly drop-in office hours to chat about all things organic farming.

Topics we may cover include organic production techniques such as cultivation methods, crop rotation, variety selection, and integrated pest management. We will also discuss input sourcing, including where to find NOP-approved inputs, and explore cost-share opportunities like certification cost share programs and NRCS EQIP organic practices. Participants will learn about different record-keeping options, including templates, software, and spreadsheets, as well as strategies for identifying and connecting with organic markets. Additional topics include choosing an organic certifier, understanding the certification process, and other helpful resources to support a successful transition to organic production.

Contact Sam Wallace for questions.

When: Wednesday, September 2nd from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Registration: Free. Click here for the Zoom link and more information.

Audience: Adults

Description: Cross the Ottaway Crossing Footbridge and collect natural data of the east side of the Natural Education Reserve. Join GTCD staff and volunteers to record plant, animal, and fungi species using the iNaturalist app, creating valuable data that supports conservation and land management efforts.

Whether you are an experienced naturalist or simply curious about the outdoors, this event is open to all skill levels. GTCD staff will provide guidance on species identification and using iNaturalist. Bring your smartphone, dress for the weather, and discover the diversity in our community.

When: Friday, August 28th from 10:00am - 1:00pm

Where: Natural Education Reserve, meet in front of the Boardman River Nature Center

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Description: Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District and Earthen Ales satellite: Tank Space, for a lively Beer Pairing experience, where each specialty beer is paired with the sounds and feelings of the River and nature. Bring your curiosity, a sense of humor, and your love of local nature as we toast 85 years of conservation, community, and good times.

When: Thursday, August 27th from 6:30-7:30pm

Where: Tank Space, 1110 E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49686

Registration: $25/person. Pay at Tank Space. Registration is required. Click here to register

Audience: Adults

Description: Join GTCD Naturalists and Steve Largent, Boardman-Ottaway River expert and former GTCD Boardman River Program Coordinator, for a guided kayak float through the scenic Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Largent is a strong advocate for the preservation and protection of the watershed, having played an instrumental role in countless restoration projects throughout his three-decade-long career with GTCD. As participants connect with the river’s dynamic ecosystem, Largent will share information about restoration projects, the river's history, and the importance of healthy waterways.

GTCD’s guided floats are intended for experienced paddlers, prior kayaking experience is required; all kayaks and safety gear will be provided to participants. This experience offers a relaxed yet engaging way to deepen your understanding of one of our community’s most treasured waterways.

When: Wednesday, August 26th from 12:00 - 4:00pm

Where: Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Brown Bridge Canoe Launch

Registration: Registration is now full.

Description: The Perennial Farm Ecosystem Conference is a free, full-day learning event focused on regenerative agriculture strategies for orchard and vineyard systems. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Conservation District in partnership with the MSU Northwest Horticultural Research Station, this conference will help growers explore what “regenerative” means in the context of perennial crop production.

Participants will gain practical insights into improving soil health, increasing on-farm biodiversity, supporting pollinator habitat, and implementing low-disturbance management practices that strengthen long-term resilience in orchard and vineyard ecosystems. The program will feature experienced speakers, applied research perspectives, and actionable strategies designed specifically for perennial crop managers in the Great Lakes region.

Featured Presenters & Topics:
-Joel Williams (Keynote): Plant Nutrition and Foliar Applications in Perennial Crops
-Mark Mazzola: Manipulating the soil/rhizosphere microbiology in establishing a new orchard.
-Chuck Schembre: Regenerative Orchard Floor Management
-Larry Phelan: Connection between organic matter/soil community and crop resistance & resilience to insects and disease
-Carrie Fitzpatrick: GAP/PRIMUS and Regenerative Agriculture and more!

When: Saturday, August 22nd from 8:30am - 5:00pm

Where: Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station
6686 S Center Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684

Registration: This event is now full.

Audience: Adults

Description: In partnership with Michigan State University Extension, GTCD and Kara Lynch, Food Safety Educator at MSU Extension, will present on safe vegetable fermentation practices, followed by a hands-on workshop providing attendees with all the resources they need to learn how to make their own sauerkraut at home. Every participant will leave with a quart mason jar of pre-fermented sauerkraut!

When: Wednesday, August 19th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Fireside Chats are monthly, recurring gatherings that invite the community to come together around the warmth of a shared campfire for open, meaningful conversation. Each gathering follows a loose theme—serving as a gentle starting point rather than a set agenda—allowing discussions to unfold naturally based on the interests, experiences, and perspectives of those gathered.

These informal, welcoming conversations create space for connection, reflection, and listening, strengthening relationships within the community while honoring the simple tradition of gathering around a fire.

When: Friday, August 14th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Families and children

Description: GTCD’s Family River Days are monthly, weekend programs that invite families to explore and connect with the Boardman–Ottaway River throughout the Natural Education Reserve. During each River Day, the Nature Center will be open for two hours, serving as a home base for hands-on learning, self-guided discovery, and exploration along the river.

Families are encouraged to explore habitats both above and below the water’s surface, discovering the plants and animals that call the river home. Each River Day features opportunities to observe aquatic macroinvertebrates, catch and release frogs while learning about their life cycles and habitats, and participate in a community BioBlitz by helping document and log wildlife found within the parkland. These shared experiences foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and a sense of stewardship, empowering families to care for the river and the natural spaces that make our community unique.

When: Saturday, August 8th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Registration: Free, registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Families and children

Description: Join Michigan's TOPP Technicians for monthly drop-in office hours to chat about all things organic farming.

Topics we may cover include organic production techniques such as cultivation methods, crop rotation, variety selection, and integrated pest management. We will also discuss input sourcing, including where to find NOP-approved inputs, and explore cost-share opportunities like certification cost share programs and NRCS EQIP organic practices. Participants will learn about different record-keeping options, including templates, software, and spreadsheets, as well as strategies for identifying and connecting with organic markets. Additional topics include choosing an organic certifier, understanding the certification process, and other helpful resources to support a successful transition to organic production.

Contact Sam Wallace for questions.

When: Wednesday, June 5th from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Registration: Free. Click here for the Zoom link and more information.

Audience: Adults

Description: This interactive session digs into how farmers evaluate the return on investment of organic certification—financially, culturally, and in their markets. We’ll explore how producers think through the costs of certification compared to building trust “organically,” through transparency, consistency, and community relationships.

Contact Sam Wallace for questions.

When: Thursday, July 30th from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom).

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Celebrate 85 years of conservation during The Year of the River with the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Speakers Series. Throughout the year, this series will feature engaging talks from professional speakers covering a wide range of topics, including the Boardman–Ottaway River, conservation efforts, GTCD history, natural resources, and more. Each program offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and deepen our connection to the river and landscapes that shape our community.

Featured Speaker: Shelly Stusick, Invasive Species Network

When: Wednesday, July 29th from 5:00 - 6:00pm

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

Registration: $5/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults and teens

Description: In partnership with Michigan State University Extension, GTCD and Kara Lynch, Food Safety Educator at MSU Extension, will demonstrate safe tomato preservation techniques that can be utilized in your own kitchen. This class will focus on a wide range of preservation techniques, from water bath canning, freezing, and dehydrating, to provide something for the seasoned and novice home preservationists.

When: Monday, July 27th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: Free. No registration required to attend. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join fellow farm educators and ag professionals for this TOPP webinar on how research, outreach, and education can better center farmer knowledge. We’ll begin with a series of quick, highly practical lightning talks from five educators explaining how they elevate farmer wisdom through webinars, field days, working groups, research collaboration, and mentorship.

The second half of the session will feature interactive discussions and breakout conversations, giving participants space to share their own approaches and identify realistic, actionable strategies for strengthening farmer‑centered education in their work.

Contact Sam Wallace for questions.

When: Thursday, July 23rd from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join GTCD and ISN for a garlic mustard paper making demonstration, followed by printmaking with plants! Experiment with different techniques, textures, and ink as you create your own beautiful work of art. Whether you're a seasoned printmaker or a curious beginner, you’ll create something beautiful and unique! Participants will have the opportunity to take home prints on garlic mustard paper, greeting cards, and a framed 5x7 print.

When: Saturday, July 18th from 11:00am - 1:30pm

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

Registration: This program is full.

Audience: Adults

Description: This webinar equips farm educators and agricultural professionals with a clear, real‑world understanding of how organic certification works on urban farms such as Earthworks. Learn about certification requirements, practices, records, inspection processes, and the challenges specific to urban production.

We will also explore when certification does or doesn’t make sense for urban growers and share lessons from urban farmer mentees who have navigated the process—from motivations to barriers to unexpected benefits.

Contact Sam Wallace for questions.

When: Thursday, July 16th from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: GTCD’s Family River Days are monthly, weekend programs that invite families to explore and connect with the Boardman–Ottaway River throughout the Natural Education Reserve. During each River Day, the Nature Center will be open for two hours, serving as a home base for hands-on learning, self-guided discovery, and exploration along the river.

Families are encouraged to explore habitats both above and below the water’s surface, discovering the plants and animals that call the river home. Each River Day features opportunities to observe aquatic macroinvertebrates, catch and release frogs while learning about their life cycles and habitats, and participate in a community BioBlitz by helping document and log wildlife found within the parkland. These shared experiences foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and a sense of stewardship, empowering families to care for the river and the natural spaces that make our community unique.

When: Saturday, July 11th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Registration: Free, registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Families and children

Description: Join Michigan's TOPP Technicians for monthly drop-in office hours to chat about all things organic farming.

Topics we may cover include organic production techniques such as cultivation methods, crop rotation, variety selection, and integrated pest management. We will also discuss input sourcing, including where to find NOP-approved inputs, and explore cost-share opportunities like certification cost share programs and NRCS EQIP organic practices. Participants will learn about different record-keeping options, including templates, software, and spreadsheets, as well as strategies for identifying and connecting with organic markets. Additional topics include choosing an organic certifier, understanding the certification process, and other helpful resources to support a successful transition to organic production.

Contact Sam Wallace for questions.

When: Wednesday, July 8th from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Registration: Free. Click here for the Zoom link and more information.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join GTCD and Sierra LaRose of Bear Earth Herbals for an immersive medicinal plant walk and hands-on herbal workshop! Learn how to identify wild herbs and explore their medicinal uses while on a guided hike. Then, use what you have learned to make your own herbal tincture, oil, or vinegar using freshly harvested herbs from the region.

When: Saturday, June 27th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Registration: Registration is full.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join Grand Traverse Conservation District naturalists for a guided hike through the scenic Grand Traverse Commons trail system. Explore, learn, and connect with the natural world as our naturalists share insights on local ecosystems and conservation. The hike concludes at Earthen Ales, where participants can choose to enjoy a specially crafted Beer of the River to complement our Year of the River programming for the year. Experience the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, education, and craft beer while celebrating 85 years of conservation and partnership.

Participants must be 21 and up to participate.

When: Thursday, June 25th from 6:00-7:00pm

Where: Meet at the Cistern Spur Trailhead (Behind Earthen Ales) 1371 Gray Dr #200 Traverse City, MI 49684

Registration: This event has been canceled due to weather.

Audience: Adults

Description: Celebrate 85 years of conservation during The Year of the River with the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Speakers Series. Throughout the year, this series will feature engaging talks from professional speakers covering a wide range of topics, including the Boardman–Ottaway River, conservation efforts, GTCD history, natural resources, and more. Each program offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and deepen our connection to the river and landscapes that shape our community.

Featured Speaker: Matthew Ross, The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

When: Wednesday, June 24th from 5:00 - 6:00pm

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

Registration: $5/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults and teens