Description: Celebrate spring at the Grand Traverse Conservation District among local nature-themed artisans! Stop in anytime from 11:00 am-2:00 pm to find the perfect gift for a friend, loved one, or treat yourself!

When: Saturday, March 21st from 11:00am - 2:00pm

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

Registration: Free. No registration required to attend. Vendor Registration is closed.

Audience: Adults

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, March 27th from 6:00 - 8:00pm

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

Registration: $5/person at the door. No registration required.

Audience: Adults

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.

When: Wednesday, April 1st from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom). Click here for the Zoom link.

Registration: Free. No registration required to attend.

Audience: Adults

Description: The Grand Traverse Conservation District's Native Plant Sale is Saturday, May 16th!

Need help planning your native plant garden and landscape for spring? We're here to help! Whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, join us for a Q&A panel on all things native plants. Our panel of experts will cover personalized questions and general species and site conditions. Our experts will be available after the panel to answer questions one-on-one.

Provide us with your questions, and we'll prepare a presentation to tailored to our audience's needs.

When: Thursday, April 2nd from 5:30 - 7:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center

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

Audience: Adults

Description: Stop into the Boardman River Nature Center on Saturday, April 4th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for GTCD’s annual Seed Swap! Bring your garden seeds—any vegetables, fruits, or flowers that you enjoy growing and plan to leave with seeds and plans for your 2026 garden.

When: Saturday, April 4th 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: Adults

Description: Join us in our Annual Earth Day WorkBee at the Grand Traverse County Natural Education Reserve! This Earth Day we will be planting native seedlings and plants in the bottomlands of the parkland on the East side of the river to help to restore forest and riparian ecosystems.

Feel free to stop by at anytime! Plant one seedling, or stay for the entirety of the event. Please wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, sun protection, and gloves (if desired). Bring your own shovel if you're able, shovels and buckets will also be provided.

When: Wednesday, April 22nd from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Where: Grand Traverse County Natural Education Reserve, meet at Boardman River Nature Center

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Description: Join us for this interactive workshop as part of the GLIF Community "Growing Together" Series, exploring designs to equip participants with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to successfully start seeds and grow healthy seedlings.

Participants will learn about seed selection, seed viability, techniques to improve germination, and essential practices for maintaining light, temperature, and water balance. This workshop will include a hands-on activity to plant seeds to take home for your personal garden.

When: Wednesday, April 22nd from 5:00 - 6:00pm

Where: Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) 1091 N Keystone Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49696

Registration: $10/ person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join District staff in planting 35-40 native tree species that will be able to provide shade relief for trail users, increase wildlife habitat, and increase native biodiversity throughout Hickory Meadows! This event is sponsored by DTE with match funds to plant potted stock trees across Hickory Meadows landscape.

When: Friday, April 24th from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Where: Hickory Meadows Natural Area, meet at Randolph Rd Trailhead

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

Audience: Adults and families

Description: Explore the Boardman River Nature Center’s new Story Trail with Michigan author, Allison Bartlette! This hands-on event will feature a craft, scavenger hunt, and interactive book reading of Bartlette’s book: Walking on a Trail.

When: Friday, May 1st from 6:00 - 7:30pm

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

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

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.

When: Wednesday, May 6th from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom). Click here for the Zoom link.

Registration: Free. No registration required to attend.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join a GTCD naturalist on a walk through East Creek Reserve to learn the basics of identifying spring edibles. We will discuss proper foraging techniques, rules and regulations, and different ways to prepare the edibles we come across.

When: Friday, May 7th from 3:00 - 4:30pm

Where: East Creek Reserve

Registration: $10/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Description: Contribute to science and help document local biodiversity at our community bioblitz at Hickory Forest. Join GTCD staff and volunteers as we identify and 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 incredible diversity in our community.

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

Where: Hickory Forest Natural Area

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

Description: Join GTCD and the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) at Hickory Meadows for a hands-on stewardship event focused on restoring native habitats. Together, we will remove garlic mustard, protecting the integrity of our local ecosystem. Afterwards, we will transition to planting native seedlings to enhance biodiversity and support the long-term health of habitats throughout Hickory Meadows.

When: Friday, May 15th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Hickory Meadows Natural Area

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Description: Calling all trivia buffs! Test your knowledge of the natural world with us at Earthen Ales! Each trivia night will feature five rounds and a speed round, with a local partner organization bringing its expertise to the evening. Expect engaging questions, great conversation, and a deeper connection to our region’s ecology and community!

When: Friday, May 22nd from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

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

Registration: Suggested $5/person donation. No registration is required.

Audience: Adults

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.

When: Wednesday, May June 3rd from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom). Click here for the Zoom link. link.

Registration: Free. No registration required to attend.

Audience: Adults

Description: Contribute to science and help document local biodiversity at our community bioblitz at Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Join GTCD staff and volunteers as we identify and 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 incredible diversity in our community.

When: Thursday, June 11th from 10:00am - 1:00pm

Where: Brown Bridge Quiet Area, meet at the Trailhead on Brown Bridge Rd across from Trailhead 3

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

Audience: Adults and teens

Description: Celebrate the start of summer with a family-friendly day of exploration and connection along the Boardman–Ottaway River. Families are encouraged to spend the day enjoying a mix of guided and self-guided activities, including a guided hike to the Great Lakes Incubator Farm, hands-on river discovery with aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, and opportunities to contribute to the GTCD community BioBlitz. Activities are designed to be flexible, allowing families to explore at their own pace and choose what works best for them.

As the day winds down, families are invited to stay for three special evening opportunities. Meet our Nature Day Camp staff and sign up for the Traverse Area District Library's Summer Reading Club when the Bookmobile rolls in—kids can register for the Jurassic-sized “Unearth a Story” program, grab a free t-shirt, and check out a book. Then gather around for the kickoff of our Fireside Chat series, featuring campfire stories and songs led by Jen Strauss—a cozy, family-friendly way to wrap up a full day outdoors.

Attend one activity or stay for the day—pre-registration is required.

• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Hike to GLIF and community BioBlitz

• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Open Farm Hour at the Great Lakes Incubator Farm

• 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling on the Boardman-Ottaway River

• 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Camp Staff Meet & Greet

• 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Fireside Chat featuring Jen Strauss and TADL Summer Reading Sign-Up

When: Friday, June 12th from 11:00am - 7:00pm

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 us for this interactive workshop as part of the GLIF Community "Growing Together" Series, exploring how healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient farm. You’ll learn multiple composting methods and how to turn organic waste into a powerful soil amendment. You will also explore how the Great Lakes Incubator Farm integrates compost and biochar as part of its soil fertility plan.

Whether you’re a beginning farmer, gardener, or land steward, this workshop will provide practical tools you can apply to strengthen your own soil health systems.

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

Where: Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) 1091 N Keystone Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49696

Registration: $10/ person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

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: $35/person. Registration is required. 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: $35/person, registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Experience the Boardman–Ottaway River from a different perspective on a guided kayak float through the scenic Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Led by GTCD naturalists, we invite participants to slow down, observe, and connect with the river’s dynamic ecosystem. As you float downstream, naturalists will share insights about the river’s history, wildlife, and surrounding habitats.

GTCD’s guided floats are intended for experienced paddlers; prior kayaking experience is required. This experience offers a relaxed yet engaging way to deepen your understanding of one of our community’s most treasured waterways.

When: Wednesday, July 22nd from 2:00 - 5:00pm

Where: Brown Bridge Canoe Launch

Registration: $50/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: In partnership with Grand Traverse Conservation District, Kara Lynch, Food Safety Educator with Michigan State University 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: Saturday, 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: In partnership with Grand Traverse Conservation District, Kara Lynch, Food Safety Educator with Michigan State University 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 walk out with a quart mason jar of pre-fermented sauerkraut!

When: Wednesday, August 19th from 11:00am - 2:00pm

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

Registration: Free. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Experience the Boardman–Ottaway River from a different perspective on a guided kayak float through the scenic Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Led by GTCD naturalists, we invite participants to slow down, observe, and connect with the river’s dynamic ecosystem. As you float downstream, naturalists will share insights about the river’s history, wildlife, and surrounding habitats.

GTCD’s guided floats are intended for experienced paddlers; prior kayaking experience is required. 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 2:00 - 5:00pm

Where: Brown Bridge Canoe Launch

Registration: $50/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join us for this interactive workshop as part of the GLIF Community "Growing Together" Series, which explores the benefits of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the vital role pollinator habitats play in sustainable agriculture. This series will provide alternative strategies for managing pests effectively while fostering biodiversity, plant health, and supporting beneficial insects.

When: Wednesday, August 26th from 5:00 - 6:00pm

Where: Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) 1091 N Keystone Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49696

Registration: $10/ person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

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 us for this interactive workshop as part of the GLIF Community "Growing Together" Series. Come see the core tools the Great Lakes Incubator Farm relies on to run an efficient small-scale farm—tools that are equally useful for market gardeners, homesteaders, and backyard growers. We’ll walk through the essential hand tools and equipment that help us prepare beds, manage weeds, plant crops, harvest efficiently, and keep our work flowing smoothly.

You’ll also learn a few simple habits that help extend the life of quality tools, so they stay safe, sharp, and ready to use for many seasons. Whether you’re starting a garden or refining your farm system, this session will help you choose the right tools and use them effectively to get more done with less effort.

When: Wednesday, September 16th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

Where: Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) 1091 N Keystone Rd, Traverse City, MI, 49696

Registration: $10/person. No registration required to attend. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

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: 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: 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: 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

Description: Celebrate the season with nature! Join us for a hands-on Natural Ornament Workshop, where participants will create one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments using natural materials like native milkweed seed pods, leaves, and other found treasures. Learn a bit about the plants behind the materials while crafting decorations that honor nature, creativity, and sustainability. Perfect for all ages and a cozy way to bring the outdoors into your holiday traditions.

When: Saturday, November 14th 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: Adults and families

Description: Kick off the holiday season by creating a fresh wreath for your front door at our annual Wreath Workshop! This DIY experience allows you to create a beautiful wreath you'll be proud to hang in your home. Wreath form, a mix of fresh, locally-sourced evergreens, ribbon, instruction and tools will be provided. Attendees will take home their handmade wreaths at the end of the class.

When: Friday, November 20th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: $50/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Kick off the holiday season by creating a fresh wreath for your front door at our annual Wreath Workshop! This DIY experience allows you to create a beautiful wreath you'll be proud to hang in your home. Wreath form, a mix of fresh, locally-sourced evergreens, ribbon, instruction and tools will be provided. Attendees will take home their handmade wreaths at the end of the class.

When: Friday, December 4th from 5:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: $50/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Join GTCD for a mini wreath workshop, perfect for small spaces! Whether you live in an apartment, have a cozy front door, or just want a minimalist touch of nature, this DIY workshop will guide you through making your very own holiday wreath. Wreath form, a mix of fresh, locally-sourced evergreens, ribbon, instruction and tools will be provided. Attendees will take home their fresh mini holiday wreaths at the end of the class.

When: Saturday, December 5th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Registration: $35/person. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Adults

Description: Have an up close experience with live raptors from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary at the Boardman River Nature Center! Join us in the Community Room to learn all about Michigan raptors.

When: Wednesday, December 16th from 6:00 - 7:00pm

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

Registration: Free for 2 and under, $10 for children under 12, $15 for ages 12+, $55 for a family of 5+. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Audience: Children and families

Description:
Join the Michigan Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) for a spring webinar series designed to strengthen the business, planning, and production foundations of your organic farm. Learn directly from experienced farmers and educators in these focused, one‑hour online sessions—all created with organic producers in mind.

When: Friday, March 19th from 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Virtual (Zoom). Click here to register.

Registration: Free. No registration required to attend.

Audience: Adults