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

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: 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: Adam Brown, GTCD Agriculture Program Coordinator

When: Wednesday, November 18th from 5:00am - 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