Our mission is to lead, facilitate and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation and restoration of our natural world.
WHAT WE DO
Based out of the Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City, Michigan, the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) is a community-serving organization that cares for the people and places that make Northwest Michigan so special.
We’ve been working for over 80 years to provide gateways to the natural world, restore natural areas, train future generations of conservation leaders, and support sustainable, local agriculture.
We fulfill our mission in the following ways…
CONSERVATION
We believe it is vitally important that all people have the opportunity to access and explore our rivers, lakes, and forests, and learn how to properly care for these complex and ever-changing landscapes. We recognize that healthy, vibrant natural areas are the centerpiece of our local economy and our overall way of life.
EDUCATION
We craft nature-based experiences that connect children, adults, and families with the natural world through the Boardman River Nature Center and its programs. These experiences not only enrich our quality of life, but also empower individuals to play a personal role in protecting the natural resources that make our region special.
BOARDMAN RIVER STEWARDSHIP
The Grand Traverse Conservation District models sustainable land management practices by caring for, restoring, and providing public access to 3,000 acres of the region’s most treasured natural landscapes along the Boardman River and throughout Grand Traverse County.
AGRICULTURE
We work hand-in-hand with hundreds of local farmers through the MAEAP and Produce Safety programs to help implement conservation practices that safeguard our natural resources, while simultaneously providing healthy, high-quality agricultural products to our community and beyond. Our work with local agricultural producers continues to keep our groundwater clean, our soils productive, and our farm community vibrant.
INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Through the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network, we work with impassioned partners to protect, enhance, and promote Northwest Michigan’s natural communities through terrestrial invasive plant management and outreach.
VOLUNTEERING