Grand Traverse Conservation District's
October 2026 - March 2027
Program Guide
1450 Cass Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685 231-941-0960
About the
Grand Traverse Conservation District Since 1941, the Grand Traverse Conservation District has been working to connect the community to the land in an active way through restoring natural areas, teaching our community to be conservation leaders, supporting sustainable, local agriculture, and stewardship of the Boardman-Ottaway River. We are based out of the Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City, Michigan. Our mission is to lead, facilitate, and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation, and restoration of our natural world. The Grand Traverse Conservation District’s programming provides children, families, and adults a gateway to our natural world. In facilitating the exploration and study of the outdoors, our programming seeks to empower individuals to play a personal role in environmental stewardship and inspire future generations of conservation leaders.
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Earth Science Week & National Fossil Day Celebration Description: Celebrate Earth Science Week (October 11th-17th) and National Fossil Day (October 14th) with Pebble Pups and GTCD! Through this year’s theme, “Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society,” we will highlight minerals essential to modern life and how professionals source them responsibly. 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, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: Free Audience: Families
Fall Nature Trivia Description: Test your knowledge of the natural world with us at Earthen Ales! Expect engaging questions, great conversation, and a deeper connection to our region’s ecology and community. When: Friday, October 23rd, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00pm Where: Earthen Ales, 1371 Gray Dr #200, Traverse City, MI 49684 Cost: $5 suggested donation at the door. Registration not required. Audience: Adults
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Peepers Program Our Peepers Program is an adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old. Join us on Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:00am for nature programs that include stories, crafts, music, and discovery activities. The program cost is $5/child per session.
Fall October 6th - Amazing Adaptations October 20th - Spectacular Spiders October 27th - Brilliant Bats November 3rd - Clever Camouflage November 10th - Feather Frenzy
Winter January 12th - Tricky Tracks January 26th - Chilly Critters February 9th - Lingering Leaves
For more information and to register, please visit our website: www.natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program or scan the QR code
Fall Native Seedling Sale Celebrate the season with a day of nature, fall colors, and community! Shop native conifers ( jack pine, red pine, white pine, white spruce, and black spruce), perfect for planting in autumn! We will also offer native wildflower plugs, perennial plants, and garden kits. Planting in the fall allows these native species to become wellestablished over the winter and start off the next growing season strong.
Bring the whole family for cider & donuts, pumpkin painting, and discovering the beauty of the season with self-guided hikes. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard habitat, enjoy the autumn air, or simply spend time outdoors, join us for this fall event on the Natural Education Reserve!
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685
When: Saturday, October 24th, 2026 from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Fall Tree Planting Workbee at Brown Bridge Quiet Area Description: Assist restoration efforts by planting native seedlings at Brown Bridge Quiet Area! When: Thursday, October 29th, 2026 from 10:00am - 2:00pm Where: Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Meet at the Brown Bridge Canoe Landing. Cost: Free Audience: Adults & Families
Halloween Lantern-Lit Hike Description: Come dressed in your costume and celebrate Halloween with a self-guided lantern-lit hike at the Boardman River Nature Center, featuring North Sky Raptor Sanctuary! Get ready for games, trivia, and live Raptors on the trail! When: Thursday, October 29th, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City MI 49685 Cost: $5/person, 12 and under free Audience: Families
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Natural Ornament Workshop D e s c r i p t i o n : J o i n u s f o r a h a n d s - o n N a t u r a l O r n a m e n t Wo r k s h o p , w he r e p a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l c r e at e o ne - o f - a - k i nd ho l i d ay o r n a me n t s u s i n g n a t u r a l m a t e r i a l s l i k e n a t i v e m i l k w e e d s e e d p o d s , l e av e s , and other found treasures. Learn a bit about the plants behind the materials while crafting decorations that honor nature, c r e a t i v i t y, a n d s u s t a i n a b i l i t y. P e r f e c t f o r a l l a g e s a n d a c o z y w ay t o b r i n g t he o u t d o o r s i n t o yo u r ho l i d ay t r a d i t i o n s . W h e n : S a t u r d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 4 t h , 2 0 2 6 f r o m 1 0 : 0 0 a m - 1 2 : 0 0 p m W h e r e : B o a r d m a n R i v e r N a t u r e C e n t e r , 1 4 5 0 C a s s R d . , T r av e r s e City MI 49685 Cost: Free Aud i e nc e : Ad u l t s & Fa m i l i e s
Year of the River Speaker Series: Regenerative Agriculture & Clean Rivers
Description: Celebrate 85 years of conservation during The Year of the River with the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Speakers Series. Hear from GTCD’s Agricultural Program Coordinator, Adam Brown, about the connection of regenerative agricultural practices and the health of river systems. When: Wednesday, November 18th, 2026 from 5:00 - 6:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: $5/person Audience: Adults
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Wreath Workshop 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, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00pm Friday, December 4th, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: $50/person Audience: Adults
Mini Wreath Making Workshop 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 handmade wreaths at the end of the class. When: Saturday, December 5th, 2026 from 10:00am - 12:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: $35/person Audience: Adults
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
An Evening with Raptors Description: Have an up-close experience with live raptors from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary! Join us at the Boardman River Nature Center to learn all about Michigan birds of prey. When: Wednesday, December 16th, 2026 from 6:00 - 7:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: Free for 2 and under, $10 for children under 12, $15 for ages 12+, $55 for a family of 5+. Audience: Families
Seed Sowing Workshop Description: Join GTCD and the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network to learn about the importance of native plants and the cold-moist stratification process. Using recycled materials, we will sow seeds in containers to set outside for the winter season. Once spring comes, the seeds will germinate at their own rate with very little maintenance - ready to be planted in their new homes! When: Wednesday, January 20th,2027 from 6:00 - 7:30pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: $10/person Audience: Adults
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Winter Nature Trivia Description: Test your knowledge of the natural world with us at Earthen Ales! Expect engaging questions, great conversation, and a deeper connection to our region’s ecology and community When: Friday, January 29th, 2027 from 6:00 - 8:00pm Where: Earthen Ales, 1371 Gray Dr #200, Traverse City, MI 49684 Cost: $5/suggested donation at the door. No registration required. Audience: Adults
Winter Printmaking Description: Experiment with different techniques, textures, and ink as you create your own beautiful work of art using found objects and evergreens. 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 a framed 5x7 print, a bookmark, and greeting cards. When: Saturday, February 6th, 2027 from 11:00am-12:30pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: $35/person Audience: Adults
Seedling Selection for Your Property: Q&A Panel Description: The Grand Traverse Conservation District's Native Seedling Sale is live online February 1st! Want to learn more about GTCD's Seedling Sale offerings and what species may be right for your property? Join us for a presentation followed by a Q&A session with the experts. When: Wednesday, February 17th, 2027 from 4:00 - 6:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: Free. Audience: Adults Learn more about our Spring Native Seedling Sale : www.natureiscalling.org/native-seedling-sale
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Guided Snowshoe Hike Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike and take in all of the winter beauty that the Natural Education Reserve has to offer! Bring your own mug, and GTCD naturalists will greet you with hot cocoa and help ensure your snowshoes fit properly. A limited number of adult and youth snowshoes will be available to borrow. When: Friday, February 12, 2027 from 10:00 - 11:30pm Where: Natural Education Reserve. Meet at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: $5/person Audience: Adults & Families
Lantern-Lit Hike Description: Join GTCD for a quiet, self-guided hike along the groomed loop at Hickory Meadows, beautifully lit by lanterns. As winter begins to give way to spring, experience the mystery and stillness of nature after dark. When: Wednesday, March 10th, 2027 from 6:00 - 8:00pm Where: Hickory Meadows, Randolph Street Trailhead Cost: $5/person Audience: Adults & Families
Seed Swap Description: Stop into the Boardman River Nature Center for GTCD’s annual Seed Swap! Bring your garden seeds—any vegetables, fruits, or native flowers that you enjoy growing —and plan to leave with seeds and plans for your 2027 garden. GTCD and Traverse Area District’s Library’s Seed Library will have an assortment of seeds to get you started, and a team member from the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network will be on-site to answer any questions about invasive species. When: Saturday, March 13th, 2027 from 10:00 am-12:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: Free. Audience: Adults & Families
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Spring Market Description: Celebrate spring at the Grand Traverse Conservation District among local nature-themed artisans! Find the perfect gift for a friend or loved one, or treat yourself! When: Saturday, March 20th, 2027 from 11:00am - 2:00pm Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 Cost: Free. No registration required. Audience: Adults & Families
Spring Nature Trivia Description: Test your knowledge of the natural world with us at Earthen Ales! Expect engaging questions, great conversation, and a deeper connection to our region’s ecology and community. When: Friday, March 26th, 2027 from 6:00-8:00pm Where: Earthen Ales, 1371 Gray Dr #200, Traverse City, MI 49684 Cost: $5/sugessted donation at the door. No registration required. Audience: Adults
Registration is required for all events. To register, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events
Program Registration Policies & Refunds Registration is not complete until payment is received. Any changes to an event, class, workshop, program, etc. for any reason, including inclement weather, will be communicated with registrants as soon as possible. All programming is subject to change. Each program participant must sign a waiver. GTCD reserves the right to remove a program participant due to inappropriate behavior. Cancellation requests received in writing 30 days before the program date will receive a full refund minus a 5% processing fee. Due to the cost of processing, refund requests less than $10.00 will not be issued. There are no refunds for cancellations within 30 days of the program date. If cancellation occurs via the following, there will be no refund issued: Weather or other related emergencies Covid-19/pandemic/illness related cancellation There are no refunds for no-shows. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteer With Us! Our work of inspiring exploration, appreciation, and conservation of our natural world would not be possible without the time, talents, and encouragement of our volunteers. By volunteering with the Grand Traverse Conservation District, you become an integral part of our mission.
To learn more about volunteer opprotunities, visit www.natureiscalling.org/volunteer
Support Our Work For over 85 years, the Grand Traverse Conservation District has been caring for the people and places that make our region so special. Our staff of education and conservation experts work to keep our local farms sustainable, the BoardmanOttaway River healthy, 2,500 acres of parkland accessible, and our community connected to the outdoors. Your support allows us to further our mission to lead, facilitate and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation, and restoration of our natural world.
Please visit www.natureiscalling.org/donate to make a gift today. 1450 Cass Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685 231-941-0960