Annual Report 2024

Photo by Erin Schug

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

GRASS RIVER 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 1

Photo by Ingrid Henderlight

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS • Charlie Polzin, Chair • James Hook, Vice Chair • Mindy Lewin, Treasurer • Chris Hale, Secretary • Gillian Cobb Niemisto • James Costello • Joe Fischer • Gary Knapp • Rachel Payne • Steve Springsdorf • Terry VanAlstine, County Liaison

STAFF • Jenn Wright, Executive Director • Karen Michalec, Summer Naturalist • James Dake, Education Director • Kennedy Case, Env. Ed. Intern • Emma Fitzgerald, Conservation Director • Sydnie Uphoff, Env. Ed. Intern • Lee Maynard, Fund Development Assistant • Laurie Boccia, Financial & Admin. Manager • Brian Thelen, Land & Facilities Director • Anne Drake, Naturalist • Arlene Westhoven, Naturalist • Mitch Pietryga, Naturalist • Kate Hofmann, Naturalist • Sarah Simon, Education Outreach Coordinator

YOURS TO EXPLORE YOURS TO PROTECT

Photo by Robert Lawshe

Dear Friends, As the seasons shift and Grass River Natural Area moves through its familiar rhythms, one thing remains constant—your vital role in protecting this incredible place.

This past year was one of tremendous growth and impact. We welcomed over 900 students into the woods and wetlands, helped more than 120 paddlers connect with our waters, and celebrated a major land conservation milestone—surpassing 1,500 protected acres thanks to the generosity of the Wilson Family. We expanded accessible boardwalks, built new interpretive signage recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Indigenous peoples, and launched projects like the natural playground that will serve generations to come.

All of this is only possible because of our community. Because of you.

Whether you’ve volunteered, participated in programs, or made a donation—thank you. And if you’re just discovering Grass River, we hope this report inspires you to take your next step with us.

As we look ahead to completing the final boardwalk reconstruction, expanding our river stewardship, and deepening our educational offerings, we ask for your continued support. A gift to Grass River Natural Area is more than a donation—it’s a commitment to protecting a rare and beautiful ecosystem, and to inspiring wonder and care in everyone who visits.

Will you join us in making 2025 another landmark year for conservation, education, and community?

Together, we can ensure that Grass River Natural Area remains—always—yours to explore, yours to protect.

With gratitude,

Jenn Wright Executive Director GRASS RIVER 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 3

ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION In 2024, Grass River Natural Area experienced one of its most impactful years in education and outreach. Over 900 students and 200+ adults participated in school field trips and homeschool programs during the winter, spring, and fall—some of the highest engagement numbers in recent years. These hands-on experiences deepened students’ understanding of nature and connected classroom learning with real-world exploration.

Our Summer Camp program continued to thrive, welcoming 82 campers over four weeks—up from 60 in 2023. In partnership with Northwestern Michigan College’s College for Kids, we also hosted 27 additional campers at the VASA Trails in Traverse City. Campers logged nearly 2,000 hours exploring wetlands, creeks, and nature-based activities, forming lasting memories and bonds with the outdoors.

Our kayaking programs grew again, with over 120 people exploring the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. A new boardwalk and universally accessible launch now make it easier for all visitors to reach the dock and enjoy water-based programs.

The remaining boardwalk is planned to be replaced in 2025, making all of Grass River’s boardwalk accessible for visitors.

The new accessible boardwalk overlook at the mouth of Finch Creek

Our ongoing native plant education efforts, in partnership with Birdsfoot Native Nursery, distributed 2,635 plants to local landscapes through our annual sale. We also held an Earth Day native tree event and improved the lawn area in front of the center with eco-grass, creating a more welcoming space for learning and play.

Popular community events and programs remained strong in 2024, including the Grass River Shiver, MapleFest, EarthWeek, Wild Turkey Trot 5k, and Lighting of the Bridges—all drawing positive feedback.

Seasonal favorites like lantern-lit evenings, maple tapping, mushrooming, and owl prowls continued, while our partnership with NMC Extended Education expanded to offer more classes than ever before.

To support this educational growth, we finalized and installed a new suite of signage to enhance navigation and interpretation across the natural area. These include new wayfinding, educational signs, and interpretive panels honoring Native American history, especially around the new boardwalk and playground areas.

“Upon my return, I was greeted by a group of students raving about your class. We really appreciate the opportunity to work with you to envision creative and insightful ways to engage audiences in our work. We are most grateful for your commitment to our common mission.” - Training participant 4 GRASS RIVER 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

COMMITTED TO CONSERVATION Grass River Natural Area advanced its conservation mission through strategic planning, land protection, and continued ecological monitoring. A major focus was the ongoing implementation of the Grass River Adaptive Management Plan, designed to safeguard the river from present and future threats. As part of this initiative, we developed an educational framework, which includes educators on the river, new signage, and community outreach efforts, to educate the public on the importance of protecting the river.

Relationships with riparian landowners were also strengthened, supporting future collaborative stewardship efforts.

We also celebrated a significant land conservation milestone: thanks to the generosity of the Wilson Family, GRNA surpassed 1,500 protected acres with the addition of 10.43 acres on the northeast corner of Lake Bellaire.

Once a beloved family homestead and swimming hole, this property is now permanently protected from development, preserving its natural character and ecological value.

Our stream monitoring program, now in its 11th consecutive year, continued to yield encouraging results. All four monitored sites along Shanty Creek received high water quality scores, a promising sign for watershed health. Additionally, our volunteerled vernal pool monitoring confirmed stable amphibian reproduction across five key wetlands, with breeding activity from wood frogs and spotted salamanders observed. These efforts highlight the importance of wetland preservation in maintaining local biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Newly aquired 10.43 acres with 500 feet of Lake Bellaire shorline

STEWARDSHIP

AT WORK

Stewardship at Grass River Natural Area in 2024 reflected strong progress, community involvement, and a commitment to maintaining the landscape for public enjoyment and ecological health. A key highlight was repurposing planks from the deconstructed Sedge Meadow boardwalk— materials saved for future use at Grass River and shared with other organizations, promoting sustainability beyond our site. Volunteers also helped prepare a new pathway and scenic overlook, offering visitors a panoramic view of the mouth of Finch Creek and connecting seamlessly with the rebuilt boardwalk. As part of preparations for the final phase of construction, scheduled for Summer 2025, the original Grass River Overlook on the north side of the loop was decommissioned, with a new accessible overlook to come.

Other maintenance efforts included repairing the Rail Trail trestle bridge after storm damage and repainting the nature center’s exterior, refreshing its appearance. GRNA was also awarded a $1,000 Mini-Grant by Paddle Antrim to develop a prototype septic-safe native plant garden in collaboration with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan—an initiative that will serve as a model for sustainable landscaping.

November and December brought heavy snow, allowing for consistent cross-country ski grooming and popular winter recreation. Visitor numbers were up compared to 2023, with a noticeable increase in trail and nature center use.

Most notably, volunteerism hit a high with 513 hours—over four times the amount recorded five years ago—driven by expanding opportunities and volunteers taking initiative to lead and complete meaningful projects.

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RECOGNIZING OUR DONORS YOU ARE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this list. If you notice any errors, please accept our sincerest apologies, and our invitation to lunch! Contact us at 231-533-8314 or email Laurie Boccia at Laurie@grassriver.org.

LEGACY SOCIETY Anonymous (2) Dr. Doug & Dr. Mary Brothers Stan & Betsy Dole James Dole Lucy Dueck Bob & Sue Holtzmann Sharon Joy David & Maureen Latanick Ray & Nancy Ludwa Mike Moquin & Julia Spalding Erik & Elizabeth Rasmussen Mary Richards John Ross, Jr. Dottie Schaefer Colette Stanish Warren Studley & Barbara Smith Sue Haadsma-Svensson & Kjell Svensson HERON SUSTAINER ($1,500+) Anonymous (4) Jean Ashby & Kenneth Burger Richard & Susan Bingham Norton & Mary Lee Bretz Jim & Meg Costello Sally DeLange Betsy Dole Karen Franseen Fred Gasper & Kathy Ingell Lawrence & Marilyn Gawne Warren & Mary Gilbert Rich & Anna Hannan Robert & Bethany Hawkins Tim Hildreth Jim & Catherine Hook Huntington Family Al & Julie Hurd Norm & Judy Jones Pat & Sue Kelly Ray & Nancy Ludwa Karen Maccracken Thomas & Wendy Miller Kate Minasian Elizabeth Oliver Charles & Robyn Polzin Tim & Susan Rapinchuk Rosso Family Foundation Louise & David Schraa Sean Stevenson Todd & Pam Vitaz Charles & Chris Ward EAGLE SUSTAINER ($500 - $1,499) Anonymous (2) Kathrine Amerman & John Vogel

Melynda Bagley & Dale Claudepierre Bob & Priscilla Baker Herwig & Vickie Baumann Kenneth Beck Richard & Elizabeth Bellingham Dan & Mary Kay Bickmann Essie Blackburn Frances & Ken Bluhm Laurie & David Boccia Alfred Brothers Gary & Lisa Buczkowski Jim & Angela Buczkowski Ms. Carolyn Burke & Mr. Ric Cicone Pete Byron Albert Cash Kevin Celarek Norm Chirite Dan & Linda Cline Gillian Cobb Niemisto & Sean Niemisto Bill & Paula Cordes Steve & Nancy Crosby Richard & Marilyn Cross Mark Demeester Mike & Rhea Dow Erick & Anne Drake Debbie & Mark Eberly Joe & Debbie Eggleston Jack & Jacque Eslick Harriet Field Laura Franseen & Norman Kjome Dave & Esther Frey Mark Frick Paul & Mari Frost Jim & Lucy Gerlach Mary Glidden Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation Mary Jo & Daniel Hickey Hildreth Family Fund Hilltop Securities Donald Hirt & Lisa Hall Matthew Howell & Julie Wagner Mr. Jim Huckle John Hunting Bruce & Robin Insalaco Tom & Bette Irwin Randy & Bonnie Johnson Jim & Amy Keane Bob & Mary Keedy Kathy & Bruce Krauskopf Jayme Lahut & Katherine Robinson Mark & Katherine Lefanowicz Mindy Lewin Ray Loeschner Robert & Norma Lyon Anne Magoun

Mr. Frank & Ms. Elizabeth Malone Graham & Peggy Martin Dan Mielke & Sallie Chapman Dick & Diana Milock Jay Mittner & Cristina Torres Susie Nagel Tye Nordberg Linda Oxford Rachel Payne Dr. Ralph Pearlman & Karen Swanson Stephanie Pfeiffer Russell Price Dave & Sue Reck Cynthia Ruma Julie Ruma & Brian Scallen Dottie Schaefer M.K. & Janice Simpson Roger Skrobeck Carolyn Smith Stacy & Alan Sollenberger Dennis & Michele Spillane Steve & Judy Springsdorf Betse Stuart Sue Haadsma-Svensson & Kjell Svensson Ralph & Barbara Thayer Ronald & Pat Turner Laura VanVlack David Varga & Barbara Van Pelt Thomas & Cottie Volle Geoffrey & Michelle Weidner Dorothy Wierman Woody Wright Jim & Barb Zeller LOON ($150 - $499) Anonymous (7) Dan & Julie Anderson Gary & Myra Andrews Sharon Bacon Butch & Liz Bartz Walter Baughman Jessica Bellinder & Brian Arthur Mrs. Diane Bengtson Jack & Birdell Berry JoEllen Bloch Dana Boals Daniel & Patricia Bober Kathy & Jonathan Brodhag Julie Buckmaster Richard & LeAnn Burdette Jim & Nancy Campbell Wandell & Betty Carlton Kevin & Anne Case Gary & Mary Chenoweth

Kathleen Chimko David & Eunsook Christian Kim Clarke Christopher & Martie Conner Glenn & Susan Cook Chris & Merrie Corbett Patrick & Judith Corso Marie Dieudonne Pam & Bill Esterline Ina Fernandez & Joseph Berkowski Kari & Jim Fisher Paul & Charlene Fitzpatrick Mr. Michael & Ms. Mary Foley Steven & Sallie Foley Joan Forgrave Lauri Frederick Mike & Carolyn Galsterer Mandy Garver & Allen Wolf Robert & Sheridan Haack Mike & Mary Haley Mike & Fran Harmon Dennis Harrell William & Myrna Holland Priscilla Horton Rich & Shannon Isaacson Gert & Ron Jacobson Bradley Jensen & Rebecca Benson Eric Klingler M. Kathleen Klosterman Ms. Linda & Mr. Tim Kohr Robert Kollin Daniel & Joyce Kulongowski Eileen Larsen Robert & Susan Lockwood John & Catherine Loomis Lorraine Lund Jeffrey & Paula Malak Henry & Connie Mast David Mathews Hugh & Karen McDiarmid Deb McGee Eldon & Kathy McPherson Jill Meyer Anne Miller Patrick & Christine Muldoon David Muzzo Curtis & Wendy Myers Doug & Dale Neuenschwander Norm & Ann Neuenschwander Michael Oakes Bill & Judy Owen Stephen Peel Lisa Pysher Matthew Read & Tracy Zeman Alexander & Patricia Robinson Jim & Amanda Roble GRASS RIVER 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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Penny Rogers-Geresy Paul & Lori Sak Mary Ann Schaefer Paul & Mikkie Schemanski Robert & Kathryn Schwert Deanna & George Seifried Tom & Pam Siegenthaler Jim Sington & Susan Murdock Ernie & Susan St. Pierre Alan & Pamela Stewart Ms. Becky Lancaster Henry & Margaret VanLooy Don & Susan Venburg David & Tammy Walsh Christine Walton William & Dorothy O’Donnell Betsy Willis Jennifer & Dougg Wright David & Bonnie Yates BLUEBIRD ($51 - $149) Anonymous (13) Alyssa Abdullah Jerry & Terrie Ash Willis Ashby Christopher & Vickie Avery Robert & Yolanda Ayala Michael & Kathleen (KC) Babb Stan & Marilyn Bagdonas David Baker Lynn Bauer Brigid Beckman Daniel & Lorraine Beechuk Daniel & Heather Beem Ms. Jan Rocker Margaret Bergmann Truman & Linda Bicum Steve Bloch Heather BlueVa Media Earl Bogrow & Julie Upp Gary & Linda Bokerman Mike Boland Joseph Boner Brad Bowsher Gordon & Kathleen Bradford Priscilla Brehe-Pixler & Bill Pixler William Allen & Susan Brown Gary & Linnea Brunk Alison Burdick Terence & Maria Burfiend Cheryl Burke Emily Burke Patrick Butler Jennifer & Dan Byce Wendy Caszatt-Allen & Shawn Allen David & Ann Catlin William & Sandra Caul Susan Chevalier Joe & Nancy Chrzanowski Bob & Dorothy Clore Susie Cole Cindy Collins Dave & Diane Comfort Peg & Tom Comfort William Copeland Elodie Crawford Jamie Creason Lynn Cummings John & Pat Curtis Fred Dery Dale Devries Ronald & Christine Dewey Gary & Peggy Doty Jan Douglas Beth Dowling Tom & Tammy Eckhardt Mary Edens

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Chuck Ellinwood Mr. Carl Strebel & Mr. Fred Farage Jamie & Deby Fellowes Bob & Kelly Ferguson Jim & Terry Ferguson Dianne Fisher Thomas Fisher Karen & Robert Fowler Steven Fowler Dan & Sheila Fox Lisa Franseen Matt & Terri Franzen Constance Frey Norm & Mary Anne Frey Seth Gernot & Rebecca Rankin Alexander & Marilyn Gibbs Tom & Peggy Gielda R. Catherine Giguere Jeanette Gillespie Dean & Sharon Ginther Ami Gobis Amanda Godward Ron & Sandy Goodale Laurence & Michelle Grewe David & Virginia Griffis Dianne Groshek Randy Hadcock & Janis Shackelford Hadcock Larry & Barbara Hamilton Nancy Hamlin Ted & Jeanne Hammond Barbara Hanson Susan Hanson Richard Hasbany James Haveman Ingrid & Daniel Henderlight Mary Hensel Meribeth Hiestand Herbert & Vikki Ann Hill Arthur & Carol Hoadley Steve & Rachel Hoadley Barbara Holton Steve & Diana Howard Daniel Hubbard & Kathryn GordenHubbard Bruce & Marlene Hulteen R. Craig & Ginger Hupp Joachim Janecke Tom & Sarah Juntune Bobbi Kayser Chris & Julia Keller Karen Kerrigan Annie Kiermaier Erin King Larry & Kay King J. Keller Kirby & Nancy Keller Char Kirchner & Lewis Kirchner, Jr. Kathryn Kirkpatrick Bill & Debbie Kitchin Jerry & Donna Klinefelter Gary & Sue Knapp David Knight Geraldine Koesters Peter & Mera Kohler Michael Koryto & Jo Ann Merrick Jeff Kroeger William Kuhn Jim Kure & Karen Smith Jim Kutil John Patrick Lambert Ellen & Douglas Law Jim & Margaret Lawrence Mike & Karen Lee Elise Levasseur Jeff Lewis Kirk & Connie Lignell Barbara Lockrey

Robert Logee Janet Loveland Diane Lowes Kendra Luta & Kevin Carroll Abigail Maat Tricia Mack Evelyn Mackenzie-Gryson Andrew Malone & Sarah Garcia Mike & Lucy Mang Rebecca Mang & Homer Nye Trevor Martin Steve & Kathleen Miller Susan & Don Miller Virginia Miller Michelle Minasian Brooke Minore Hank & Peggy Moczul Thomas & Olga Moeller Chandra & Douglas Morse Sean & Amy Muldoon Larry & Jeanne Muzzo Nancy & Henry Nabors Alyssa Nekritz Caryn Nienhouse Rebecca Norris Gene Nutt & Sally Lovett Ron & Sue Osgood Daniel & Jill Packer Brian & Kathy Patton Larry & Sarah Peck Sheila Pettersen Gary & Lyn Petty Rhett & Jeralyn Pinsky Cliff & Cherie Pixler Jerry Plite & Joan Budzynski Nancy Podurgiel George & Nancy Powell Andrew & Ping Pridemore Janis Priebe Robert Probst Lisa & David Rabaduex Helen Raica-Klotz & Steve Klotz Edward & Georgia Randinitis Erik & Elizabeth Rasmussen John Raven Mary Ann Reynolds Rebecca Rhea James Ribby Ron & Nancy Ritsema Katherine Rogers Tom & Vickie Ross Raymond & Carole Ruth Laura Savoie & Tom Stephenson Bob Schmitt David & Debbie Schneider John & Liz Schneider Theresa Schurman Max & Ann Schwandt Claudia Baidas Schwartz Donald & Jean Seman Heidi Shaffer Carolyn Sherwood Frederick & Susan Sittel Doug & Jude Smith Laura Smith Samuel & Veronica Smith Gregory & Kerry Steck Ann & Mark Stephens Jason & Yvonne Stephens Derek & Olga Stine Christian & Anja Stoldt Mitch & Renee Strukel David Swanson Jim Taup Jim & Barbara Tessmer William & Mary Thauvette Brian Thelen & Lisa Thauvette

Randy & Sue Thomas Torch Area Artisans Guild James Toussaint Barbara Vallieu Kim VanBuren Ginny & Samuel Vance Debbie Vander & Joanne Scherf Thomas & Susan Verellen John & Diane Verploegh Kathleen & Jerry Wachter Bruce Wagner Kent & Suzanne Walker Charles Wampler Ms. Margaret Weeber Pam Weisler Peter & Ann Wendling John & Louise Wenzel Arlene Westhoven Brian & Heather White Ellen Whitehead Robert & Barbara Widmer Dana Wilcox Edward & Ellen Wojtowicz Karin Wolfe & Ted White Krista Wolz William & Pamela Wolz Waiva Worthley Michelle & Berry Zeeman WARBLER ($1 - $49) Anonymous (4) Vickie & Jerry Allen Sierra Balsara Terry Baumann Richard & Karlane Belaire Guy Bowman Sally Byle Chris Campbell Daniel Dawson Versile & Sylvia Dawson Daryl Dimon Joshua & Katy Dobrowitsky Dorothy Cole Linda Douglas & Kevin Lester Lucy Dueck Sandy Ehlers Donald & Renee Fedrigon Jennifer Fischer Melissa Fischer Tamurla Fletcher Barbara Foor Tim & Linda Fox Christine Frary Bob Geiger & Amy Taylor James & Kay Goodall James & Sheri Greenhoe William Griffis William Habich Marsha Hanna & Mike Moran Rich Hargreaves Dennis & Anita Harrand Kristen Havrilenko Cynthia Henry Intermediate Lake Association Rosemary Kornacki Mark Leegwater Tonya Lutz Charles & Virginia McCord Mary Michno Bill & Kathy Morgan Diana Muzzo Roberta M Mylan Dick & Sondra Nordin Lynette Patten Jerry & Connie Rehage Robert Reider & Susan McCraven Terri Reisig

Paul Russell Kurt & Diane Schuler Howard & Jeannie Schwartz Karen Short Brook & Jean Smith Jamie Smith Jean Springer Mary Thomas Elaine & Robert Van Staalduinen Steven Veatch Nancy Wardwell Amelia Wilks John & Denise Wong GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS 4Front Foundation Boccia Family Foundation Dole Family Foundation Virginia & John Erb Family Foundation Google Matching Gifts Grand Traverse Regional Comm.

Foundation Great Lakes Commission MICORP Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation Hildreth Family Fund Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Paddle Antrim Shell Oil Company Foundation Matching Gifts S.L. Hickman Family Foundation Worthington Family Foundation BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS Antrim County Antrim County Conservation Club Antrim Women’s Alliance Bellaire Garden Club Bellaire Ladies Literary Club Cherry Republic Elk Rapids Garden Club First Congregational Church Intermediate Lake Association Lynch Law Firm Network for Good Oryana Natural Foods Market PayPal Pledgeling Foundation Richter Construction, Inc. Solution Weaver Consulting Stoney Cabin Toys Torch Area Artisans Guild Townline Ciderworks Waterfire Vineyards Whistling Frog Tile

SPONSORSHIPS 4Front Federal Credit Union Alden State Bank Aster Brands Desmond Liggett Wealth Advisors Dewey Insurance Agency, INC Dockside - Torch Lake Fischer Insurance Agency, Inc. Gosling Czubak Engineering Interphase Office Interiors Mancelona Veterinary Hospital Old Mission Investment and Trust Jane Payne, Keller Williams Northern MI Pelican Family Shanty Creek Resorts Short’s Brewing Company Village Market Food Centers Waterfire Vineyards IN-KIND DONORS A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo Alden Outfitters Alden’s Mill House Daryl Allison-Busch & Michael Busch Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast Jan & Cheryl Bachman Bachmann’s Store Bayfront Beach & Bike Bellaire Bar & Restaurant Bellaire Blooms Cut Flowers Bellaire Hardware Bellaire Smokehouse Blue Water Bistro Brownwood Acres Ms. Carolyn Burke & Mr. Ric Cicone Cellar 152 Chloe’s Chop House CMU Public Broadcasting Network Chris & Merrie Corbett Corner Bistro Jim & Meg Costello James & Lauren Dake Daybreak Dream Farm Erick & Anne Drake Elk Rapids Marina Escape Bellaire Ethanology Fireside Lounge Foundry Craft Grillery Fudgees Ingrid Henderlight Bob & Sue Holtzmann Interlochen Public Radio Jordan Valley Outfitters King Orchards Lakeside Liquor and Party Store Little Treasures Toy and gift

M88 Morning Grind Meijer (Acme Location) Craig & Theresa Moore Pet Sitting Services Pickleball Outfitters Revive Salon & Spa John Samuelson Julie & Robert Schulte Set in Many Stones Shanty Creek Resorts Short’s Brewing Company Dennis & Michele Spillane Stonewaters Inn The 45th Apparel The Flying Pig Brian Thelen & Lisa Thauvette Torch Lake Beer Company Trendz Twisted Fish Gallery Two Hoots Studio Uniquely North LLC Barbara Van Pelt David Varga Jenn Wright IN HONOR OF Jim Bailey Paul D. Cain The Chase Family Paul & Doris DeLange Patti Dawson GRNA Staff, for making us welcome Katie Grzesiak Germaine Holton Gwen Leegwater Bob Logee’s 73rd Birthday Harry and Eloise Lund Lyn, Phil and all the great volunteer guides Elizabeth and James Manning Mary on her 90th Birthday Susie and Don Miller Jeff Oliver Richard Rhea William Ritter Pat Schramm The Stroud Family Jayson Szramski Jenn Wright William Wolz IN MEMORY OF Adams, Kirn and Harding families Lou Anne Alpers Everett & Wray Ash Carole L. Baker Burt and Vera Bartz SN Nathan Beem, USCG

Jay Berry Birch Gloria Brander Dr. Mary E. Brothers Milo Brown David Buckmaster Doris Burdick George & Faith Bushnell Shannon Flynn Celarek Anita Cole Lynn T. Collins Harry T. Cook Amy Cunningham Stanley F. Dole, Jr. Lynn Durling John R Eddy & Vaneta Sue Snyder David Falvay Chris Ferguson Dave Fischer Evan & Marilyn Fisher Bill Fleet Richard & Beverly Fogo Joanna Fowler Len Franseen Bill Frey Lawrence Geresy Linda J. Gilbert Dorothy Hand Dale Hanson Lorna Petty Harrell Charles “Charlie” Holton Doug Johnson Robert Kitchin David N. Knight Mary Knight Lois Kollin Karl & Jane Larson Karyl Lessard Velma Lessard Joan McTaggart Molly Ruth & Nancy North Roy John Oliver Gary Packer Judith K. Peel Wally Price Tom Ruma Margie Ruppenthal Richard “Dick” Ruppenthal Eric Sandenburgh Mason Shepard Catherine Sherman Lloyd and Mildred Sherwood Chuck and Judy Stuart Jayson Szramski Amy G. Taylor Richard Tillman Sally Tummelson Lila & Jack Wilson

GRASS RIVER 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 9

UP AND COMING: MARK YOUR CALENDARS SPRING FLING AT DOCKSIDE

TUESDAY MAY 6, 2025 - 5-9 PM There is no easier way to support Grass River Natural Area than enjoying food and drinks on the beautiful shores of Torch Lake. Join us at The Dockside south of Bellaire on Tuesday, May 6th from 5 pm to 9 pm where 50% of all food and drink proceeds benefit GRNA. Enjoy great food with wonderful people in a relaxing environment all while supporting a great organization.

SPRING STEWARDSHIP DAY

SATURDAY MAY 17, 2025 - 9AM As spring rains are falling and flower buds begin emerging, it is time to join in the spring cleaning at GRNA! Trail grooming, garden weeding, and window shining are a few of the many tasks for freshening up our grounds and Center in preparation for summer. No experience is necessary, just a pair of gloves, a “spring” in your step, and an open spirit.

Pre-registration is encouraged - email Brian at stewardship@grassriver.org

WILD ORCHID WALK

SATURDAY JUNE 7, 2025 - 1PM $15 per person, must pre-register Join Education Director James Dake in an exclusive presentation and off-trail expedition to see rare orchids and other amazing plants, like carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, in lesser known areas of GRNA. Limited space. Must be able to hike on uneven and wet/muddy terrain for the outdoor portion. Wearing muck boots is highly recommended, as the places we go will be very wet.

This program meets at the Grass River Center.

SPRING STREAM MONITORING

SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025 - 9AM Location: Grass River Center and sampling on Finch Creek Twice a year Grass River collects data through stream monitoring. This year, teams will be collecting habitat data and macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) at several sites along Finch Creek. After collection we will return to the Grass River Center to sort through the samples.

Pre-registration for this event is required.

Pre-register by RSVP’ing to Emma at emma@grassriver.org.

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KAYAK GRASS RIVER

FIRST TOUR IS FRIDAY, JUNE 6 - 9:30AM TOURS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER $45 per person - includes tour, kayak, PFD, and paddle for each participant There is no better way to experience Grass River than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife!

On these morning guided tours, visitors explore Grass River by kayak and find out about GRNA’s conservation efforts, wetland plants, and wildlife.

Adults and Teens Only. Limited to small groups, must pre-register. ​Call GRNA to register: 231-492-8793, or email james@ grassriver.org. This program meets at the Grass River Center and then walks to the dock to launch kayaks. Kayaks and paddles are provided and ready for you at the dock.

NEW DATE FOR RIVERFEST!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

AT SHANTY CREEK RESORTS Riverfest celebrates all we have accomplished over the last year and raises funds to support our important work to conserve and protect this special place. The evening will include a strolling dinner, music, live auction, an update from our Executive Director, and lots of fun and laughter. You don’t want to miss this special evening!

For a full listing of events visit www.grassriver.org.

TREASURER’S REPORT

By Mindy Lewin

We are deeply grateful to our supporters—including public agencies, foundations, and business partners— whose contributions ensure we have the resources needed to advance our mission. As illustrated in the charts below, we’re continuing to diversify our revenue streams while carefully managing our expenses. A generous land donation in 2024 significantly boosted our net assets, further strengthening our financial foundation and positioning us for long-term success.

Note: These figures represent unaudited financial information for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

REVENUE EXPENSES

EXPENSES

BEGINNING NET ASSETS: $1,380,617 ENDING NET ASSETS: $2,124,907 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS: $744,290

GRASS RIVER 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 11

NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID BELLAIRE, MI 49615 PERMIT NO. 35 PO Box 231 Bellaire, MI 49615 www.grassriver.org

MISSION: To manage the Grass River Natural Area, conserve and protect its watershed, and provide opportunities that increase knowledge, appreciation, and community-wide stewardship of the natural environment.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR RIVERFEST AT

HTTPS://AUCTRIA.EVENTS/GRNARIVERFEST2025

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