2022 ANNUAL REPORT
Photo by Ingrid Henderlight GRASS RIVER 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 3
A MESSAGE FROM GRNA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JENN WRIGHT IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW. THIS PLACE IS SPECIAL. This slogan, from our recent social media campaign highlighting our work to create a management plan for the long-term health of the Grass River, has reinforced for us the connection we all share to this special place. And as you’ll see in this report, our community absolutely “knows,” as demonstrated by the record-breaking attendance, successful partnerships, and continued land protection efforts. In the pages that follow, you will find information that inspires, statistical data that demonstrates our impact, and photos that highlight the sheer joy and delight found on our trails and in our programs. For me, the true magic lies in the people spotlighted in this report. The GRNA staff, whose passion and knowledge engage 40,000 visitors a year in experiences that instill a sense of wonder, appreciation, and responsibility to the earth. Our volunteers, who give selflessly to our mission with their time and talent. Our visitors, whose active participation and creative inquiries provide the foundation for our work. And our donors at all levels. Our work to protect this special place is possible because of the financial support we receive through program participation, individual contributions, and community sponsorships. While breaking attendance records is certainly something to celebrate, I hope you will also join me in celebrating the connections we all have to each other and to Grass River Natural Area. Whether you are a seasoned GRNA supporter who knows the magic of this special place or are new to our community and just discovering this ecological gem, I look forward to welcoming you on your next visit to GRNA! See you on the trails! Judges’ Choice Award Photo by Kelly Quante
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022 • Steve Springsdorf, Chair • Charlie Polzin, Vice Chair • Mindy Lewin, Treasurer • Lauren Hucek, Secretary • Dan Cline • Gillian Cobb Niemisto • James Costello • Chris Hale • Rich Hannan • Gary Knapp
STAFF
• Jenn Wright, Executive Director • Anna Anger, Summer Intern • Franny Bluhm, Naturalist • Emily Burke, Conservation & Education Specialist • James Dake, Education Director • Anne Drake, Naturalist • Alyssa Foley, Summer Intern • Sheila Fox, Office Manager & Bookkeeper • Liam Fries, Naturalist • Angie Les, Naturalist • Grace Robinson, Summer Intern • Brian Thelen, Land and Facilities Steward • Arlene Westhoven, Naturalist • Betsy Willis, Development Coordinator • Olivia Zimmerman, Summer Intern
ANTRIM COUNTY LIAISON • Terry VanAlstine
Featured photos with credits are entries from GRNA’s 2022 Photo Contest. Award winners are noted. Thank you to all who participated. 2 Grass River Natural Area Annual Report
It was another record breaking and innovative year at Grass River Natural Area
Photo by Phil Watrous
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
You can learn a lot when you study creeks like how to make sure they stay healthy!
Nature camps are the BEST no matter what time of the year. GRNA Volunteers Julie Hurd & Phil Jarvi conduct popular weekly wildflower walks from spring to fall
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ADULT PROGRAMS
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS WHO GIVE SELFLESSLY TO SUSTAIN GRNA
STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
• 100 native plants added to new entrance garden • Over 500 total volunteer hours spent on maintaining land and facilities - an increase of nearly 25% over 2021 • Grass River Center fluorescent tubes changed to LED, which cut electricity usage by half and increased longevity by 25 years • Walkway around the Grass River Center improved for better mobility
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTS
• 97 individual volunteers • 1,596 total volunteer hours contributed
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WINTER/SPRING EVENTS
EARTH DAY - BIG SIT
INSIDE
LIGHTING OF THE BRIDGES FOR THE HOLIDAYS
AND OUTSIDE
RIVERFEST
SUMMER/AUTUMN EVENTS
NATURE TRIVIA
MAPLEFEST
AUTUMNFEST 6 Grass River Natural Area Annual Report
WILD TURKEY TROT
RECOGNIZING OUR DONORS
YOU ARE SO APPRECIATED, THANK YOU (January 1 – December 31, 2022)
Photo by Mikkie Morley
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 Betsy Willis at betsy@grassriver.org EAGLE SUSTAINER ($500 -$1,499)
LEGACY SOCIETY The Legacy Society includes those who make plans to benefit GRNA with future gifts – estates, trusts, insurance policies, and other planned giving options. Please call us if you are interested in learning more. Anonymous (2) Dr. Doug & Dr. Mary Brothers James Dole Stan & Betsy 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
HERON SUSTAINER ($1,500+) Anonymous (2) Richard & Susan Bingham Laurie & David Boccia Blaine & Camille Campbell Dan & Linda Cline Chris & Merrie Corbett Jim & Meg Costello Stan & Betsy Dole Karen Franseen Laura Franseen & Norman Kjome Fred Gasper & Kathy Ingell Warren & Mary Gilbert Rich & Anna Hannan Lorna Herrell Dan & Karen Hess Tom & Bette Irwin Pat & Sue Kelly Ray & Nancy Ludwa Robert & Norma Lyon Karen Maccracken Thomas & Wendy Miller Curtis & Wendy Myers Elizabeth Oliver Tim & Susan Rapinchuk Peggy & Blake Rowe Matthew & Janice Tulk Charles & Chris Ward
Anonymous (2) Sharon Bacon Melynda Bagley & Dale Claudepierre Bob & Priscilla Baker Lynn Bauer Herwig & Vickie Baumann Richard & Elizabeth Bellingham Doug Brothers Gary & Lisa Buczkowski Ms. Carolyn Burke & Mr. Ric Cicone Albert Cash Bill & Paula Cordes Sally DeLange Mike & Rhea Dow Debbie & Mark Eberly Joe & Debbie Eggleston Pam & Bill Esterline Ina Fernandez & Joseph Berkowski Harriet Field Lisa Franseen Gregory & Karen Fredericksen Bill & Mary Frost Lawrence & Marilyn Gawne Jim & Lucy Gerlach Mary Glidden Ingrid & Daniel Henderlight Tim Hildreth Donald Hirt & Lisa Hall Charlie & B.J. Holton Mr. Jim & Mrs. Diana Huckle Huntington Family Al & Julie Hurd Marjorie Johnson Norm & Judy Jones Bob & Mary Keedy Casey Kiley-Terzano Matthew & Deborah Knudstrup Gerald & Patricia Kolb Jayme Lahut & Katherine Robinson David & Maureen Latanick Mark & Kathrine Lefanowicz Philip & Sarah LeMessurier Ray Loeschner Mr. Frank & Ms. Elizabeth Malone Graham & Peggy Martin Dick & Diana Milock Tye Nordberg John D. & Barbara O’Hair Linda Oxford Larry & Sarah Peck Charles & Robyn Polzin Russell Price Dave & Sue Reck Kathleen & Michael Rhodes Lana Ruch Dottie Schaefer Louise Schraa M.K. & Janice Simpson Roger Skrobeck
Steve & Judy Springsdorf Charles Stuart Vickie Swartz Laura VanVlack David Varga & Barbara Van Pelt Thomas & Cottie Volle Geoffrey & Michelle Weidner Betsy Willis Woody Wright
LOON ($150 - $499)
Anonymous (4) Kirk & Varun Acharya Kathrine Amerman & John Vogel Gary & Myra Andrews Karen Andrews Ken Beeby Jessica Bellinder & Brian Arthur Mrs. Diane Bengtson Jack & Birdell Berry Essie Blackburn Daniel & Patricia Bober Cheri Buchbinder Mary Campbell & John Larch Kevin & Anne Case David & Eunsook Christian Christopher & Martie Conner Patrick & Judith Corso Evan & Paula Craig Klint Crawford Art Curtis Graydon & Sherri DeCamp John & Shelly Donaldson Ken & Claudia Drake Rick Ericksen Paul & Charlene Fitzpatrick Mr. Michael & Ms. Mary Foley Johanna Fooshee Lauri Frederick Carol & Thomas Fricke Mike & Carolyn Galsterer Mandy Garver & Allen Wolf Tom & Sandra George James Grady Randy Hadcock & Janis Shackleford Hadcock Edward Hansen Douglass & Marquerite Hickman Priscilla Horton Matthew Howell & Julie Wagner Lauren Hucek & Nick Beadleston Rich & Shannon Isaacson Bradley Jensen & Rebecca Benson Jim & Amy Keane M. Kathleen Klosterman Eileen Larsen Lorraine Lund Anne Magoun Henry & Connie Mast Eldon & Kathy McPherson Dan Mielke
Anne Miller Jay Mittner & Christina Torres Fran Mohney Bruce Moore John & Vicki Moseley Inger Muhlenkamp Nancy & Henry Nabors Susie Nagel Doug & Dale Neuenschwander Norm & Ann Neuenschwander William & Dorothy O’Donnell Bill & Judy Owen Victoria Palmer Ann Parris Rachel Payne Dave Potts & Laura Smith Alexander & Patricia Robinson Jeffrey Runyon Mike & Barb Runyon Blain & Bridget Russell Paul & Lori Sak Max & Ann Schwandt Claudia Baidas Schwartz Robert & Kathryn Schwert Kim & Donald Seymour Jim Sington & Susan Murdock Shelley Smithson Gail South Ernie & Susan St. Pierre Sue Haadsma-Svensson & Kjell Svensson Jim Taup Ron & Jane Theobald Don & Susan Venburg Pauline & Pete Viall Todd & Pam Vitaz Fred & Ellen Vonalt Jim & Gera Witte Jennifer & Dougg Wright Patti Zehner
BLUEBIRD ($51 - $149)
Anonymous (10) Michael & Kathleen (KC) Babb Judy Baer David & Carole Baker Bill & Gail Baughman Charles Bingham Kenneth Bloem & Royce Ragland Susan Blose Kandice Boley Joseph Boner Priscilla Brehe-Pixler & Bill Pixler William Allen & Susan Brown Richard & LeAnn Burdette Steve & Chris Burke Jim & Nancy Campbell Susan Chevalier Joe & Nancy Chrzanowski Shelby Clark Bob & Dorothy Clore
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BLUEBIRD ($51 - $149) CONT. Gillian Cobb Niemisto & Sean Niemisto Cindy Collins Todd Collins Dave & Diane Comfort Peg & Tom Comfort Ransom Comfort J. Lewis & Judy Cooper Leon & Pat Crossman Melvin & Mary Ann Czechowski Fred Dery Dale Devries Gary & Peggy Doty Mr. Carl Strebel & Mr. Fred Farage Kathleen Fendt Kathryn Fordyce Joan Forgrave Dan & Sheila Fox Matt & Terri Franzen The Freemans Norm & Mary Anne Frey Dr. Richard & Connie Garcia Andrew German Seth Gernot & Rebecca Rankin Tom & Peggy Gielda Dean & Sharon Ginther Roberta & Joseph Goergen Ron & Sandy Goodale Don & Judy Goodrich Mike & Kathe Gruber Donna Gundle-Krieg Robert & Sheridan Haack Chris & Alise Hale Mike & Mary Haley Larry & Barbara Hamilton LeAnne Hamilton Ted & Jeanne Hammond Barbara Hanson Mike & Fran Harmon Lucy Hartlove Mary Hensel Dana Hird Arthur & Carol Hoadley William & Myrna Holland Richard & Beth Hubbell David Hulefeld Megan Irving William & Judy Irving Joachim Janecke Natalie Johnson Kenneth & Dagmar Jones Tom & Sarah Juntune Lacey Kane Alex & Phyllis Kato Diane Kennedy Karen Kerrigan Larry & Kay King Robert & Karen Kingon Ellie, Tom & Gwen Kirkpatrick Bill & Debbie Kitchin David Knight Peter & Mera Kohler Jeff Kroeger Janet & Mike Kronk Daniel & Joyce Kulongowski Cammie & Don Kurowski Mike & Helen Lambert Steven Laurenz Jim & Margaret Lawrence Mindy Lewin Kirk & Connie Lignell Robert & Susan Lockwood Ronnie & Sheri Loeb Robert Logee John & Catherine Loomis Diane Lowes Kendra Luta & Kevin Carroll Abigail Maat
Patricia Mack Bob Mainfort & Mary Kwas Jeffrey & Paula Malak Rebecca Mang & Homer Nye Jillian & Craig Manning Raymond Matuszak Lucy McArtor Donald & Brenda McClellan Ann McClelland Charles & Virginia McCord Hugh & Karen McDiarmid Douglas & Alice McVey Katharine Merritt Carol Middaugh Brooke Minore Thomas & Olga Moeller Chandra & Douglas Morse Patrick & Christine Muldoon Sean & Amy Muldoon Wendy & Timothy Nickels Rebecca Norris Kevin & Mickie Novorolsky Michael Oakes Daniel & Jill Packer Cliff & Cherie Pixler Jerry Plite & Joan Budzynski Nancy Podurgiel George & Nancy Powell Robert Probst Erik & Elizabeth Rasmussen Jerry & Connie Rehage Kent & Mary Ann Reynolds Jim Ribbens Robert & Brenda Ricksgers Jim & Amanda Roble Penny Rogers-Geresy Michelle Rozich Julie Ruma & Brian Scallen Craig & Peggy Schmidt David & Debbie Schneider John & Liz Schneider Donna & Mack Seney Carolyn Sherwood Tom & Pam Siegenthaler Frederick & Susan Sittel Carolyn Smith Bob & Jill Spencer Colette Stanish Gregory & Kerry Steck Mark & Ann Stephens Yvonne Stephens Zachary Stewart Judy Strickland Betse Stuart Mary Ellen Terrell Ralph & Barbara Thayer Randy & Sue Thomas Carla Tibble Lauren Toth James Toussaint Kim VanBuren Debbie Vander & Joanne Scherf Henry & Margaret VanLooy Beth Varty Thomas & Susan Verellen John & Diane Verploegh Kathleen & Jerry Wachter Kent & Suzanne Walker David & Tammy Walsh Michael Walton Michael & Linda Warner David Weidner Becky Wesley Ellen Whitehead Ted & Joy Whittlesey Robert & Barbara Widmer Creighton Wilson & Karen Colmie Melani & Pete Wilson Edward & Ellen Wojtowicz
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Sharon Wright David & Bonnie Yates Yates Family
WARBLER ($1 - $50)
Anonymous (9) Adrienne Abramson Adam Acito Barb Anderson Jerry & Terrie Ash Penny & Dan Atkinson Patricia Avery Bob & Laurie Barnhart Terry Baumann Ruth Ann Beasley Truman & Linda Bicum Thomas Bisard Catherine Boardman David Bodien Earl Bogrow & Julie Upp Folke & Susan Boman Guy Bowman Jim & Nancy Brake Pepper Bromelmeier & Thomas Brown Shannon & Mike Brown Gary & Linnea Brunk Robert & Linda Bryson Sharon Buhl Terence & Maria Burfiend Emily Burke & Andrew Moore Mary Bursma Patrick Butler Jennifer Butman Jennifer & Dan Byce Sally Byle Chris Campbell Gary Cardwell Wandell & Betty Carlton David & Ann Catlin Brian & Charlotte Chenoweth Gary Chenoweth Michelle & Vince Chiara Susie Cole Sue & John Coleman Steven Conkle Rick & Karen Conrad Karen Cran Dee & Ronald Crawford James and Ann Crawford Danelle Crisp James & Laurie Cross Ron & Betty Damer Darel & Sara Dickens Joshua & Katy Dobrowitsky Beth Dochinger Bruce & Marilyn Dodds Beth Dowling John Dryer Lucy Dueck Brian & Erica Dunn Tom & Tammy Eckhardt Diane & Robin Edgington Brian & Lindsay Eggers Jim & Terry Ferguson Tamurla Fletcher George & Alex Fogel Kim Ford Erin Fox Tim & Linda Fox Bob Geiger & Amy Taylor Roger Gerstle R. Catherine Giguere Marilynn Goo & Michael Sill Inez Gotts James & Sheri Greenhoe William Griffis Dianne Groshek Sharon Gunn Marsha Hanna & Mike Moran
Gary Harper Dennis & Anita Harrand Richard Hasbany Mary Jo & Daniel Hickey Alan & Cynthia Hickman Meribeth Hiestand Steve & Rachel Hoadley Robert Hockenberger Steve & Diana Howard Melanie Jaramillo Philip & Catherine Jarvi Trevor & Deana Jerdee Don & Ruth Johnson Paula Johnson Pat & Sue Kaltenbach Melpomeni Kavadella Chris & Julia Keller Kathy Kent Brad & Amanda Kik Gary & Sue Knapp Rosemary Kornacki Michael Koryto & Jo Ann Merrick Karen Kowalewski Kathy & Bruce Krauskopf Gregory Lake John Patrick Lambert Lynn Larson & Paul Christ Mike & Karen Lee Mark Leegwater Theresa & Mark Lemke Elise Levasseur Martha Jane Lund Tonya Lutz Andrew Malone & Sarah Garcia Howard & Sue Maniloff Gene & Mary Manzer Joseph & Norma Mariage David & Nicole Martin Mary Michno Virginia Miller Stephanie Mills Hank & Peggy Moczul Jim & Cindy Monroe Buck & Cathy Montgomery Keith & Mary Moody Marellene Morrell Roberta M Mylan Rich & Kristi Newer Caryn Nienhouse Dick & Sondra Nordin Carolyn Nowfel Dana O’Hara Martin & Mary Olosky Ron & Sue Osgood Judy Owen Rhonda & Ronald Oyer Stephen & Judith Peel Steve Pier Tim & Stephanie Pierce Michael & Laurice Platzke Joan Preece Janis Priebe Helen Raica-Klotz & Steve Klotz Christina Rajala Robert Reider & Susan McCraven Tim & Shelley Reisen James Ribby Donna Ribick Ron & Nancy Ritsema Michael & Sharon Root Kelly Sare Paul & Mikkie Schemanski Bob Schmitt Cory Shea Brook & Jean Smith Doug & Jude Smith Maggie Smith Samuel & Veronica Smith Peggy Starr
John & Marilyn Strader Meredith Stubbs David Swanson Mary Thayer Brian Thelen & Lisa Thauvette Carol Thompson Dave & Karen Tubolino Sharon Tylenda Ginny Vance Kathy Jo Vandenhaan Merry Vander Linden Mark Vanderklipp Christine VanTongeren Kari & Kyle Walworth Joyce Ward Nancy Wardwell Janet Weaver John & Louise Wenzel Brian & Heather White Amelia Wilks Steve & Mary Wilson Irvin Wolfson & Brenda Forbrig Wolfson William & Pamela Wolz John & Denise Wong Rick & Julie Woods Ricky Woods Jared Wright Mike & Marie Zeller Michael Zuber
GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS
Arizona Community Foundation The Hilby Family Fund Barton J. Ingraham & Gail G. Ingraham Foundation Benevity Community Impact Fund Dole Family Foundation Virginia & John Erb Family Foundation Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Great Lakes Energy Herrington-Fitch Family Foundation Hugh David & Dana White Family Fund of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation Pledgeling Foundation Renaissance Charitable Foundation Rosso Family Foundation Rotary Foundation - Paul & Mari Frost S. L. Hickman Family Foundation Siebenthaler Foundation
BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Amazon Smile Antrim County Antrim Women’s Alliance Barron Properties LTD Partnership Bellaire Ladies Library Club Blower Door Northwest/A-Frame LLC Cherry Republic Elk Rapids District Library Elk Rapids Garden Club Friends of Clam Lake Kirwin Properties Network for Good PayPal Re/Max of Elk Rapids Restoration Services of Michigan Shell Oil Company Foundation Matching Gifts Timken Co. Charitable & Educaton Fund Trailsens LLC Whistling Frog Tile YourCause LLC
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. Old Mission Investment and Trust Pelican Family Shanty Creek Resorts Short’s Brewing Company Village Market Food Centers
IN-KIND DONATIONS
A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo Alden Outfitters Alden’s Mill House Daryl Allison-Busch & Michael Busch Ames Street Cafe Applesauce Inn Bed & Breakfast Bachmann’s Store Bayfront Beach & Bike Becky Thatcher Designs Bellaire Bar & Restaurant Bellaire Hardware Bellaire Smokehouse Frances & Ken Bluhm Brilliant Books Brownwood Acres Carolyn Burke & Ric Cicone Camille Dot Glass CMU Public Broadcasting Network Richard Cobb Peg & Tom Comfort Rick & Karen Conrad Jim & Meg Costello Dee & Ronald Crawford Dani Davis Rick Ericksen Pam & Bill Esterline Fudgees Tom & Peggy Gielda Grace of Alden Great Lakes International Trading, Inc. Todd & Jane Gyulveszi Robert & Sheridan Haack Rich & Anna Hannan Haworth, Inc. Judith Heffron Hello Vino Ingrid & Daniel Henderlight Bill & Debbie Hershey Hidden in the Mitten Bob & Sue Holtzmann Jim & Catherine Hook Al & Julie Hurd Interlochen Public Radio Jordan Valley Outfitters King Orchards Misti & Ryan Lindholm Little Treasures Toy and Gift Janet Loveland Ray & Nancy Ludwa M88 Morning Grind Mammoth Distilling Charles & Virginia McCord Deb McGee Mike & Paula McIntyre Mindful Yoga Joseph Mittner & Christina Torres Craig & Theresa Moore Mr. Pinn Gallery My Michigan Roots Native and North Kathleen Newman Molly Jo Noland Old Town Playhouse Oryana Natural Foods Market Oviatt House Bed and Breakfast
Paddles and Pedals Revive Salon & Spa Peggy & Blake Rowe Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery Shanty Creek Resorts Short’s Brewing Company Silly Sister’s Pottery Spencer Creek Trading Co. Stafford’s Perry Hotel Stone Waters Inn Swim To You Fred & Lisa Taylor Terrain - 100 Acre Hospitality The 45th Apparel LLC The Cheese Lady The Flying Pig The Inn at Breezy Hill Farm The Nature Connection The Pear Tree Torch Conservation Center Torch Lake Beer Company Ronald & Pat Turner Household Twisted Fish Gallery, LLC Two Hoots Studio Uniquely North LLC Cathi VanDyk David Varga & Barbara Van Pelt Village Market Food Centers Vista Ridge Vineyards Whistling Frog Tile Wildflower Soapworks Wildtype Native Plant Betsy Willis Laurence Willis Wine Guys Restaurant Group Word Love Goods
IN HONOR OF
Elizabeth “Betty” Balestrieri The Chase Family Dan & Linda Cline Germaine Holton Chris & Mary Lampen-Crowell Bob Logee Jan Loveland Dee Lynch Megan, Theodore, & Griffin Francis Mills IV Mom Monarch Butterflies Kent & Mary Ann Reynolds Tom Ruma Jeff Runyon Judith Anderson Stuart All the volunteers who make Grass River Natural Area special Mary Walker Walking on your amazing trails James F. White Family III Michelle Zeeman
IN MEMORY OF
Louise H. Adams Robert Allen Brayden Andrews Betty Balestrieri Chuck Bauer Jay Berry “Birch” Charles “Bud” Biegun Robert Bigler Ann Bird Elmer & Sally Bisard Rick Bolhouse Genevieve & Bruce Bort Bev & Skip Bromelmeier Dr. Mary Brothers James Burley George & Faith Bushnell Lynn T. Collins
Harry T. Cook II John C. Cran Fred Dery Sr. John L. Eberly John R. & Vaneta Sue Eddy Dave Falvay Tom Ferstle Bill Fleet Richard & Beverly Fogo Glenn Layton Ford Mark Frank Leonard “Len” Franseen Susan Freeman Ellen Galsterer Paul & Christine Geiger Larry Geresy Linda J. Gilbert Robert Hamblin Marilyn J. Harding Carl Hartmann (father) Fred & Geneva Heifner Ray Heise Gene & Phyllis Heizer Mary & Jack Hileman The Hilemans - Barr, Jack, Ellen & Carl Paul & Elizabeth Ingell Christa Janecke Roger Jelsma Dean R. Johnson Scott V. Johnson George & Mary Kavadella David F. Kirn David N. Knight Mark Knight Karyl Lessard Robert Lessard Lucy Joyce Miller Larry Mitchell Laura McCormick Robert F. Morrell Jr. Ruth & Nancy North Peggy O’Dean Helen & Walter O’Hair Roy Oliver Gary Packer Judith Paron Melvin V. Porter Laura Powers Wally Price Anna Putti Jennifer Kay Reager Linda Rudd Kris Schmitt (wife) Laurie Sexton Lloyd & Mildred Sherwood Kenny & Mary Smith Jackie Stahl Jayson Szramski Becky Travis Samuel Miller Vance III Paul Vonalt Al & Betty Wagner Lila Wilson
Photo by Natalie Johnson
WARBLER ($1 - $50) CONT.
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CREATE A LEGACY AT GRNA A MESSAGE FROM BETSY DOLE
Stan and I have been coming to Antrim County for over 60 years. Boating up Grass River while trolling for northern pike has long been one of Stan's favorite evening activities. We also had unforgettable sightings of a showy lady slipper and a juvenile saw-whet owl while walking the boardwalk near the old cabin. Because we want others to be able to enjoy this beautiful area in its natural state, we have supported Grass River Natural Area from its beginning 53 years ago. We want GRNA to be here for future families to discover and enjoy. Thus, we have made plans to do our part to make sure that GRNA will continue after we are gone. A planned gift to GRNA is an easy way to share our love of GRNA with future generations. Making a planned gift to an organization, like GRNA, that we have enjoyed supporting during our lifetimes gives us great satisfaction. GRNA is grateful to Stan and Betsy for their recent lead legacy pledge to our newly created endowment. If you would like to make a legacy gift of any size or confirm a gift already in place, please contact Development Coordinator, Betsy Willis, at betsy@grassriver.org or by calling 231.838.0269.
Grants
Grants are an important part of our sustainability at GRNA. Below are the grants awarded in 2022. We owe our grantors many thanks for supporting vital programs at Grass River Natural Area. Take a look at what initiatives we accomplished with this funding! • $500 - National Association of Interpretation: Night program supplies (lanterns + head lamps) • $659 - Paddle Antrim: Herbicide application certification • $800 - Wildflower Association of Michigan: Front entrance garden beautification • $1,200 - Dole Family Foundation: Re-print of Great Lakes Wetland Walks book • $1,350 - Great Lakes Energy People Fund: Trail counter replacement • $1,586 - MiCorp Stream Monitoring: Stream monitoring supplies • $2,000 - Great Lakes Energy People Fund: Field safety radio • $2,000 - Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation: DEI training • $3,800 - Dole Family Foundation: Boardwalk/Stan Dole bench • $7,000 - GLE Community Partner Program: Unrestricted • $9,000 - Worthington Family Foundation: iPad for conservation + interns for 2023 • $20,494 - MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy: Grass River Adaptive Management Plan 10 Grass River Natural Area Annual Report
TREASURER’S REPORT By Mindy Lewin, GRNA Board Treasurer
$963,004
$1,062,696
$99,692
BEGINNING NET ASSETS
ENDING NET ASSETS
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
These figures represent unaudited financial information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
INITIATIVES BEGUN IN 2022 ARE NOW PRIORITIES IN 2023 •
•
Grass River Management Plan: Along with Three Lakes Association, GRNA is evaluating the threats the river is facing (like sediment build-up, irresponsible boating, and invasive species). We conducted an awareness campaign and held community conversations to gather feedback. Information gathered will be used in 2023 to develop a new management plan for maintaining the health of Grass River. Natural Playground: A memorial gift of $14,254 given to the Elk Rapids District Library to develop an outdoor learning space is being used collaboratively to build a natural playground for youth near the Grass River Center. Plans were developed by a team of GRNA staff and volunteers in 2022, and construction will begin in 2023. Grass River Natural Area Annual Report
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PO Box 231 Bellaire, MI 49615 www.grassriver.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
People’s Choice Award Photo by Mikkie Morley
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.
RIVERFEST 2023
FUN AND FUNDRAISING
AUGUST 17 LIVE EVENT
SUNSET HILL WEDDING BARN
AUGUST 10 - 24 ONLINE AUCTION
SUPPORT GRASS RIVER OUR MISSION & OUR FUTURE Photo by Ingrid Henderlight