Mission Report 2023

FU L FI L L I NG OUR MISSION

2023

Summer campers sketching in their camp journals along Finch Creek

OUR 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.

www.grassriver.org

The Grass River Center continues to be our homebase for interpretation and programming BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023

Enduring Education and Enhancing Conservation Efforts

EDUCATION MISSION

In 2023, Grass River Natural Area accomplished significant milestones, enriching the community through immersive nature experiences while promoting environmental stewardship and conservation. Our Mission Report outlines our achievements over the past year.

Rose pogonia found during fen monitoring

Educational and Nature Exploration This year marked a historic milestone with over 10,000 visitors exploring the wonders of our Grass River Education Center, and more than 40,000 people discovering our natural area and trails.

Our summer camp program offered enriching experiences for 60 day campers, fostering a deep connection with nature through activities like building shelters, collecting insects and frogs, and exploring our trail system.

• Steve Springsdorf, Board Chair • Charlie Polzin, Vice Chair • Mindy Lewin, Treasurer • Chris Hale, Secretary • James Costello • Rich Hannan • Gary Knapp • Gillian Cobb Niemisto • James Hook • Joe Fischer

STAFF

• Jenn Wright, Executive Director • James Dake, Education Director • Emily Burke, Conservation Director • Laurie Boccia, Office Manager • Betsy Willis, Development Coordinator • Brian Thelen, Land and Facilities Steward • Franny Bluhm, Naturalist • Anne Drake, Naturalist • Angie Les, Naturalist • Fern Sexton, Naturalist • Arlene Westhoven, Naturalist

2023 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INTERNS • Katie Wilson • Maddie Birgy

COUNTY LIAISON • Terry VanAlstine

Collaborating with NMC Extended Education, our initiatives reached a broader audience, including hosting a half-day camp program for 27 campers in Traverse City. We also led adult extended education programming focused on various topics such as winter tracking, orchids, sedges, wetland communities, mushrooms, owls, and environmental interpretation.

Paddling Adventures and Water Trails With our commitment to promoting outdoor experiences, over 100 people explored Grass River and Clam Lake by kayak this season.

Building on the success of previous years, we both rented kayaks and offered guided paddles.

The self-guided paddling opportunities not only provide recreational enjoyment for visitors but also extends our trail system, enriching visitors’ experiences along the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Our kayak tours offer a guided, insightful perspective on GRNA’s crucial conservation work and the importance of water ecosystems.

Making observations during stream monitoring

Community Engagement Throughout the year we have engaged the community in a variety of ways, including hosting Nature Trivia Nights at Short’s Brewing in Elk Rapids, presenting at the Quiet Adventure Symposium in Lansing, continuing our Spring Fling at Dockside, or leading community programs at local libraries. Looking ahead, our fall programs promise engaging activities, including owl prowls,

“My sisters and I really enjoyed our time on the river during the kayak tour. It was a beautiful day, so relaxing, and very educational. James took great care of us and shared a lot of interesting info about the area with us! Thank you for such a beautiful nature preserve!”

Guided kayak tours on the Grass River give participants a unique perspective of water ecosystems

“My son loved your camp - it was such a wonderful experience and I truly believe it left a lifelong impression in the way he approaches his relationship with earth.”

Summer campers, proud of the shelter they built as a team

nature art classes, and stewardship initiatives.

The third annual Wild Turkey Trot 5k, scheduled for November 11, exemplifies our dedication to promoting physical well-being alongside environmental stewardship. Additionally, school classrooms and homeschool groups have eagerly booked fall field trips, showcasing the enduring impact of our educational endeavors. Mark your calendar for our Lighting of the Bridges on December 16, and anticipate the continuation of popular community events like WinterFest and MapleFest into 2024.

Wood frog egg masses found during vernal pool monitoring

Conservation Initiatives & Research Throughout the year, we achieved significant milestones in our conservation initiatives and environmental monitoring programs. In collaboration with Three Lakes Association (TLA) and various stakeholders, we finalized the Grass River Adaptive Management Plan (GRAMP) in September, which has been approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This community-informed and data-driven plan focuses on improving the health of the Grass River and its main tributaries: Finch Creek, Cold Creek, and Shanty Creek.

Addressing seven main threats to the river, including sedimentation, irresponsible recreation, invasive species, and climate change, the GRAMP represents our commitment to preserving the natural integrity of the region. Next steps involve carrying out the implementation tasks outlined in the plan in partnership with TLA to address each of the threats in alliance with the plan’s goals and objectives.

along Cold Creek. The water quality scores for all four sites in spring were remarkably positive, indicating a “very good” status. Although the presence of New Zealand mudsnails was noted at the mouth, appropriate authorities have been informed.

Preserving Biodiversity & Ensuring Safety

Volunteers studying samples during vernal pool monitoring

Another focus of our conservation efforts was the commencement of the fen monitoring project in June. This project, crucial due to the 2017 categorization of our 185 acres of northern fen as ecologically intact and deserving of protection, involved systematic surveys to identify and assess threats such as invasive plants, hydrologic disturbances, and elevated nutrients in the groundwater. Our dedicated team, including staff and volunteers, has already covered two of the five fen units, with plans to complete surveys of the others next year.

Our commitment to combating invasive species was evident during the Garlic Mustard Pull initiative. Several visits were made to key parcels, resulting in the removal of numerous bags of garlic mustard plants, demonstrating our dedication to maintaining the ecological balance of the area. Additionally, our vernal pool monitoring efforts in May revealed stable activity among amphibian species, affirming the healthy ecosystem supporting these creatures.

Discoveries in Nature: Scientific Contributions We also hosted several research projects at GRNA. Michigan State University PhD candidate Sylvie Martin-Eberhardt and their team placed pitcher plant models in the GRNA fen as part of their research on which pitcher plant signals (red venation, nectar, or volatile organic compounds) attract which species of insects for consumption.

Volunteer entomologist Dr. Bob Haack, with support from Dr. David Houghton, studied the caddisfly assemblages in Finch Creek, sampling its entire continuum using ultraviolet blacklight traps. Their groundbreaking findings, published in The Great Lakes Entomologist, expanded our understanding of local ecosystems.

In May and September, our dedicated team and volunteers conducted biannual stream monitoring

Pitcher plant model used to research which signals attract insects

PO Box 231 Bellaire, MI 49615 www.grassriver.org

To assess road salt influence on water bodies, specific conductance monitoring was completed in Finch and Shanty Creeks in partnership with The Watershed Center. Preliminary findings indicate stable readings, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance. Lastly, our team took proactive measures to enhance field communication and safety. Comprehensive training sessions on using the 800 MHz safety radio were conducted, ensuring our ability to communicate effectively in emergencies when cell phone reception is unavailable.

Grass River Natural Area’s initiatives in 2023 have been marked by growth in conservation efforts, successful community engagement, and proactive safety measures.

These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to preserving the natural communities of the area and

Road salt monitoring along Finch Creek

ensuring a thriving ecosystem for both present and future generations. Through these engaging programs, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives, we continue to inspire a love for nature, educate the community, and further our conservation efforts. Together, we are shaping a more environmentally conscious future for all.

Summer campers exploring the boardwalks

Please consider making a donation at grassriver.org to help us fulfill our mission.