Grand Traverse Conservation District

Grand Traverse Conservation District Founded in 1941, the Grand Traverse Conservation District serves to “inspire the exploration, appreci

06/02/2026

Join Us for an Upcoming Event to Celebrate Our 85th Anniversary!

As the Grand Traverse Conservation District celebrates 85 years of conservation leadership, we are proud to commemorate the collaborative efforts, partnerships, and community commitment that have helped shape the recovery and enduring value of the Boardman-Ottaway River. Through a series of programs and events, GTCD will highlight the many individuals and organizations that have contributed to caring for and restoring this remarkable natural resource.

We invite you to join us in the “Year of the River,” a celebration of place, progress, and the shared responsibility to sustain it for generations to come.

To register for an event, please visit our website at www.natureiscalling.org/events

Celebrate the start of summer with a family-friendly day of exploration and connection along the Boardman–Ottaway River....
06/01/2026

Celebrate the start of summer with a family-friendly day of exploration and connection along the Boardman–Ottaway River. Families are encouraged to spend the day enjoying a mix of guided and self-guided activities, including a guided hike to the Great Lakes Incubator Farm, hands-on river discovery with aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, and opportunities to contribute to the GTCD community BioBlitz. Activities are designed to be flexible, allowing families to explore at their own pace and choose what works best for them.

As the day winds down, families are invited to stay for three special evening opportunities. Meet our Nature Day Camp staff and sign up for the Traverse Area District Library Youth Services Summer Reading Club when the Bookmobile rolls in—kids can register for the Jurassic-sized “Unearth a Story” program, grab a free t-shirt, and check out a book. Then gather around for the kickoff of our Fireside Chat series, featuring campfire stories and songs led by Story Be Told, Jenifer Strauss —a cozy, family-friendly way to wrap up a full day outdoors.

Attend one activity or stay for the day—pre-registration is required.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Hike to GLIF and community BioBlitz

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Open Farm Hour at the Great Lakes Incubator Farm

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling on the Boardman-Ottaway River

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Camp Staff Meet & Greet

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Fireside Chat featuring Jen Strauss and TADL Summer Reading Sign-Up

When: Friday, June 12th from 11:00am - 7:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City MI 49685

Registration: Free. Registration is required. Visit www.natureiscalling.org/events to register.

Audience: Families and children

Thank you, Long Lake Elementary School - TCAPS, for another incredible all-school field trip! We were thrilled to welcom...
06/01/2026

Thank you, Long Lake Elementary School - TCAPS, for another incredible all-school field trip!

We were thrilled to welcome nearly 600 students, faculty members, and chaperones to the Natural Education Reserve and Boardman River Nature Center last Thursday. Participants explored animal life cycles, ecosystems, animal adaptations, and the many ways we experience and sense nature.

A special thank you to our volunteers who led hikes and assisted with activities throughout the day. We couldn't do it without your support!

Have you visited the Discovery Boardwalk at the Grand Traverse County’s Natural Education Reserve? This peaceful wetland...
05/29/2026

Have you visited the Discovery Boardwalk at the Grand Traverse County’s Natural Education Reserve?

This peaceful wetland habitat is home to a variety of wildlife, including multiple species of turtles like blandings, snapping, and painted.

Blanding’s turtles are known for their bright yellow throats and can live more than 70 years. Painted turtles are the most widespread turtle species in North America and are often seen basking on logs in the sun. Snapping turtles can weigh more than 30 pounds and use their powerful jaws to help catch food underwater.
Keep your eyes on the water and logs along the boardwalk; you may spot one basking in the sun during your next visit.

For trail maps and more information, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/parklands-and-trails

Introducing our newest team member!We are thrilled to welcome Brynn Lingaur to the GTCD crew as our Water and Watershed ...
05/26/2026

Introducing our newest team member!

We are thrilled to welcome Brynn Lingaur to the GTCD crew as our Water and Watershed Education Intern through Michigan Sea Grant!

Brynn is a University of Michigan student pursuing dual degrees in German and the Environment, with plans to specialize in Environmental Education and Conservation, and is a Traverse City West grad who knows and loves this region. Brynn brings hands-on experience working with youth outdoors as a camp counselor, is currently developing climate change curriculum at the university level, and is actively engaged in conservation advocacy through the Sierra Club's education committee at U of M.

This summer, Brynn will be researching, designing, and piloting new water and watershed programming rooted in the Boardman-Ottaway River and its watershed: building hands-on lessons, activity kits, and educator resources that will connect students, families, and community members to our local freshwater systems for years to come.

Welcome, Brynn!

We are excited to feature Artist Jerry Gates' work in the Boardman River Nature Center! Join the Grand Traverse Conserva...
05/20/2026

We are excited to feature Artist Jerry Gates' work in the Boardman River Nature Center! Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District and Conservation Resource Alliance - CRA for a night of art, music, and conversation.

Celebrate the Boardman-Ottaway River with the Grand Traverse Conservation District at this special Paint and Sip event. ...
05/19/2026

Celebrate the Boardman-Ottaway River with the Grand Traverse Conservation District at this special Paint and Sip event. Led by local art experts from Surfaces Art Supplies Traverse City, participants will paint a unique riverscape while enjoying specialty beer from Earthen Ales on Wednesday, May 27th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Connect with your community, explore your creativity, and toast 85 years of conservation, recreation, and stewardship of our natural world.

All painting materials are included.

Registration is $55/person. Please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events to register.

Participants must be 21+.

Thank you to everyone who shopped at our Annual Native Plant Sale last Saturday. We hope you're enjoying your new native...
05/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who shopped at our Annual Native Plant Sale last Saturday. We hope you're enjoying your new native plants!

We'd also like to extend a special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the sale happen. Volunteers put in over 54 accumulated hours to help 7,063 native plants find their new homes in our community, promoting native habitats!

We are also grateful to Oryana Community Co-op for providing a delicious lunch for our volunteers and staff.

Thank you for buying native and supporting the Grand Traverse Conservation District!

Address

1450 Cass Road
Traverse City, MI
49685

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12319410960

Website

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