Backyard Invasives – Classes on ZOOM
Groundcovers & Vines
Tuesday, March 14, 11:00am – 12:00pm

Herbaceous Plants and Grasses
April 11: 11 to 12 noon

Join Go Beyond Beauty Specialist Shelly Stusick as she highlights common ornamental vines that might be growing in your backyard! REGISTER HERE.

ISN’s full year of events can be found on their website. Keep an eye on the Events page as they continue to add events as dates and locations are confirmed!

If you wanted to tune into either of their webinars previously hosted this year, good news! They’re available on YouTube and their website. Please email ISN Coordinator Audrey Menninga with any questions or to register for any event.

Knee-High Naturalists Registration is Open – Winter/Spring 2023

Knee-High Naturalists is a nature-based preschool program for potty-trained 3-6 year-olds unaccompanied by a parent/guardian (drop-off). This program meets twice a week on Monday and/or Wednesday. Many of the children who come attend other preschool programs on the other weekdays.

We strive to facilitate natural curiosity and joy in the world around these young naturalists and help them establish an appreciation of the Nature Center grounds. Children in the program have the freedom to play and interact with their environment where they will learn to appreciate the variety and scope of the natural world around them.

Ages: 3-6 years old

Dates of Winter/Spring 2023 Session:
Mondays: February 13 – April 24 (No Class on March 27)
Wednesdays: February 15 – April 26 (No Class on March 29)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration: Please click here to register!

TCLP is hosting a series of public open houses focused on creating a “strategy for a clean energy future.” The next events will be March 15 and April 5 from 4pm-6pm at Traverse Area District Library. The Climate Action Plan will go to the TCLP board for approval this spring, followed by a public unveiling. TCLP Executive Director Brandi Ekren presented board members with an in-depth overview of industry trends related to climate change, including demand-based pricing, integrated utility programs, and vehicle and building electrification.

Learn more here.

This will also be streamed online!

Call for more info: (231) 271-3077

Captain Ben, Captain Lily, and First Mate Rebecca talk about ship culture on Schooner Inland Seas. Lots of great foundational information regarding chain of command, when to ask questions during a program, etc.

District Forester Office Hours: Seedling Selection and Care

With District Seedling Sales in full swing, join us for an office hours style event to chat with District Forester Ellie Johnson about seedling selection and care for your property based on its characteristics, your goals for the property, and what is or has successfully grown in the past. We’ll begin with a short presentation followed by plenty of time for questions! Two event dates/times are being offered to best fit your schedule.

When: Wednesday, March 15th from 6:00 – 7:00pm & Wednesday, March 22nd from 12:00 – 1:00pm

Where: Zoom

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Parallel 45 Theatre returns to the Glen Arbor Arts Center with a dose of magical realism. A performance of “Smokefall” takes place March 22, 6 pm in the GAAC Main Gallery. Tickets are $10. Seating is by reservation and limited.

Written by Noah Haidle, “Smokefall” combines magical realism with manic vaudeville to create an unexpected family drama. From tenderness to profound humor and back again, “Smokefall” explores the lives of a family in a lyrical treatise on the fragility of life and the power of love. Sarah Bielman directs Parallel 45’s reading theater production of “Smokefall.” The cast is Kat Bodie, Tom Emmot, Dane Moeggennberg, Brett Nichols, and Miishen Willis.

To reserve seats, go to GlenArborArt.org/EVENTS. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Doors open at 5 pm. The GAAC is located at 6031 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor. Parallel 45 is based in Traverse City, and has presented professional theater productions since 2013.

Our Homeschool Program will meet once a week for the Winter/Spring 2023 session on Thursday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. February 2 through April 27 (No class on March 30.)

The GTCD Homeschool program gives children the opportunity to study and connect to the natural world while being outdoors. Through guided exploration and hands-on, nature-based activities, this program engages children in appreciating and conserving Northwest Michigan’s natural features.

Sessions will be run on Thursdays, February 2 through April 27 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. These two-hour active-learning sessions will include themes based on environmental topics for ages 7-12 years old. We encourage appropriate dress for the weather and any possible conditions that may arise. These programs are drop-off and unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Please refer to our family guide on our website for pickup and drop-off procedures.

Registration is OPEN for the WINTER/SPRING 2023 Session!

REGISTER HERE

MORE INFO ABOUT EVENT PROGRAMMING HERE.

This will also be streamed online!

Call for more info: (231) 271-3077

Rachel, Trisha, and Jillian talk about all of our program offerings, what to expect onboard our schoolship programs, and an overview of our program season.

P45 Reading Series – Smokefall
Thursday, March 23, 2023 • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
The Alluvion
Parallel 45 Theatre

Magical realism collides with manic vaudeville in a family drama unlike any you’ve ever seen. Whipping from astonishing tenderness to profound humor and back again, SMOKEFALL explores the lives of a family in a lyrical treatise on the fragility of life and the power of love. “SMOKEFALL is a glorious play…with a unique blend of sophistication and open-heartedness. It is a work that leaves you thinking about every human connection you have, whether on an intimate scale (with your family), or the cosmic one (the whole grand cycle of life and death). Haidle’s genius is that along with the pain and wistfulness come great bursts of true comic brilliance, so you leave the theater in a strange state of tearful exuberance.”

The CACC presents the Economic State of Our Community, highlighting the state of the economy this upcoming year, and the priorities of local government entities moving forward. This year we invite Jim Robey, who will apply his expertise in economic forecasting and development to share an insight into what to expect in our rural Northern Michigan area. Following the keynote presentation, a panel of our local government representatives will discuss their priorities for our communities.

Breakfast @ 7:30 a.m.
Presentation on Rural Economy @ 8:00 a.m.
State of the Community panel @ 9:00 a.m.
 REGISTER HERE.

Two moms agree to meet for coffee during naptime
in the sweet spot behind their adjoining yards where both their baby monitors
get reception, and a fast friendship is born. But their intimacy is punctured
when a stranger who lives in the mansion up on the cliff appears in the yard,
asking if they would include his wife, a new mom who is having “a hard time.”
Reluctantly, the duo tries to become a trio, but with very mixed—and
surprising—results. A comedy with dark edges, Cry It Out takes an honest
look at the absurdities of being home with a baby, the power of female
friendship, the dilemma of going back to work, and the effect class has on
parenthood in America. Note: This performance includes adult language and
situations.

TICKETS HERE

Dust off the neon, ringer tees, gigantic jeans and vintage sweaters.
Whatever your decade, it’s time to bring it back for Retro Day at
Crystal Mountain! 

Details can be found at crystalmountain.com/retro

3rd Annual Community Seed Swap

It’s that time of year! We’re back with our 3rd Annual Community Seed Swap! Bring your garden seeds – any vegetables, fruits, or flowers that you enjoy growing and plan to leave with seeds and dreams for your 2023 garden! We will have envelopes and pens at each station. Stations will be grouped by similar plants – squash, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, brassicas, root vegetables, native plants, ornamental (but not invasive!) flowers, etc. Our Go Beyond Beauty Specialist will also be onsite with more info on avoiding invasives, planting native, and the Invasive Species Network.

When: Saturday, March 25th at 10:00am

Where: Oleson Pavilion outside of the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI.

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

It’s that time of year! We’re back with our 3rd Annual Community Seed Swap! Bring your garden seeds—any vegetables, fruits, or flowers that you enjoy growing—and plan to leave with seeds and dreams for your 2023 garden! We will have envelopes and pens at each station. Stations will be grouped by similar plants – squash, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, brassicas, root vegetables, native plants, ornamental (but not invasive!) flowers, etc. Our Go Beyond Beauty Specialist will also be onsite with more info on avoiding invasives, planting native, and the Invasive Species Network.

When: Saturday, March 25th at 10:00am

Where: Oleson Pavilion outside of the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI.

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

March 25 | The Fabulous Horndogs | Traverse City

This popular Northern Michigan group is coming to downtown Traverse City’s Encore 201. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and Early Entry VIP ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet with members of the band before the show.

Two moms agree to meet for coffee during naptime
in the sweet spot behind their adjoining yards where both their baby monitors
get reception, and a fast friendship is born. But their intimacy is punctured
when a stranger who lives in the mansion up on the cliff appears in the yard,
asking if they would include his wife, a new mom who is having “a hard time.”
Reluctantly, the duo tries to become a trio, but with very mixed—and
surprising—results. A comedy with dark edges, Cry It Out takes an honest
look at the absurdities of being home with a baby, the power of female
friendship, the dilemma of going back to work, and the effect class has on
parenthood in America. Note: This performance includes adult language and
situations.

TICKETS HERE.

For more than 50 years, this icon of American music has entertained millions around the world with over 140 million albums sold of his music, a radio fixture for decades, TV appearances, movies and legendary concerts. This show celebrates this extraordinary career with an incredible concert recreation with insights to both the music and the man.

Not an imitation, but a celebration of this artistry with outstanding vocalists and an all-star live band playing all the big hits such as “Cherry, Cherry”, “I’m A Believer”, “America”, “Love on the Rocks”, “Hello Again”, “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show”, “Sweet Caroline” and many, many more. See the show that has audiences dancing in their seats and proclaiming, “so good, so good, so good”.

TICKETS HERE.

Knee-High Naturalists Registration is Open – Winter/Spring 2023

Knee-High Naturalists is a nature-based preschool program for potty-trained 3-6 year-olds unaccompanied by a parent/guardian (drop-off). This program meets twice a week on Monday and/or Wednesday. Many of the children who come attend other preschool programs on the other weekdays.

We strive to facilitate natural curiosity and joy in the world around these young naturalists and help them establish an appreciation of the Nature Center grounds. Children in the program have the freedom to play and interact with their environment where they will learn to appreciate the variety and scope of the natural world around them.

Ages: 3-6 years old

Dates of Winter/Spring 2023 Session:
Mondays: February 13 – April 24 (No Class on March 27)
Wednesdays: February 15 – April 26 (No Class on March 29)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration: Please click here to register!

Winter Webinar Series

Our Winter Webinar Series is back!

Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District, Benzie Conservation District, and Leelanau Conservation District for this free virtual series every other Monday at 6pm!

Dates, topics, and Speakers are as follows:
January 30th: Forestry for Michigan Birds with Joyanne Mittig, Stewardship Manager for the Headwaters Land Conservancy

February 13th: Understanding Forest Carbon Offsets with Brittany VanderWall, Senior Forestry Manager for the Family Forest Carbon Program

February 27th: Understanding Conservation Easements with Chase Heise, Conservation Easement Program Manager at Leelanau Conservancy

March 13th: Michigan Forest Communities with Julie Crick, MSU Extension Natural Resources Coordinator

March 27th: Seeing the Forest for the Trees – The Physiological Responses of Temperate Trees in a Warming World with Dr. Angie Patterson, Curator of Education and Outreach at Mount Holyoke College’s Miller Worley Center for the Environment

For more information on each topic and registration, please click here.

Join Us for Spring Peepers

Our Peepers Program is an adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old of all experience levels with the natural world. Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00am for a 60-minute nature program that includes stories, crafts, music, and discovery activities. The program cost is $5/child per session.
March 28th – Kickoff to Spring!
April 4th – Math in Nature
April 18th – Earth Day
April 25th – Lifecycles
May 2nd – Wildflowers
May 16th – Nature Journaling
May 23rd – Migration Time

REGISTER HERE.

District Readers Book Club

Wherever you live, GTCD and Benzie Conservation District welcome you to join the District Readers Book Club where we meet monthly over Zoom to discuss books on environmental topics.

Where: Zoom

The Treeline by Ben Rawlence – March 28th | 12:00 – 1:00pm
inspirational / global forestry / climate change
REGISTER HERE.

Knee-High Naturalists Registration is Open – Winter/Spring 2023

Knee-High Naturalists is a nature-based preschool program for potty-trained 3-6 year-olds unaccompanied by a parent/guardian (drop-off). This program meets twice a week on Monday and/or Wednesday. Many of the children who come attend other preschool programs on the other weekdays.

We strive to facilitate natural curiosity and joy in the world around these young naturalists and help them establish an appreciation of the Nature Center grounds. Children in the program have the freedom to play and interact with their environment where they will learn to appreciate the variety and scope of the natural world around them.

Ages: 3-6 years old

Dates of Winter/Spring 2023 Session:
Mondays: February 13 – April 24 (No Class on March 27)
Wednesdays: February 15 – April 26 (No Class on March 29)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration: Please click here to register!

Our Homeschool Program will meet once a week for the Winter/Spring 2023 session on Thursday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. February 2 through April 27 (No class on March 30.)

The GTCD Homeschool program gives children the opportunity to study and connect to the natural world while being outdoors. Through guided exploration and hands-on, nature-based activities, this program engages children in appreciating and conserving Northwest Michigan’s natural features.

Sessions will be run on Thursdays, February 2 through April 27 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. These two-hour active-learning sessions will include themes based on environmental topics for ages 7-12 years old. We encourage appropriate dress for the weather and any possible conditions that may arise. These programs are drop-off and unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Please refer to our family guide on our website for pickup and drop-off procedures.

Registration is OPEN for the WINTER/SPRING 2023 Session!

REGISTER HERE

MORE INFO ABOUT EVENT PROGRAMMING HERE.

Lantern-Lit Hike at Kids Creek Park

Take a self-guided lantern-lit hike of Kids Creek Park! GTCD naturalists will greet you with hot cocoa at the trailhead between Kohl’s and Michaels. This one mile trail is a short, accessible, and engaging walk – perfect for the whole family!

When: Friday, March 31st, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Where: Kids Creek Park – 3315 US-31, Traverse City, MI 49684. Meet at trailhead between Kohl’s and Michaels.

Registration: Free. Please click here to register.

Over 60 vendors from all over the state! Lots of crafts, marketplace items and baked goods. Do all your Easter shopping in one place.

TSO TOTS @ TADL
What a fun and rhythmic ToTs@TADL in February! Every first Saturday at 11am at the Woodmere Branch library until May we invite you to bring your kids and grandkids to our FREE Tots@TADL events.
Join members of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for an hour of music and movement. Explore rhythm and instruments of the orchestra with hands-on musical fun. Instrument petting zoo, story reading, movement and crafts. Ages 5 and under.
February 4, 2023 11:00 am TBA
March 4, 2023 11:00 am Clarinet
April 1, 2023 11:00 am Bassoon
May 6, 2023 11:00 am TBA
Special thanks to collaborative partners:
Traverse Area District Library
Kindermusik

RALPH VOTAPEK
Saturday, April 1, 2023 | 7:30pm
Sunday, April 2, 2023 | 3:00pm
Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park
Ralph Votapek, Piano
The TSO welcomes living legend of the piano and Michigan Grand Dean of piano teaching, Ralph Votapek, for a solo concert. Experiencing this artist up close and personal in our series will be a truly magical experience as he embarks on his 7th decade on the concert stage. Limited seating in this venue; full cash bar available, courtesy of Tonic & Lime.

GET TICKETS HERE.

Knee-High Naturalists Registration is Open – Winter/Spring 2023

Knee-High Naturalists is a nature-based preschool program for potty-trained 3-6 year-olds unaccompanied by a parent/guardian (drop-off). This program meets twice a week on Monday and/or Wednesday. Many of the children who come attend other preschool programs on the other weekdays.

We strive to facilitate natural curiosity and joy in the world around these young naturalists and help them establish an appreciation of the Nature Center grounds. Children in the program have the freedom to play and interact with their environment where they will learn to appreciate the variety and scope of the natural world around them.

Ages: 3-6 years old

Dates of Winter/Spring 2023 Session:
Mondays: February 13 – April 24 (No Class on March 27)
Wednesdays: February 15 – April 26 (No Class on March 29)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration: Please click here to register!

“My America  Recipes from a Young Black Chef” by Kwame Onwuachi
“My America” is a celebration of the food of the African Diaspora, as handed down through Onwuachi’s own family history; a deeply personal tribute to the food of “a land that belongs to you & yours and to me & mine.”

RESERVATIONS HERE
OR
231.941.8888

Join Us for Spring Peepers

Our Peepers Program is an adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old of all experience levels with the natural world. Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00am for a 60-minute nature program that includes stories, crafts, music, and discovery activities. The program cost is $5/child per session.
March 28th – Kickoff to Spring!
April 4th – Math in Nature
April 18th – Earth Day
April 25th – Lifecycles
May 2nd – Wildflowers
May 16th – Nature Journaling
May 23rd – Migration Time

REGISTER HERE.

“My America  Recipes from a Young Black Chef” by Kwame Onwuachi
“My America” is a celebration of the food of the African Diaspora, as handed down through Onwuachi’s own family history; a deeply personal tribute to the food of “a land that belongs to you & yours and to me & mine.”

RESERVATIONS HERE
OR
231.941.8888

Knee-High Naturalists Registration is Open – Winter/Spring 2023

Knee-High Naturalists is a nature-based preschool program for potty-trained 3-6 year-olds unaccompanied by a parent/guardian (drop-off). This program meets twice a week on Monday and/or Wednesday. Many of the children who come attend other preschool programs on the other weekdays.

We strive to facilitate natural curiosity and joy in the world around these young naturalists and help them establish an appreciation of the Nature Center grounds. Children in the program have the freedom to play and interact with their environment where they will learn to appreciate the variety and scope of the natural world around them.

Ages: 3-6 years old

Dates of Winter/Spring 2023 Session:
Mondays: February 13 – April 24 (No Class on March 27)
Wednesdays: February 15 – April 26 (No Class on March 29)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration: Please click here to register!

TCLP is working to develop a Climate Action Plan to “identify innovative utility solutions designed to reduce our carbon impact while protecting grid resiliency,” according to the utility. A new website created for the project – TCLPCAP.org – states that “while TCLP is aware of the ongoing debate as to the reality or severity of ‘climate change,’ its actions and goals demonstrate its value for climate health. TCLP desires to determine and strategize its role as an active participant in climate health in a manner that allows it to sustain utility business and services while being mindful of its impact to all people, its financial viability, and the planet it shares. To that end, TCLP intends to develop and implement a strategic framework for measuring, planning and positively impacting the climate…this strategic framework will be utilized for future corporate strategic planning as well as further collaboration with the Traverse City community and government.”

To help develop the plan, TCLP will host four public houses between now and April focused on creating a “strategy for a clean energy future.” Each of the four free events will highlight a different energy solution. Attendees can register in advance online and will be entered to win a Giant/Momentum LAFREE E+ E-bike (valued at $2,400) that will be given away at the end of the open house series. The open house schedule is as follows (all events are from 4pm to 6pm at the Traverse Area District Library on Woodmere Avenue):

Open House 1: October 25, 2022 – Energy Waste Reduction, Demand Response, Electrification
Open House 2: November 16, 2022 – Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Storage, Carbon Neutrality
Open House 3: March 15, 2023 – Integrated Resource Plan Development
Open House 4: April 5, 2023 – Review of the Developed Integrated Resource Plan

“We are excited to start this journey and look forward to these open houses and the opportunities and insights they will bring,” says TCP Executive Director Brandie Ekren. “The community has an opportunity to play a role in developing a clean energy future, and we strongly encourage everyone to attend.” The Climate Action Plan will go to the TCLP board for approval in spring 2023, which will be followed by a public unveiling, according to the project website.

“My America  Recipes from a Young Black Chef” by Kwame Onwuachi
“My America” is a celebration of the food of the African Diaspora, as handed down through Onwuachi’s own family history; a deeply personal tribute to the food of “a land that belongs to you & yours and to me & mine.”

RESERVATIONS HERE
OR
231.941.8888

Our Homeschool Program will meet once a week for the Winter/Spring 2023 session on Thursday from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. February 2 through April 27 (No class on March 30.)

The GTCD Homeschool program gives children the opportunity to study and connect to the natural world while being outdoors. Through guided exploration and hands-on, nature-based activities, this program engages children in appreciating and conserving Northwest Michigan’s natural features.

Sessions will be run on Thursdays, February 2 through April 27 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. These two-hour active-learning sessions will include themes based on environmental topics for ages 7-12 years old. We encourage appropriate dress for the weather and any possible conditions that may arise. These programs are drop-off and unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Please refer to our family guide on our website for pickup and drop-off procedures.

Registration is OPEN for the WINTER/SPRING 2023 Session!

REGISTER HERE

MORE INFO ABOUT EVENT PROGRAMMING HERE.

“My America  Recipes from a Young Black Chef” by Kwame Onwuachi
“My America” is a celebration of the food of the African Diaspora, as handed down through Onwuachi’s own family history; a deeply personal tribute to the food of “a land that belongs to you & yours and to me & mine.”

RESERVATIONS HERE
OR
231.941.8888

“My America  Recipes from a Young Black Chef” by Kwame Onwuachi
“My America” is a celebration of the food of the African Diaspora, as handed down through Onwuachi’s own family history; a deeply personal tribute to the food of “a land that belongs to you & yours and to me & mine.”

RESERVATIONS HERE
OR
231.941.8888

Welcome to opening night of the Cornley University Drama Society’s newest
play, The Murder at Haversham Manor, a 1920s murder mystery, where
things are about to quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous. With an
unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over
everything (including their lines), these accident-prone thespians battle
against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious
consequences!

Join artist Alyssa Smith at Traverse City’s Farm Club for a two-hour Watercolor Journal Workshop geared toward seeing and appreciating the everyday beauty around you. You’ll leave with basic sketching and watercolor painting skills, as well as your first entry in a journal.

Choose from two class times (9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.) Tickets range from $75–$95, with an option to use or purchase watercolors and a paintbrush.

MORE INFO HERE.

On April 8 from 10am – 12 noon, LifeHouse Assembly of God (1120 W Division St., Cadillac) will be having their annual Community Easter Eggstravaganza!

There will be games, face painting, food, over 10,000 eggs to hunt by age group, and
the Easter Bunny.

This is a great day of fun and an amazing opportunity to
serve our community!. All are welcome.

For more information call the church at 231-775-7858.

Glen Arbor Arts Center Gallery Manager Sarah Bearup-Neal leads a conversational walking tour of the SWIMMING and the A Feral Housewife exhibits, April 8, 11 am. The Walk Talk is free. No reservations are required.

During this one-hour program, Bearup-Neal talks about how the exhibiting artists interpreted the SWIMMING exhibition’s theme, both literally and symbolically; tools and materials used; as well as other insights into their creative process. A Feral Housewife is a selection of collages by Leelanau County artist Mary Beth Acosta. Acosta uses vintage images to build her smart, funny stories about big-finned cars, “labor-saving devices,” and the mid-century womanhood.

Both exhibits may be viewed online. Go to GlenArborArt.org/EXHIBITS. For more information call 231/334-6112.

“My America  Recipes from a Young Black Chef” by Kwame Onwuachi
“My America” is a celebration of the food of the African Diaspora, as handed down through Onwuachi’s own family history; a deeply personal tribute to the food of “a land that belongs to you & yours and to me & mine.”

RESERVATIONS HERE
OR
231.941.8888