Nearly every natural cover type in the state
    is found in the Natural Education Reserve
    located along the Boardman River, only 3 
    miles from downtown Traverse City. Within the 
    505-acre tract are a bog, marsh, true swamp,
    level terrain, upland forest, pine forest, creek, 
    river, and an active beaver pond. The cover 
    types of the area provide excellent habitat for 
    beaver, otter, mink, fox, deer, and many other 
    animals and birds.

The Boardman River is the central feature of the 
Reserve. In contrast to the impounded waters in the north section of the Reserve, the river in the south is free flowing and in its natural condition. It is here that the river is most dramatic as it falls in a series of rapids in part of its course through this part of the Reserve. Remnants of the old Keystone Dam that went out a number of years ago are still visible. The old berm wall and spillway are now being reclaimed by the forest, as the river banks have reverted to their natural and
original flora.

There is evidence that a finger of a glacier terminated
on the property offering an excellent opportunity to teach and learn of the earth's history as found in
the Boardman River Valley.

While the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve was set aside as a "natural environmental classroom for area youth", all visitors are welcome to enjoy the nearly 7 miles of improved trails that wind along the Boardman River and includes over 1200 feet of boardwalks, bridges, canoe portage sites, boat launch and picnic area for such activities as hiking, photography, canoeing, nature study, bird watching, and other forms of quiet recreation.

About the Grand Traverse Conservation District

When individuals and families seek ways to unplug from their fast-paced, “wired” lives, they turn to Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD). We help children and families reconnect with nature and one another at the Boardman River Nature Center. We improve parklands and restore the Boardman River through our Land Management Services team. And we protect the quality of the water that you drink through the Groundwater Stewardship Program. For over 60 years, the GTCD has been serving the Grand Traverse community to “inspire the exploration, appreciation, and conservation of our natural world.”
Learn more about the GTCD at www.NatureIsCalling.org

Grand Traverse Conservation District

2-Week Event Schedule: February 1 – February 15

The Grand Traverse Conservation District has many events throughout the year. Public education programs are offered at the Boardman River Nature Center for families and students of all ages, from preschool to adults. Created as a way to help foster the exploration, appreciation and conservation of the natural world, the Nature Center has become a destination for the Grand Traverse community to nurture their connection to nature. Other events head into the field for some hands on conservation of the precious natural resources of the Grand Traverse Area.

The ABC’s of Nature
Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. // Fun for the whole family! // Boardman River Nature Center

Stop by the Boardman River Nature Center any time between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to participate in a fun scavenger hunt to find the alphabet throughout the Natural Education Reserve. $5 suggested donation.

Peepers – Winter Birds
Tuesday, February 7, 10 - 11:30 a.m. // Preschool aged children and families // Boardman River Nature Center
Which birds decide to stay “up north” throughout the winter rather than flying south to warmer climates? Kids will learn about the different species of Michigan birds and how they survive the harsh northern winters.Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for the Peepers program at the Boardman River Nature Center. This fun and educational program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers. Every Tuesday your preschoolers can explore a different seasonal nature theme with experienced early childhood educators and naturalists. Each morning will include indoor and outdoor activities – so dress for the weather!

Photo Frenzy on the Natural Education Reserve
Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. // All ages welcome // Boardman River Nature Center

Spring is on its way, so now is the time to traverse the trails of the Natural Education Reserve! Stop in to the Boardman River Nature Center anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up a Photo Scavenger Hunt sheet and take it out on the trails. Your goal is to snap pictures of everything on the list, then bring your camera back to the Nature Center desk and show off your pictures for a prize. Be sure to bring your own camera! $5 suggested donation.

Peepers – Active Animals of Winter

Tuesday, February 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m. / Preschoolers (ages 3-5) & Parents/ Boardman River Nature Center

Some animals hibernate through the winter as a survial strategy, but others have adapted to cold climates and stay active all winter long. Find out which animals stay active through the cold and how they survive with less food available. Join the Grand Traverse Conservation District for the Peepers program at the Boardman River Nature Center. This fun and educational program is designed to foster the exploration of nature in preschoolers. Every Tuesday your preschoolers can explore a different seasonal nature theme with experienced early childhood educators and naturalists. Each morning will include indoor and outdoor activities – so dress for the weather!

We rely on you to help us spread the word of our mission and all of the great programs we have available to kids, adults and families. If you would like to learn more about the Grand Traverse Conservation District, our mission, programs, or the parklands we manage for public use, please contact me.

About the Grand Traverse Conservation District
The Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) is a local environmental organization that connects the community to nature through education and conservation. The organization has a continuum of environmental education programs designed for schools, kids, adults and families. Their Conservation work is focused on keeping our natural resources healthy and empowering the community to become active environmental stewards themselves. Their mission is to "inspire exploration, appreciation and conservation of our natural world."

Unless otherwise noted:

• A donation of $5.00 is suggested for each event
• Registration is not required
• All events are held at the Boardman River Nature Center

A full monthly program description and schedule can be found at our website, www.NatureisCalling.org.