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Northern Naturalist students have the opportunity to learn about and explore the beautiful northern Michigan environment. Students can earn a Northern Naturalist certificate after completing required coursework in animals, plants, water, geology, policy, and more!


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Northern Naturalist Certificate Enrollment 

ID:5354
Explore the natural environment — water, shorelines, woods, rolling landscapes, dunes, plentiful trees, birds, wildflowers, and wildlife are part of w ...  View More

Schedule : ; ; Class Skip Dates :Self-Paced

Cost: $25.00

Instructor : EES Instructor 

Please read: The Northern Naturalist Certificate Program ...More

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Wonderful Worms! Introduction to Vermiculture 

ID:5794
Learn all about the wonderful, soil building benefits of worm-based composting! Find out what makes worms happy, and how to prevent problems. Particip ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Thu 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM; starting 4/30/2026, ending 4/30/2026

Cost: $99.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course qualifies toward the Naturalist ...More

Location: Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons Location : 
  Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons.

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Save the Scraps! 

ID:5795
Food scraps are a major source of carbon emissions in the US. Before they hit the compost they can be turned into more edible treats. Join SEEDS staff ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Tue 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM; starting 5/12/2026, ending 5/12/2026

Cost: $75.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course qualifies toward the Naturalist ...More

Location: Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons Location : 
  Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons.

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Composting 101: Food Scraps, Yard Waste & Wood — Oh My! (Option 2) 

ID:5793
Do you wish your trash bins weren’t so full of wet, stinky stuff? Learn about the processes and the magnificent organisms that turn your trash into va ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Tue 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM; starting 5/19/2026, ending 5/19/2026

Cost: $75.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course qualifies towards the Northern ...More

Location: Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons Location : 
  Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons.

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Spring Wetland Wildflowers 

ID:5446
New! The spring wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Fri 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; starting 5/22/2026, ending 5/22/2026

Cost: $75.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This class meets at Grass River Natural ...More

Location: Grass River Natural Area Location : 
  Grass River Natural Area.

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  Sedges of Northern Michigan 

ID:6186
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. But in some wetland environments they are some of the ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Tue 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; starting 6/16/2026, ending 6/16/2026

Cost: $59.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course takes place outdoors at Grass ...More

Location: Grass River Natural Area Location : 
  Grass River Natural Area.

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Intro to Practical Outdoor Gear & Packing 

ID:6205
New! Love to hike, and planning to hit the trails this summer for outdoor work or travel? Learn how to balance pack weight against distance and worklo ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Thu 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM; starting 7/9/2026, ending 7/9/2026

Cost: $75.00

Instructor : Multiple

Location: Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons Location : 
  Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons.

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  Wetland Communities of Northern Michigan 

ID:6187
Did you know that Michigan has over 70 distinct natural communities? Many of these are wetland communities. Our natural communities are classified b ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Wed 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM; starting 7/15/2026, ending 7/15/2026

Cost: $59.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course takes place outdoors at Grass ...More

Location: Grass River Natural Area Location : 
  Grass River Natural Area.

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Composting 101: Food Scraps, Yard Waste & Wood — Oh My! (July Option) 

ID:6203
Do you wish your trash bins weren’t so full of wet, stinky stuff? Learn about the processes and the magnificent organisms that turn your trash into va ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Tue 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM; starting 7/21/2026, ending 7/21/2026

Cost: $75.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course qualifies towards the Northern ...More

Location: Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons Location : 
  Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons.

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  Kayak River Tour (Option 1) 

ID:6188
There is no better way to experience a northern Michigan river than by paddling its calm waters and enjoying its unique wildlife! On this guided tour, ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Wed 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM; starting 7/29/2026, ending 7/29/2026

Cost: $89.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: The group will meet at the Grass River ...More

Location: Grass River Natural Area Location : 
  Grass River Natural Area.

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  Wetland Wildflowers 

ID:6190
The wildflowers of Michigan's wetlands are unique and striking. Take a walk through Grass River's boardwalk trails that give you access to some of the ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Fri 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM; starting 7/31/2026, ending 7/31/2026

Cost: $59.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: This course takes place outdoors at Grass ...More

Location: Grass River Natural Area Location : 
  Grass River Natural Area.

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Basic Map Reading & Navigation 

ID:6204
Start your journey to confident outdoor navigation by learning to use essential tools. In this hands-on lesson, you will receive a compass and a varie ...  View More

Schedule : Weekly - Tue 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM; starting 8/11/2026, ending 8/11/2026

Cost: $99.00

Instructor : Multiple

Please read: Students receive a compass and practice ...More

Location: Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons Location : 
  Historic Barns Park, Grand Traverse Commons.

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