Grand Traverse Conservation District

10/21/2026

Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Millage is up for Renewal on November 3rd, 2026.

The millage supports local conservation, environmental education, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.

The Grand Traverse Conservation District stewards healthy forests, rivers, farms, and natural areas, maintains accessible trails, and provides opportunities for the community to connect with the outdoors.

Our work makes Grand Traverse County an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

For more information and complete ballot language, please visit www.natureiscalling.org/2026millage

10/15/2026

The Grand Traverse Conservation District Through the Years: Week 9!

To prepare for the Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) launch, GTCD staff installed a pollinator plot with students from the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Agriscience program. The students grew and enthusiastically planted over 2,800 native plants at the farm. The pollinator plot took off that summer and is well established today.

Later in the season, the GTCD planted three acres of cover crop on the remaining fields to prepare the soil for upcoming GLIF participants.
At GLIF, we are dedicated to nurturing both the land and the future of agriculture, fostering resilient, sustainable farming practices that will benefit the health of our local community.

10/13/2026

Tune in!

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

We had a great time at WTCM News Talk 580 this Thursday, talking about our Fall Native Seedling Sale!

Mari and Jack with Alison Chappelle and Miranda Fraley of Grand Traverse Conservation District

10/08/2026

The Grand Traverse Conservation District Through the Years: Week 9

Throwback to 2022, when our Nature Playscape officially opened to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In its first three months, the Nature Playscape welcomed more than 3,000 visitors. This natural free-play area encourages people of all ages to connect with nature through sensory learning, exploration, and hands-on experiences with diverse natural elements and materials.

Today, we welcome you to explore the Boardman River Nature Center and Nature Playscape this fall! During your visit, feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, listen to the Boardman-Ottaway River, and breathe in the fresh air of the Natural Education Reserve.

10/07/2026

Our Fall Native Seedling Sale is on Saturday, October 24th from 10:00am - 2:00pm, outside at the Boardman River Nature Center!

This year we are featuring native Michigan conifers: jack pine, white pine, white spruce, black spruce, and red pine. We will also offer native perennial plants, including garden kits.

Highlighted species: Red Pine

Red pine (Pinus resinosa) is a fast-growing, long-lived tree that can reach heights of 50-80 feet. Shade-intolerant, red pine prefers full sun on a moist or dry site. It grows best on well-drained, sandy loam soil, making it an excellent tree for reforestation of poor, sandy sites. Red pine is straight-stemmed and self-pruning; it sheds dead branches, tending to leave older trees with very long lengths of branchless trunk below the canopy.

Learn more about the Fall Seedling Sale at www.natureiscalling.org/fall-seedling-sale

10/05/2026

Stop by Nocturnal Bloom on Tuesday, October 6th from 5:00 - 7:00pm to say hello to District staff and pick up a “I ♡ GTCD” sign to show your love of local conservation.

Enjoy a fall evening with a beverage from Nocturnal Brewing, food from Acorn Kitchen, and the company of District Staff.