Books n Breakfast
Friday, April 5, 9 am @ Sugar Moon Café
Water Festival
Friday, April 26; Benzie Central High School (rescheduled date)
Spring Seedling Sale Pick Up
April 26 (9-4 pm) & 27 (10-2 pm)
Stream Monitoring Training Day
Wednesday, May 1, meet at BCD office, 3 pm
Stream Monitoring Collection Day
Saturday, May 4, meet at BCD office, 9 am
Stream Monitoring Bug ID Night
Monday, May 6 @ Benzie Central High School Biology room, 3 pm
Books n Breakfast
Friday, May 17, 9 am @ Sugar Moon Café
Waters of Benzie – Pickerel Creek/Twin Lakes Water Tour
Friday, May 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Grass Lake State Forest Campground
Come explore one of Benzie County’s hidden gems! Starting in the Betsie River, we’ll paddle against the gentle marsh current of Pickerel Creek through cattails, flooded timber and possibly over a beaver dam or two. At the midway point, we’ll explore the shores of undeveloped Upper and Lower Twin Lakes before heading back downstream to our starting point. This is a prime area for viewing birds and other wildlife. Advanced reservations recommended. For more information or to RSVP please contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org. $5 suggested donation.
Emerald Ash Borer Workshop
Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 to 7:30 pm @ Benzonia Township Hall
Garlic Mustard Pull @ Tank Hill
Friday & Saturday, May 24 & 25, noon to 2 pm
Waters of Benzie – Bass Lake/Deer Lake Water Tour
Friday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bass Lake Trailhead, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Join us to learn about Benzie County’s smallest watershed while paddling on Bass and Deer Lakes within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These pristine spring-fed lakes form the headwaters of the Otter Creek watershed and are home to plentiful fish, birds, and other wildlife. We will discuss the lakes and their biology, along with the history of the National Lakeshore. For more information or to RSVP please contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org. $5 suggested donation.
Betsie River Clean Sweep
June 22, meet at Benzonia Congregational Church (Breakfast @ 8:30 am)
Books on the Beach
Thursday, June 27, 9:30 am on Beulah Park Beach
Join us to discuss Animals Make Us Human, by Temple Grandin, best-selling animal advocate!
Waters of Benzie – Pearl Lake Water Tour
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pearl Lake, DNR Public Access Site, Wagner Road
Learn about glacial geology, spring-fed lakes, and invasive plants while paddling amongst the bulrushes on peaceful Pearl Lake. We will be following the shoreline of a state-owned nature preserve, and there will be great bird watching opportunities. Bring your own boat or reduced-rate rentals will be available. Advanced reservations recommended. For more information or to RSVP please contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org. $5 suggested donation.
Natural Shoreline Workshop
Friday, July 19, 9 am to 12 pm
Benzonia Congregational Church
This is an opportunity to learn about natural shoreline landscaping and bio-engineered erosion control techniques and how these techniques can reduce runoff, deter geese, minimize erosion, and improve fish and wildlife habitat, while maintaining aesthetically pleasing access to your lake. Already have a rock or sea wall? Learn how to enhance those structures for the benefit of your lake. $5 registration fee.
Natural Shoreline Project Tour
Friday, July 26, 3 pm
Almira Township Public Beach, Lake Ann
Learn about natural shoreline landscaping and bio-engineered erosion control techniques through site visits. We will be touring shoreline projects at Lake Ann, Upper Herring Lake, and Watervale Resort. $5 registration fee.
Waters of Benzie – Ann Lake Water Tour
Saturday, August 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lake Ann Access Site, Reynolds Road
Explore Ann Lake and the headwaters of the Platte River Watershed! We’ll be paddling the shores looking for birds and other wildlife while discussing water quality and the role of everyday citizens in protecting our waters. Loon sightings are a possibility, as the lake usually hosts a nesting pair during the summer. For more information or to RSVP please contact the Benzie Conservation District at 231-882-4391 or mike@benziecd.org. $5 suggested donation.
Leave No Trace/Salmon in the Classroom Trips
September (TBD), meet at Riverside Canoes, Platte River