Description

Explore native plants up close with Interlochen Public Radio (IPR) and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC). Through a series of rotating learning opportunities, you’ll discover why native plants are essential to the health of our natural ecosystems and how they’re helping restore critical, protected lands across northern Michigan. The evening features presentations hosted by IPR Environment Reporter Ellie Katz with GTRLC’s Senior Conservation Ecologist Angie Bouma and Director of Stewardship Chris Garrock, who will share their expertise on native plants, ecological restoration and conservation efforts in northern Michigan. You’ll also have a chance to tour the Conservancy’s native plant greenhouse and botany lab and explore the universally accessible Looyenga Family Trail, where GTRLC staff will showcase the ongoing restoration of Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with ecology experts, deepen your understanding of native plants and learn how restoration efforts today are shaping the landscapes of tomorrow. With Mitchell Creek Meadows and Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve as key restoration sites this year, and the proposed Perch Lake addition a potential focus for the future, now is the perfect time to explore how native plants are making a lasting impact. *The Priority Landscapes Learning Series provides in-depth learning opportunities of conservation and stewardship practices. Each year, the learning series will also call attention to one of the Conservancy’s high-priority land protection projects. In 2025, the featured property is the proposed Perch Lake addition to Upper Manistee Headwaters: the Milock Family Preserve. Registration is required. Cancellations due to weather or other reasons will be emailed to registered participants. Thank you for your interest in joining us! If you have any questions, please contact us at (231) 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org.