28-03-2025
Little Traverse Conservancy plans mix of outdoor events: See what's scheduled this spring
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — There may still be snow on the ground, but soon enough trees will sprout new leaves, flowers will bud and temperatures will get warmer.
The Little Traverse Conservancy — with a five-county service area covering Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet and Mackinac counties — has a full slate of events coming up this season.
Where: Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve, south of Charlevoix
When: 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 4
What: Participants will join Nate Dionne for this hands-on seminar exploring various techniques that can help revitalize trees in a way that also supports the ecosystem and landscape around them. Participants will put these principles and objectives to use on the trees at the preserve. There will be a limited supply of tools to use, and participants are asked to bring their own pruners and loppers.
Where: Sally & Art Hailand, Jr./Helstrom Family Nature Preserve in Oden
When: 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4
What: Brad Von Blon will lead this walk where participants can listen and watch for woodcocks. The walk is described as 'easygoing' and suitable for all to enjoy.
Where: Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve, southeast of Petoskey
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16
What: The conservancy is co-hosting a trail maintenance workday with the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association to get the Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve mountain bike trails ready for the new season. Volunteers should meet at the reserve at 9 a.m. Activities will include walking trail segments, removing downed limbs and trees, trimming brush, clearing natural drains and attending to any areas of erosion. Tools will be provided.
Where: Offield Family Viewlands Reserve in Harbor Springs
When: 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22
What: Celebrate Earth Day by helping the conservancy with trail maintenance on the mountain bike trails at the Offield Family Viewlands Reserve. Volunteers should meet in the parking area at 9 a.m. for the morning session or at 1 p.m. for the afternoon session. There will also be a group ride led by a conservancy staff member at 4 p.m. Tools will be provided. This is a family-friendly work bee, so kids are welcome.
Where: Cheboygan State Park
When: 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3
What: This partnership event with Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch will allow participants to interact with and learn about owls. Along with observing the banding, the group will enjoy conversations by the campfire with snacks and drinks. This event is limited to 12 people.
If you are interested in any of these events, registration is available at (231) 347-0991 or
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy plans events for spring 2025
