Grand Traverse Conservation District

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.

10/05/2026

Voting is open now– October 31st for Oryana Community Co-op Groceries For Good and we’d love your vote for the Great Lakes Incubator Farm- GLIFkes Incubator Farm - Friends of the Grand Traverse Conservation District!

Place your vote now for the Great Lakes Incubator Farm to be chosen for Oryana's Grocereis For Good Program.....https://oryana.coop/community/groceries-for-good/

Help GLIF Get Selected for Oryana’s Groceries For Good Program! 🌱

Voting is open October 1–31, and we’d love your vote for the Great Lakes Incubator Farm - Friends of the Grand Traverse Conservation District

Oryana’s Groceries For Good program supports local nonprofits through shopper round-ups at checkout and a monthly day when 2% of sales at both Oryana stores is donated to the selected organization. Twelve organizations will be selected for the 2027 program.

Why vote for GLIF?

🌱 Training the next generation of farmers
🥕 Growing fresh food for our community
🌎 Building healthy soil and a stronger local food system

Your vote helps GLIF keep growing!