Gratiot Lake Conservancy to offer nature oriented workshops this summer

Adults and children can learn to track animals like this beaver family in the Tracking Workshop with science teacher Brian Rajdl, the first of the series of nature oriented workshops to be offered by the Gratiot Lake Conservancy this summer. (Photo © and courtesy Jim Hay)

GRATIOT LAKE --  Gratiot Lake Conservancy is offering a series of nature oriented workshops in Keweenaw County this summer. All workshops are open to the public and fees vary. Preregistration is necessary and group size is limited. Detailed information and registration forms can be accessed through the links given for each workshop below. (Please note that some workshops have rain dates.) Janet Avery Scholarships are available for all workshops.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, July 18: Tracking Workshop with Brian Rajdl. explore the trails and shoreline of Gratiot Lake. Learn to track animals and to interpret the signs they leave behind: tracks, scats, feathers, fur, rubs, chews, lays, dens, and burrows. Adults and children (accompanied by an adult) are invited to attend. Click here for info and link to registration form.

9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and  2: Sketching the Landscape in Watercolor. Artist Marilynn Brandenburger is back by popular demand.

Sketching Nature in watercolor. (Photo courtesy Gratiot Lake Conservancy)

Group will meet indoors and out-of-doors at various Keweenaw locations including Eagle Harbor and Central. Click here for info and registration form.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, August 15: Lichen Workshop. Instructor Karena Schmidt describes lichens as complete ecosystems where the fungus has learned how to farm algae.

Lichen. (Photo © and courtesy Karena Schmidt)

Over 620 species of lichen have been identified in the Copper Country. Spend a day at the Gratiot Lake Preserve discovering what lichens can teach us. Click here for info and registration.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, Aquatic Plant Identification Workshop with  botanist Janet Marr. Get your feet wet learning about the plants that inhabit Keweenaw inland lakes and waterways.

Aquatic plants on Little Gratiot River. (Photo © and courtesy Janet Marr)

This workshop is geared towards professionals and students in the fields of biology, botany, and environmental science and education. It will also be of interest to volunteer monitors, lake association members, and others who want to learn to identify aquatic plants and invasive species in order to protect healthy ecosystems in inland lakes. Click here for info and registration.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, Damselfly and Dragonfly Workshop. Amateur odonatist Bob Marr will be leading a one day beginner’s workshop at GLC’s Bammert Farm.

Dragonfly catch. (Photo © and courtesy Bonnie Hay)

Learn to identify these "winged dragons" and "neon toothpicks." Click here for info and registration.

Questions? Please contact director@GratiotLakeConservancy.org.