Community members are cordially invited to attend an opening reception at the Jordan River Arts Council on Sunday, July 19 from 12:30 to 4:30 pm for a new exhibition titled “Roots”. In honor of our nation’s 250th year, artists developed works that explore heritage, origin, and the layered histories that shape who we are as well as more literal interpretations. We invite you to stop in to enjoy works reflecting personal, cultural, ecological, and ancestral connections. The exhibit runs through Saturday, August 29th; the gallery is open daily 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Featured artwork is “Lazy Sunday Mornings” a photograph by Marilyn Hoogstraten.

Image Credit: Marilyn Hoogstraten, Lazy Sunday Morning

Date: Thursday, July 2

Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM (arrive a few minutes early – we launch as a group at 6:30 PM)

Location: Thurston Park, 7854 Bradford St, Central Lake, MI

Grab your paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and join Paddle Antrim for an amazing evening paddle out of Central Lake. This hour-long slow paddle will meet at Central Lake’s Thurston Park, near the pavilion at we will launch promptly at 6:00 pm, so please arrive early to allow time for unloading and parking.

We encourage all ages and types of paddle crafts to join us on the water for our  slow paddles. Community paddles last approximately one hour on the water, are free, and no pre-registration is required. All paddlers must bring their own craft/boat, paddle, and pfd (life jacket). As with all Paddle Antrim events, pfds must be properly worn at all times. All ages are welcome but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult out on the water.

Complete Waiver

All paddlers must complete a paddling event waiver prior to participation. Waivers can be viewed and signed digitally.

Join us Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30 AM, June 24 through July 29th (EXCEPT THE WEEK OF JULY 4!) for this Fun, Free & Family oriented nature program for kids. Even though they are geared to kids ages 3-6, we welcome families of all ages to participate! Join Miss Mary from the Boyne Library to hear a story about the nature theme of the day before a gently guided exploration around the park with staff from the Charlevoix Conservation District. Materials needed for each day will be provided by the district, along with other information about district programs and services for parents! No reservation needed, but for questions please call 231-582-6193 or visit our website at www.charlevoixcd.org.

July 29th-Nature Scavenger Hunt! Calling all young explorers! Join us for an exciting scavenger hunt in the park, specially designed for curious minds. From spotting fascinating bugs to intriguing wildlife habitats, who knows what you may find!

Join us Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30 AM, June 24 through July 29th (EXCEPT THE WEEK OF JULY 4!) for this Fun, Free & Family oriented nature program for kids. Even though they are geared to kids ages 3-6, we welcome families of all ages to participate! Join Miss Mary from the Boyne Library to hear a story about the nature theme of the day before a gently guided exploration around the park with staff from the Charlevoix Conservation District. Materials needed for each day will be provided by the district, along with other information about district programs and services for parents! No reservation needed, but for questions please call 231-582-6193 or visit our website at www.charlevoixcd.org.

July 22nd- Journey Stick Crafting! Join us to read “Stanley’s Stick” and create a fun companion that you can take on all of your adventures! Supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!

Join us Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30 AM, June 24 through July 29th (EXCEPT THE WEEK OF JULY 4!) for this Fun, Free & Family oriented nature program for kids. Even though they are geared to kids ages 3-6, we welcome families of all ages to participate! Join Miss Mary from the Boyne Library to hear a story about the nature theme of the day before a gently guided exploration around the park with staff from the Charlevoix Conservation District. Materials needed for each day will be provided by the district, along with other information about district programs and services for parents! No reservation needed, but for questions please call 231-582-6193 or visit our website at www.charlevoixcd.org.

July 15th- Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes! Using pre-collected nature items, or any non-living nature items you can find, we will teach you how to make your own fairy house or gnome home. Caution…building fairy homes can be highly addicting!

Join us Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30 AM, June 24 through July 29th (EXCEPT THE WEEK OF JULY 4!) for this Fun, Free & Family oriented nature program for kids. Even though they are geared to kids ages 3-6, we welcome families of all ages to participate! Join Miss Mary from the Boyne Library to hear a story about the nature theme of the day before a gently guided exploration around the park with staff from the Charlevoix Conservation District. Materials needed for each day will be provided by the district, along with other information about district programs and services for parents! No reservation needed, but for questions please call 231-582-6193 or visit our website at www.charlevoixcd.org.
July 8th-Join us Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30 AM, June 24 through July 29th (EXCEPT THE WEEK OF JULY 4!) for this Fun, Free & Family oriented nature program for kids. Even though they are geared to kids ages 3-6, we welcome families of all ages to participate! Join Miss Mary from the Boyne Library to hear a story about the nature theme of the day before a gently guided exploration around the park with staff from the Charlevoix Conservation District. Materials needed for each day will be provided by the district, along with other information about district programs and services for parents! No reservation needed, but for questions please call 231-582-6193 or visit our website at www.charlevoixcd.org.
July 8th- Bugs in Your Backyard! Join us to hear the story I LOVE BUGS as we dig a little deeper in the fun world of bugs. Kids will use nets, collection jars and other fun tools to capture, learn about, and release some buggy friends! Learn what makes an insect an insect and why they’re important to our environment.

Join us Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30 AM, June 24 through July 29th (EXCEPT THE WEEK OF JULY 4!) for this Fun, Free & Family oriented nature program for kids. Even though they are geared to kids ages 3-6, we welcome families of all ages to participate! Join Miss Mary from the Boyne Library to hear a story about the nature theme of the day before a gently guided exploration around the park with staff from the Charlevoix Conservation District. Materials needed for each day will be provided by the district, along with other information about district programs and services for parents! No reservation needed, but for questions please call 231-582-6193 or visit our website at www.charlevoixcd.org.
June 24th-River Explorers: Come learn all about the beneficial critters that live in rivers! We will provide dips nets and collection jars for the little ones to explore the section of the Boyne River that runs through the park. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your feet wet! -With Friends of the Boyne River

Amy Lipson, LTC Conservation Specialist, and her husband Joe Lipson, owner of Mycotorphy LLC (a local business offering guided mushrooming adventures) will co-lead a foraging adventure to look for interesting fungi, and maybe even find some choice edibles! Fungi are fickle, but if there are plentiful mushrooms available we will split into groups and explore off-trail for about 1.5 hours and hunt for interesting mushrooms. Then we will return to our designated meeting place and learn about them from Joe, who is a certified mushroom identification expert.