Join us on Thursday, August 14th, from 5-7pm, for our 5th Annual Summer Garden Party! Stroll through our Native Plant Educational Garden to learn all things about native plants. District staff, along with other local conservationists, will be on hand to assist you with questions about the benefits of planting native in your yard. This is a great opportunity to view live plants up close and learn which ones might be best for planting on your land before purchasing them at our Fall Native Plant Sale on September 13th (Noon-3pm). Also on hand, will be copies of our plant species list and garden habitat flat order forms for the fall sale. Light snacks and refreshments will be available, we hope to see you there!

Step into a fairy tale with story time led by the Charlevoix Venetian Queen, royal-themed crafts, treats, and a dance party at 11 AM! Meet Norm the Dragon, St. George the Knight, and take magical photos with the Queen and her Court.

$10 per person (ages 3+ including adults) – Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Includes access to the castle grounds, scenic turrets, gardens, and model train display. Royal costumes encouraged!

Join the Charlevoix Conservation District, the Boyne District Library, and the Friends of the Boyne River on June 25th at 10:30am in the Old City Park, Boyne City, for an exciting opportunity to learn all about the critters that live in the Boyne River. After a story, dip nets and collection jars will help guide exploration and discovery. Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your feet wet! Afterward, paint your favorite river critter on a rock provided. This program is geared towards ages 4-8, but all ages are welcome. Caregivers must stay for the duration of the program. Programs typically last 1-2 hours.

Volunteer Work Day Event: July 17th from 9am-noon.

For those who are interested in some unique volunteer work, please join the district’s summer intern, Ken Wade, at our American Beach Grass Nursery for a special work-day! Meet at the Nursery to learn about one of our most popular programs assisting shorelines throughout our beautiful state and beyond. We always need help clearing the nursery of encroaching pioneer plants and weeds, but you’ll also learning about the importance of beach grass in a sandy environments, and the positive impact it has on stilling erosion and improving wildlife habitat. To sign up and for directions, please contact district manager, Alison Adams at 231-582-6193. Lunch will be provided.

District Office Open House: The District is always open to the public, but on July 17th, 4pm-6pm join us to “Eat, Meet and Learn” with conservation district staff, board of directors and partner conservation groups. This is a great opportunity to get to know your local conservation district staff, board, and our mission and purpose. Light refreshments will be on the house, along with information, resources and more! The District office is located at 303 North Street, Boyne City.

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO) will present Viva La France! on Friday, June 13 at 7 PM in the historic John M. Hall in Bay View.

Join the GLCO orchestra for a sparkling tribute to Broadway favorites and French-inspired masterpieces including selections from West Side Story, An American in Paris, Les Misérables, Candide, and Phantom of the Opera.  We are thrilled to welcome Broadway soloists Alexandra Zorn and Matthew Kacergis for an unforgettable evening of brilliant musical theater favorites.

Tickets from $35 – $65 are available at www.glcorchestra.org.  The concert is free for veterans, active service members and students 18 and under by calling 231-487-0010.

Tickets include an optional pre-concert talk at 6 pm by Maestro Libor Ondras, music director and conductor, as well as a post-concert reception.