2015 Chain of Lakes Visitor''s Guidebook Page 11

E L K R A P I D S C H A M B E R . O R G

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Natural Areas provides a diversity of habitats, including marshy bogs and
floating sedges.

Executive director Haley Breniser said Grass River Natural Area's access
to nature is what makes it such a special experience. "It's unique because
of its riparian corridor and the habitats that come with that," she said.
"Grass River Natural Area includes 4,300 acres, and we allow access to
that through boardwalks. There aren't a lot of preserves that allow that."

In addition to the boardwalk, the Grass River Center for Education
provides year-round educational opportunities. "It gives people the chance
to come in and better understand this ecosystem," said Breniser. "Then
you can walk out into it, into an outdoor classroom that you can really
engage with."

Featuring special events like the Grass River Shiver 5K and their new,
summer day camp and regular events like Tuesday story hour and
Saturday follow walks Grass River Natural Area continually provides
enjoyable educational opportunities while protecting and preserving the
diverse network of wildlife along Grass River.

Other Parks To Explore

Sayler Park, Acme
Whitewater Township Park
Rotary Park, Elk Rapids
Veterans Memorial Park, Elk Rapids
Barnes County Park, Kewadin
Wilcox-Shaw Park, Elk Rapids
Elk Rapids Day Park