Upcoming Events
The Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy has many exciting programs for families, friends, and community members to enjoy throughout the year. All GINLC programs are free to the public, but your donations make them possible.
April 10, 2026 – Final day for students to submit Dr. Bruce Jones Scholarship Applications.
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 – Invasive Species & Control Burns: 1pm-2:30pm
Airport Natural Area - 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile, MI. 48138
Spotting invasive species can be tricky, but after this hike, you will have no problem finding and disposing of these pesky plants.
Rescheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 - All Island Clean up. 10-Noon.
The All‑Island Clean Up is a chance for our community to come together, shake off winter, and give Grosse Ile the fresh start it deserves. This Kiwanis‑sponsored event brings neighbors, families, and local organizations together for one shared goal: removing the trash and litter that has built up over the winter.
You can choose the location that best matches how you’d like to help:
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Help clean GINLC preserves: Meet at the John C. Jackson Resource Center, 8801 Macomb St., Grosse Ile.
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Join the Kiwanis to clean other areas of the island: Meet at VFW Post 7310, 8840 Macomb St.,
Take some action to help the planet for Earth Day! Let’s come together for a cleaner, greener island.
Sunday, April 26th, 2026 - Earth Day Celebration. 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.
John C. Jackson Resource Center. 8801 Macomb St. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
Celebrate Earth Day with us at the John C. Jackson Resource Center, where guest speakers, raffles, and hands‑on crafts will bring our community together in the spirit of environmental stewardship. The event offers a chance to learn, connect, and take part in activities that honor the natural spaces we all work to protect.
Scheduled Speakers
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11:00 Am - Kathryn Christiansen: GINLC board member - Home Heat pumps
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12:00 PM - Jack Johnson, Anika Verma, Morgan Dilsizian, Evelyn Hickey, Kate Glover, Gulmina Mahmood, and Lila Somerset: Grosse Ile High School: Environmental Science Advocates
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1:00 PM - Jack Smiley: Save Sibley Prairie Coalition - Save It, Don't Pave It!
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2:00 PM - Skyler Leslie: Friends of the Detroit River - Socio-Ecological History of the Detroit River
Saturday, May 16th, 2026 - Celebrating 250 Years: Community Tree Planting. 10:30 am- Noon
Dr. Bruce Jones Preserve. Corner of Bridge and Meridian. (Limited parking is available at the Grosse Ile Township Pump house at 9331 Bridge Rd, Grosse Ile Township, MI 48138. We encourage you to bike, carpool, or walk. The Meridian bike path provides easy access—an easy and healthy way to arrive.)
In 2026, Grosse Ile marks a remarkable milestone—250 years of recorded community history. From its earliest days as home to the Potawatomi people to its present identity as a vibrant island township in the Detroit River, the story of Grosse Ile reflects centuries of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community growth.
As part of the 250th‑anniversary celebrations, GINLC will plant a native Swamp White Oak along the trail in the Dr. Bruce D. Jones Preserve—a living tribute to the island’s past and a gift to its future.
We invite you to join us for the planting and dedication.
Sunday, May 17th, 2026 – Birds: 1 pm-2:30 pm
Meridian Woods - Meridian Rd between Manchester & Rucker. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
Spread your wings and look for the birds that call Grosse Ile their home.
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 - Hummingbirds with WBU: 6-7:30 PM
John C. Jackson Resource Center. 8801 Macomb St. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
Join us as we talk about the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, the only hummingbird in the Eastern United States. We will discuss attracting them to your yard by enhancing the habitat and adding a supplemental feeder.
Saturday June 6th , 2026. Hike Through Time at Gibraltar Bay. 10 am.
Gibraltar Bay Unit, 28820 E. River Rd, Grosse Ile
Hike through time as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Grosse Ile with a nature walk at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge’s Gibraltar Bay Unit & Airport Nature Area. Consider the remarkable transformation from a former Naval Air Station and missile base into a beautiful protected natural area now open for all to enjoy.
This event is proudly presented by Downriver Linked Greenways, Friends of the Detroit River, the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy, and the Grosse Ile Historical Society, who will be leading the experience. It’s free, family‑friendly, and open to all—registration is encouraged. Register: www.detroitriver.org/events/hike-june6
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 Native Tree Walk with Doug 6-7:30 PM
Dr. Bruce Jones Preserve. Corner of Bridge and Meridian, Grosse Ile.
Walk through the woods and feel connected to Grosse Ile’s past, present, and future as we explore the island’s native trees. The Bruce Jones Preserve contains examples of nearly every tree species found on Grosse Ile, making it the perfect outdoor classroom. Join Doug Thiel, GINLC’s tree expert, for a guided tour highlighting the unique characteristics and ecological importance of each species. It’s a wonderful chance to learn, explore, and enjoy the beauty of our island together.
(Limited parking is available at the Grosse Ile Township Pump house at 9331 Bridge Rd, Grosse Ile Township, MI 48138. We encourage you to bike, carpool, or walk. The Meridian bike path provides easy access—an easy and healthy way to arrive.)
Saturday, June 20th, 2026 – Wildflowers: 1 pm-2:30 pm
Meridian Woods - Meridian Rd between Manchester & Rucker. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
Start off the first day of Summer by searching for all the various flowers in bloom on Grosse Ile.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 Ornitherapy with WBU: 6-7:30 PM
John C. Jackson Resource Center. 8801 Macomb St. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
The mindful observation of birds can affect your mind, body, and soul - based on the book “Ornitheranpy” by Holly Merker, Richard Crossley, and Sophie Crossley. Learn how bird watching can improve your well-being followed by a walk through Parkway Woods OpenSpace via the newly constructed Macomb-Parkway Trail.
Saturday, July 25th, 2026 Grosse Ile’s 250th Anniversary Celebration at Centennial Farm
The event will run from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and promises to be a fun, family-friendly afternoon celebrating the island’s natural beauty, history, and strong sense of community. Activities will include a flag-raising ceremony, historical presentations, children’s games, fire trucks, food, live music, and more. Look for GINLC at this event.
Saturday, July 25th, 2026 – Butterfly & Insects: 1pm-2:30pm
Centennial Farm, 25797 Third St Grosse Ile, MI 48138
With Summer in full swing, bug activity will be abundant. So, let’s buzz around and find as many bugs as we can!
This is part of the the 250th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, August 8th, 2026 - Kayak Downriver Wetlands.
Time & Location TBD. This is a collaboration between GINLC, Friends of Detroit River, and Downriver Linked Greenways.
Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 – Seasonal Hike/American Lotus 1 pm-2:30 pm
Airport Natural Area - 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile, MI. 48138
Let’s go on a hike! Explore a variety of habitats and observe special features of plants and animals that live in Grosse Ile.
Saturday, September 19th, 2026 – Bats: 7:30 pm-9 pm
Airport Natural Area - 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile, MI. 48138
Swoop in and see some bats as they start to come out for their first meal of the day!
Saturday, October 17th, 2026 – Seed Collection 1 pm-2:30 pm
Airport Natural Area - 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile, MI. 48138
Come out and help harvest seeds for important native plant species. These seeds help bring the next generation of healthy plants in the coming Spring.
Saturday November 7, 2026. GINLC Annual Membership Meeting. Details TBD
Sunday, November 8th, 2026 – Winter Adaptation/Hibernation: 1 pm-2:30 pm
Meridian Woods - Meridian Rd between Manchester & Rucker. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
As plants and animals slow down for the winter, we will learn about how they respond differently to the changes of seasons.
Saturday, December 12th, 2026 – Winter Seed Sowing: 1 pm-2:30 pm
John C. Jackson Resource Center. 8801 Macomb St. Grosse Ile, MI, 48138
In continuation with the Seed Collection hike, the seeds that were collected are now going to be planted so they are ready to sprout in the Spring.
We continue to add to our 2026 list of events.
We encourage you to sign up for our email list so you have the most up to date information.
All GINLC programs are free to the public, but your donations make them possible.
Dates, times, and locations are subject to change.
There are several stewardship volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including most on Monday mornings. To stay informed look for us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GINLC.GI or sign up for our email list.