Events

Upcoming Events

Green Elk Rapids will host “A Great Water Awakening? Seizing the Moment” presented by Circle of Blue’s J. Carl Ganter.
Ganter, managing director of the international news organization Circle of Blue, will share insights from the frontlines of the global water crises.

Also a member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Energy Nexus, and former Time Magazine and National Geographic photojournalist,

Ganter will trace the arc from global water challenges and policy down to the Great Lakes and what local communities can do.

The talk arrives at a pivotal moment for freshwater systems in Michigan, the United States and globally.

No tickets needed, Donations appreciated

Please join us on July 16th at 6.30pm with doors opening at 6pm. See you at HERTH!

Next Meeting

When: TBD
Where: TBD

We look forward to seeing you all at the next Green Elk Rapids Meeting.
If you have friends who share a passion for sustainability and community engagement,
we encourage you to extend this invitation to them as well.

Raptors of Northern Michigan
Sunday, July 26 | 2:00 p.m.
Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Pavilion | Elk Rapids

Join us for an engaging program exploring the fascinating world of Northern Michigan’s birds of prey. Meet live ambassador raptors and learn about the unique adaptations,
behaviors, and ecological importance of eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.

Discover how wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and public education help protect these remarkable birds. Participants will also learn how nest boxes support local wildlife
populations and how community members can get involved in conservation through nest box building and monitoring projects.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

Saturday, July 26 • 2:00 p.m.
Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Pavilion
129 N. Cedar St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Suggested Donation: $10
Students: Free
For more information:
www.skegemograptorcenter.org
www.greenelkrapids.org

Previous Events

Please join us as we celebrate EARTH DAY. Wednesday, April 22nd at 6pm at the Elk Rapids Cinema.

THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature.

Through dogged perseverance and embracing the opportunity provided by nature's conflicts, the Chesters unlock and uncover a biodiverse design for living that exists far beyond their farm, its seasons, and our wildest imagination.

Featuring breathtaking cinematography, captivating animals, and an urgent message to heed Mother Nature’s call, THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM provides us all a vital blueprint for better living and a healthier planet.

No tickets required and donations are welcome. Presented by Green Elk Rapids.

ALL TOO CLEAR - was a huge success!

In the middle of a winter blizzard, with snow piling up and roads turning slick, something remarkable happened at Elk Rapids Cinema. People came anyway.
On Wednesday night, despite dangerous travel conditions, the cinema’s 300 seat auditorium filled to capacity for an exclusive screening of All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes. Extra chairs were brought in so no one would have to stand. Audience members stayed through the credits, asked thoughtful questions, and lingered well after the film ended. It was one of those rare evenings that reminds us why community cinema still matters.

The event was organized by Royce Ragland of Green Elk Rapids, whose commitment to environmental education helped bring this important story to town. The evening was guided by MC James Manley, who led the discussion with clarity and care. Adding to the impact, filmmakers Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick joined live via video from Canada for an extended talkback with the audience.

During the discussion, Drebert and Melnick shared insights from their ongoing research and spoke candidly about the current state of the Great Lakes. Their work documents how invasive quagga mussels are transforming the lakes at a scale not seen since the last Ice Age, altering ecosystems in ways that are both sobering and urgent. Through breathtaking underwater cinematography, the film makes these changes visible in a way that statistics alone cannot.

The willingness of so many community members to brave the storm underscored how deeply this issue resonates locally. It was not just a film screening, but a shared moment of learning, concern, and connection.

The Elk Rapids Cinema and Green Elk Rapids extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who ventured out into the snow to be part of the evening. In the heart of winter, the turnout proved that when a story matters, this community shows up.

Past 2025 Events

Photos from our October Planning Session

Photos By: Rick Kane

August 21, Thursday, 6:00 pm. "Speaking of Wildlife"
On Thursday, August 21, Green Elk Rapids hosted author and environmental philosophy professor Christopher Preston, University of Montana.
Preston spoke to an attentive audience about the future of wildlife, the importance of endangered species in our eco systems, and the lessons we have learned: stop killing them, let them roam, and change our thinking.

Village Bird Walk with Green ER and GT Audubon Club
Saturday, June 14th, 8:00 a.m.
For any level bird watcher. Approximately 90 minutes long. Binoculars and comfy walking shoes suggested. Meet at Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Gazebo area. Limited to 15 people. There will be a waiting list so please cancel if you can't make it. Please RSVP below.

Community Science Event
Saturday, May 31, 10:00 a.m.
Citizen Science program with GreenER, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and others, on using iNaturalist app for identifying invasive species and native species. Are you interested in the plants and animals of our region and want to share that passion with others? Do you want to be a part of collecting important biological information that contributes to the management of beloved local natural areas? If so, join in this upcoming community science excursion at the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor gazebo area, at entrance to the parking lot. Learn how to use the popular community science app, iNaturalist, to submit biology observations. Please download this app in advance. GTRLC staff and GreenER volunteers will be available to guide your learning and give broader context about the importance of community science for various levels of conservation decisions, on the scale from local to International.

NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute Visit
Tuesday, May 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Green Elk Rapids will host the NMC Great Lakes Water Studies Institute and their research vessel the RV Northwestern, a 56-foot 20 passenger coastal survey vessel, which will visit the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor. The Institute and it's associated programs give students access to state-of-the-art equipment throughout their coursework. The staff and vessel will be available to both schools and community members to come down and see the RV Northwestern, learn about some of their research technology, and hear about program opportunities.

Coffee with Green Elk Rapids
Saturday, April 19th, 10:00 a.m.
Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, 401 River St. Elk Rapids
A large and attentive crowd joined the Green Elk Rapids committee to hear J. Carl Ganter, managing director of Circle of Blue present Walters future; Urgent Strategies for a Water Insecure World. Ganter addressed water situations from the Great Lakes to the world, sharing stories of harsh realities and hopeful efforts at dealing with this most precious source.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The Fish Thief
Time: 6.00 p.m. screening, 5:30 doors open
Location: Elk Rapids Cinema, Elk Rapids, Michigan

Green Elk Rapids was thrilled to have a packed auditorium to view the award winning documentary The Fish Thief. Following the showing three panelists answered many questions from the audience regarding invasive species, conservation efforts, and more. Thanks to everyone who made it out to join us!