Sustainability & Nature Lecture Series

Interlochen’s Sustainability & Nature Lecture Series offers a variety of two-hour programs focusing on creative sustainability and exploration of nature. Our goal is to inspire adult learners to interact with our local environment in a positive way. We explore conservation, artistry, and ecology while providing an educational and exciting learning experience for all.

Sustainability & Nature Lectures are $20, while our honey tasting programs require a $35 registration fee and Bonsai program a $40 fee. All events in this series require preregistration. To register, click the link below for the program you wish to attend.

Programs will be held from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the R.B. Annis Botanical Lab on the campus of Interlochen Center for the Arts, directly in front of the Interlochen Public Radio building. For more information, please contact Emily Umbarger at emily.umbarger@interlochen.org        
 

The Butterflies (and a Few Moths) of Northwest Michigan

The Grand Traverse region is home to a large number of butterflies and moths. Learn about the many common butterflies and a few that you might never see in a lifetime of searching. A select group of moths will also be included.

Dr. Duke Elsner - Presenter
Dr. Elsner is a local renowned entomologist and bee and butterfly expert. While retired from teaching, he still can be found working on local programs through the Michigan State University Extension Office in the Grand Traverse Region.

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Observing, Collecting, and Preserving Insects

Learn about several methods and the simple equipment you need for observing and collecting insects. In this lecture-demonstration, you'll have the opportunity for hands-on experience in insect preservation.

Dr. Duke Elsner - Presenter
Dr. Elsner is a local renowned entomologist and bee and butterfly expert. While retired from teaching, he still can be found working on local programs through the Michigan State University Extension Office in the Grand Traverse Region.

Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Bonsai Workshop

Have you ever wondered how bonsai are created? Join us for an interactive evening designed for anyone who is interested in learning more about the incredible art and fascinating science of bonsai. You'll create your own indoor bonsai starter with experts from the Sakura Bonsai Society, who will be on hand to guide you step-by-step along the way. You'll receive a small starter bonsai plant, bonsai pot, and instructions necessary to create your own mini masterpiece to take home. 

Rod and Janet Kivell - Presenters
Rod and Janet Kivell are members of the Sakura Bonsai Society of Northern Michigan. The Society was founded in 1990 and is comprised of artists of all ages and years of experience.

Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $40

Register Here
 

Botanical Gelli Printmaking

Gather botanical material outside and learn how to print in very thin, translucent color layers with printing tools that consist of paper, paint, Gelli pads, and brayers. You'll create compositions of botanical materials of different shapes and sizes. You'll learn how to use the proper tools and techniques to achieve your creative vision through an instructor-led process.

Autumn Kirby - Presenter
Autumn Kirby is an artist, musician, and still-life painter who loves sharing her knowledge with students of all ages and abilities. She graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Western Michigan University. She has worked with NMC College for Kids, Interlochen College for Creative Arts, Source MN, Lapeer Community Health, Woodland Park Academy, and Cowell Family Cancer Center. She is currently Office Manager and a year round art teacher at Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here

Additional Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here 
 

Discovering Wild Edible Mushrooms

Did you know we have over 60 species of wild edible mushrooms in Michigan? Learn the basics of mushroom identification, popular species found in our area, and harvesting and preservation methods. You'll also learn how to grow your own mushrooms at home!

Kim Clark - Presenter
Kim has spent the past 15 years of her career at Interlochen Center for the Arts working in the IT department. In addition to her dedication to the arts, she has cultivated a passion for foraging over the past decade, becoming a Certified Mushroom Expert in the State of Michigan. Kim enjoys educating others about the natural world for both practical and healing purposes. In her personal life, she cherishes spending time with her family, engaging in activities like camping, foraging, rock-hunting, and creative projects in their home makerspace.

Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 (Lecture #1)
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024 (Lecture #2)
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Exploring Wildflower Habitats of Northern Michigan

Are you a nature lover looking for a new adventure? Join us for an informative talk and a nature walk to explore the wildflower habitats in northern Michigan. This session is designed to help you discover what it takes to be a wildflower and give you tips on how to identify specific flora. The tour will be led by our expert guide, who will provide insightful commentary on the different species of wildflowers that grow in the region, their unique characteristics, and the conditions they require to thrive. As you explore the beautiful surroundings, you'll discover the beauty and complexity of the northern Michigan wildflower habitats.

Martina Dorn - Presenter

Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Grassroots Champions: Cleaning Up Pollution in the Great Lakes

Join Author John Hartig as he retells the story of 14 people who have led grassroots efforts to clean up some of the most polluted areas of the Great Lakes. 

John Hartig - Presenter
John Hartig is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, serves on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, and chairs the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Great Lakes Way Advisory Committee. For 14 years, he served as Refuge Manager of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. John has received numerous awards for his work, including being recognized as a 2022 Crain's Detroit Business Notable Leader in Sustainability, the 2015 Conservationist of the Year Award from the John Muir Association, and a 2010 Green Leader by the Detroit Free Press. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 publications on the environment, including eight books. John’s recent book titled Waterfront Porch won a 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award in the “nature/environment” category. 

Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Invasive Species in Northwest Michigan

Join Invasive Species Network Director Audrey Menninga to learn all the basics about invasive species. You'll learn what makes a plant invasive, common invasives in Northwest Michigan and how to identify them, and how you can help prevent and control invasive species. Many invasives are easy to find, and you may be surprised to learn of some of the species that are considered invasive!

Audrey Menninga - Presenter

Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Stories That Save the Earth

Join author Heather Shumaker for an evening about the power of stories to inspire people of all ages to love and protect the environment. What touches our hearts? What inspires us to action? Come share and be inspired by the power of story. Heather will share stories from “Saving Arcadia,” as well as from her new manuscript “Monarch Mountain” and other books that spark compassion for nature, with a focus on children’s books.

Heather Shumaker - Presenter
Heather Shumaker has worked in the environmental field for 15 years, and is most recently the author of several award winning books, including The Griffins of Castle Cary, Saving Arcadia and It’s OK Not to Share. Heather is co-host of the children’s book podcast BookSmitten and speaks nationally at schools and conferences. She lives in Traverse City with her family.

Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $20

Register Here
 

Honeys of the United States

Join Willow and Janna for an evening of sweet exploration of honeys from the United States. You will learn how to taste, select, and use a wide variety of honey. The tasting will cover the origins, flavors, and culinary uses of many types of honey, looking at domestic American varietals. You will also take a walk through Interlochen's pollinator garden, with the option to visit the apiary. If you would like to visit the bees, please bring long sleeves, pants, and closed-toed shoes.

Janna Urbasic - Beekeeper
Jon Willow - Beekeeper
Janna Urbasic and Jon Willow take a stewardship approach to keeping their bees healthy and thriving and together they teach courses for NMC's Northern Naturalist certificate program.

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Time: 6 - 8 p.m. 
Registration Fee: $35

Register Here