Welcome! The Grand Traverse Audubon Club members enjoy birding together, meeting for nature-oriented programs or field trips, and participating in service projects related to the environment. We are concerned about the preservation of habitat for wildlife, and natural areas for the enjoyment of all residents. We are designated a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) and are a chapter of the Michigan Audubon Society .
Our regular programs are usually the second Thursday of the month at the Boardman River Nature Center on Cass Road at 7:00 pm which are open to members and non-members. Everyone is welcome to attend!
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Our Next Program:
September 10 (Thursday) TBD (Stay tuned – your board of directors is busily working on a fall line-up)
Our Next Field Trip
May 23 – (Saturday) Birding and Kayaking the Lower Platte River. (Two Spots Left!) (sign up below)
8:00 am BYOK: We’ll see and hear waterbirds, shorebirds, warblers, and others. We’ll be passing through Loon Lake and end at Lake Michigan with breathtaking views of Platte Bay and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Paddle trip is estimated at 2 to 2 1/2 hrs. Participation is understood to be at one’s own risk. Limited number of spaces (8). Registration required: Birding and Kayaking Registration. We will meet up a the put in/drop off and ready to shuttle by 8:00. Lower Platte River Kayak Drop Off. We will shuttle to the take-out at Platte Beach. *National Park Pass Required*
Contact Leaders Jenny Young (jenny@timandjenny.com) & Kathie Wiley (dujour1@gmail.com)
Our Next Sunday Bird Walk
Sunday Bird Walks
Join us at various locations around the area for a birding experience designed for those just getting started or wanting to polish their skills. We’ll focus on identification skills, not just a big list. Outing time for the next Bird Walks will be announced via Bird Alert. Contact Coordinators listed below.
(Stay tuned to the Sunday Bird Walks of 2026; more to be announced in the next coming months.)
May 24 – 8:00 am –Shumsky Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yh9QYuQv5cPHLFMTA (Shumsky’s Canoe Launch)
Walking surface is a short walk along the road and Boardman River.
Contact Leader Jenny Young (jenny@timandjenny.com)
Our Next Community Partner Events:
May 23 – 9:30 am: Young Birders Hike – Lighthouse West
Leelanau Conservancy sponsored beginner young birder hike:
Join us for a fun and educational birding adventure designed especially for students in grades 4–8! During this guided hike at Lighthouse West Natural Area, participants will explore local habitats while learning how to spot and identify a variety of bird species. Binoculars will be provided if needed. Registration required:
Bird Detectives: Nature Hike for Young Explorers – The Leelanau Conservancy
Questions / Comments about GT Audubon:
To view a list of our 2026 Events:
Join the Grand Traverse Audubon Club…