For Businesses
Businesses, institutions, churches and medical facilities all play a role in protecting our local waterways. Check out these housekeeping tips for ways to reduce your contribution to stormwater pollution. You can also contact the GLRC to partner in educating your staff and customers on pollution prevention.
LOCAL EVENTS
Check here for information on local paddling events, river clean-ups, green infrastructure, pollution prevention/recycling, educational seminars, and more!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Winter Salt Week
January 26-30, 2026
Winter Salt Week is a collaboration of governmental and non-governmental organizations across the United States and Canada. Register for free featured 30-minute livestreams where experts will be diving into chloride, effects, success stories, monitoring, leading change and solutions to using less chloride. Participate in hour-long conversation tables on January 30.
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January 26: Freshwater salinization (12:30 p.m. CDT)
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January 27: Salt Wise stories (12:30 p.m. CDT)
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January 28: Smart Salting for Community Leaders workshop (10:00 a.m. CDT)
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January 28: Smart Salting contracts (12:30 p.m. CDT)
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January 29: Engineering solutions (12:30 p.m. CDT)
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January 30: Conversation tables
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Advocating for change (11 a.m. CDT)
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Salt monitoring 101 (noon CDT)
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Quiet Adventures Symposium
February 28, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University, 4301 Farm Ln, Lansing, MI
Join GLRC at the 31th Annual Quiet Adventures Symposium will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 on the Michigan State University campus between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm. Stop by the GLRC booth for a free bag or dog waste bag dispenser. The Symposium is hosted by the nonprofit Quiet Adventures Society, formerly the Quiet Water Society. Wondering what Quiet Adventures Symposium is all about? Check out the new video by Thom Bell: "30 Years of Quiet Adventures Symposium"
Wildflower Association of Michigan Native Plant Conference
March 7-8, 2026
Kellogg Center at Michigan State University, 219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
The theme of the conference will be “Natives and Nature: Cultivating Connections" and the keynote speaker will be Dr. Doug Tallamy. The presenters will focus on the role native plants play in establishing and supporting biodiversity in our world and how individuals can have a lasting impact. The organizers expect the Conference to sell out so register early.
Sustainable Fashion Show and Green Fair
March 21, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Meridian Mall, 1982 W Grand River Ave, Okemos
The Meridian Township Green Team is hosting a Sustainable Fashion Show from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, with local students and others modeling clothing on stage. The Sustainable Fashion Show is a fun opportunity to learn about fashion options that can have a positive, attractive impact on people and the planet. This event is inspired and supported by area high school and college students in sustainability-related fields. Cristo Rey Community Center will be taking donations of clothing (all seasons, but Spring/Summer preferred) for its clothing bank, and exhibitors will have clothing, crafts, information, and more. Join the GLRC, Meridian Green Team and the Meridian Conservation Corps to learn more information on environmentally friendly living.
Eaton Conservation District Spring Tree Sale
March 23, 2026: Paper mail-order forms due
March 30, 2026: Online orders due
Tree pickup at Kardell Hall, Eaton Co. Fairgrounds on April 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and April 11 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Our Spring tree and shrub sale opened January 2026 and offers evergreen seedlings and transplants, shrubs, hardwoods, fruit trees, berries and various supplies for all your tree planting needs. Native wildflower and pollinator seed mixes are available as well. The trees and shrubs are suited to a wide variety of soil conditions and uses, such as erosion control, wildlife habitat, windbreaks, and reforestation. Several varieties are available including pines, spruces, maples, oaks, redbuds, and more. This is an affordable opportunity for the community to source plants for reforestation and conservation.
Ingham Conservation District Spring Tree Sale
April 5, 2026: Paper mail-order forms due
April 10, 2026: Online orders due
Tree pickup at 1031 W. Dexter Trail Mason MI, April 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and April 18 from 9:00-4:00 p.m.
Our Spring tree and fundraiser offers evergreen seedlings and transplants, shrubs, hardwoods, fruit trees, berries, and asparagus. Several varieties are available including pines, spruces, sycamores, birches, maples, oaks, elderberries, redbuds, and more. This is an affordable opportunity for the community to source plants for reforestation and conservation.
MSU IFC 7th Annual Red Cedar River Cleanup
April 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Event Headquarters: To be announced soon.
This spring 2026 event, led by MSU's Interfraternity Council, is being organized with the goal of conducting stewardship on and along the 6.3-mile stretch of our treasured Red Cedar River, from West Meridian Township to the confluence of the Grand River. The work will include litter and trash pickup, parks beautification, Lansing River Trail grooming, and clearing any river-wide obstructions. Everything needed will be provided, including garbage bags, trash pickers, loppers, leaf blowers, PPE gloves, hand sanitizer, snacks, water, and more.
MSU Science Festival
April 1-30, 2026
STEAM Expo Zone Booth: Hands-on Science April 11-12, 2026, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Stem Teaching & Learning Facility, 642 Red Cedar Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824
The MSU Science Festival is a free annual celebration of science, fueled by some of the basic elements essential to scientific inquiry: curiosity, wonder, and discovery. With events for the whole family to enjoy, the MSU Science Festival explores topics ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. From astronomy to music, and chemistry to microbiology; scientists and educators across the state are eager to share the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Join GLRC at the STEAM Expo Zone on April 11-12 and explore our new "Ecological Restoration in Your Watershed" model, where visitors can make it rain to see how watersheds work and discover the value of wetlands. Participants will learn how wetlands and buffer zones filter stormwater pollutants and reduce flooding.
Party for the Planet
April 18, 2026, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Join GLRC at North America’s largest Earth Day celebration—-Party for the Planet at zoos around the nation! More than 120 zoos and aquariums across the country are taking part, and you’re invited to explore conservation in a fun, hands-on way—all included with standard zoo admission! There will be interactive activities so you can discover ways to make a difference for wildlife and the planet. Visit GLRC's educational station to play with a watershed model and get a free dog waste bag dispenser!
Learn more
Arbor Day at Potter Park Zoo
April 24, 2026, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Calling all tree lovers and nature enthusiasts! Join us Friday, April 24, 2026, for a day dedicated to celebrating the trees that sustain us and the wildlife that call them home. This event is included with standard zoo admission! Visit interactive conservation stations to learn about tree-dwelling animals, identify different tree species, and discover how you can help protect our forests. Pick up a free tree sapling (while supplies last) and plant your own piece of conservation!
Wild Ones Red Cedar Spring Native Michigan Plant Sale
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Meridian Township Farmers' Market, 1995 Central Park Dr., Okemos, MI 48864, USA
The Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter will be selling a nice wide variety of native Michigan wildflowers, sedges and grasses at the Meridian Township Farmers' Market. The plants are grown by Bendy Stem Farm in Dimondale Michigan and owner Ben Crocker will be on site to answer your questions. We will have plants that support birds, bees and butterflies. Add some native plants to your landscape and watch it come to life! Proceeds from this fundraiser will help the Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter continue our educational programs and provide grants to help establish native gardens in the greater Lansing area.
Eaton Conservation District Native Plant Sale & Annual Meeting
May 30, 2026
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Browse 'n Buy
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Presentation (to be announced)
2:00 p.m. Annual Meeting & Election with Award Ceremony
Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road, Lansing, MI, 48917
The Eaton Conservation District is combining two of your favorite events, this year! Join us at Woldumar Nature Center for our annual Native Plant Sale and 80th Annual Meeting & Election. In addition to a guest presentation, you will be able to shop over 100 varieties of Michigan Native plants from two local vendors, get expert tips and celebrate our 80th Birthday with awards and election for two (2) District Directors. Native plants will include prairie and woodland varieties, as well as sedges, grasses, and shrubs.
Lansing Rivers Cleanup with Michigan Waterways Stewards
June 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Event Headquarters: Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Volunteers will receive a FREE admission pass to Potter Park Zoo, good for Saturday, June 6. On this same day, in front of Potter Park Zoo’s main entrance, area conservation, environmental, and civic organizations will be exhibiting. There will be hospitality, recreation, entertainment, and other special events to celebrate our volunteers' wonderful work and our Capital City’s wondrous rivers, riverside parks, and Lansing River Trail. Everything needed will be provided, including garbage bags, trash pickers, loppers, leaf blowers, PPE gloves, hand sanitizer, snacks, water, and more.
Conservation Carnival at Lansing Lugnuts
June 28, 2026, 1:05 - 4:05 p.m.
Jackson Field, 505 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48912
The award winning Conservation Carnival returns to Jackson Field on June 28th, 2026! Eaton Conservation District is partnering with the Lansing Lugnuts create a bigger and better Conservation Carnival on June 28th during their Kids’ game! Join GLRC and watch the Lansing Lugnuts take on the Loons, play fun carnival games with a conservation theme, and win prizes! Be sure to "Spot the Pollution" and see how native plants can help reduce stormwater pollution at the GLRC booth. The game kicks off at 1:05 pm. Lucky fans will take home a native wildflower to plant.