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
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, grapes, and asparagus. Several varieties are available including pines, spruces, sycamores, birches, maples, oaks, lilacs, spicebushes, 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
Invasive Plants in Eaton County and Spring Planting
April 18, 9:00 a.m.
551 Courthouse Dr, Charlotte, MI
Join us for a free workshop on invasive plant species in Eaton County! Learn how to identify, report, and manage invasive plants with Stephanie Day, Mid-Michigan CISMA Coordinator. You’ll explore common invasives like garlic mustard, autumn olive, buckthorn, and Oriental bittersweet, along with their ecological impacts and treatment options. The workshop begins with a classroom session at 551 Courthouse Dr, Charlotte, followed by a visit to the Charlotte Forest Garden (1502 Combsdale Dr) to see invasive species firsthand. Refreshments will be provided. After the workshop, attendees are encouraged to volunteer to help plant trees and shrubs in the Charlotte Forest Garden.
Trees & Water & Worms--Oh My! Earth Week Open House
April 23, 2026, 5:30-7 p.m.
Grand Ledge District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St. Grand Ledge, MI
Learn some fun hands-on STEAM Earth Science! Kids get "hands on" with worms-- nature's recyclers-- at the Vermicomposting display from Eaton County Resource Recovery, learn about local wildlife & ecosystems from Eaton County Parks, see how water moves through our ecosystem using the hands-on "EnviroScape" from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and play "How Lucky is Your Duck" from the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management. Free seed giveaways (while supplies last), crafts and information on other green initiatives in our community. Families who registered for a Free Tree seedling for their children from our partner Neighborhood Forest will be notified when the trees are ready for pickup too!
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!
MSU Extension and MM-CISMA Spring Wildflower Walk
May 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Valhalla Park, 2287 Pine Tree Rd, Holt, MI
Celebrate the beauty of spring in Mid-Michigan with a guided Spring Wildflower Walk. This free educational program will introduce you to Michigan’s seasonal blooms, including white trillium, spring beauty, mayapple, trout lily, bloodroot, wood anemone, dutchman’s breeches and many other early-emerging native wildflowers. Led by Stephanie Day from the Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and Paige Filice from Michigan State University Extension, the walk will highlight how to identify common spring wildflowers, their ecological roles, and tips for protecting native plant communities. Participants will explore Valhalla Park’s wooded trails while learning how to observe wildflowers responsibly. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please bring your own water and snacks. The event is free, but registration is requested, see link below.
Adopt-A-River
Saturday, May 9, 2026, River Clean Up 8:30-11 a.m.
Brunch and exhibits at Impression 5: 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Adopt a River was started by BWL in 1994 to restore pride in one of our area’s great natural resources. The event encourages businesses, unions, schools and civic groups to adopt sections of the Grand and Red Cedar rivers and to keep their banks and nearby areas clean and free from litter.
Help us keep our local rivers and adjacent spaces beautiful! Participants are asked to bring their own gloves for cleanup, and will receive a complimentary water bottle to fill along with a free brunch and admission to Impression 5 Science Center after the cleanup.
Learn more
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.
How to Build a Rain Garden Workshop
June 1, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church, 4515 Dobie Rd., Okemos MI 48864
Learn how to build a rain garden with a certified Master Gardener in this free workshop hosted in conjunction with MSU Extension, the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, and Meridian Township. Participants will discover the importance of rain gardens and will leave with plans and guidance on how to plant their own rain garden at their home or business. Many experts and fellow gardeners will be in attendance to provide hands-on experience with plant selection. A handbook and rain garden tour is included!
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.