WLAC Releases Fall 2026 Events Schedule
Fall is an especially beautiful time to explore the Walloon Lake watershed—and this season, the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) is offering a variety of opportunities to get outside, learn something new, and take part in conservation.
WLAC’s fall 2026 community engagement and education schedule includes educational presentations, guided paddles and hikes, stream monitoring opportunities, invasive species removal workdays, and family programming. All events are free and open to the public, and many offer opportunities to explore WLAC preserves and learn more about the natural systems that make the Walloon Lake watershed special.
“Conservation is most effective when people have opportunities to experience the places they are working to protect,” said Jon Breithaupt, Executive Director of WLAC. “Our fall schedule gives people a chance to learn from experts, get outside, and contribute directly to the health of Walloon Lake and its watershed.”
Learn About Walloon Lake and Its Natural Communities
The fall schedule begins with two presentations through the WLAC Summer Speaker Series.
On Tuesday, September 1, Monica Gruler of Gruler Gardens will lead Choosing Native Plants for Your Garden at The Talcott Event Venue. The presentation will explore how incorporating native plants into residential landscapes can support pollinators, improve soil health, and reduce runoff entering the watershed.
Then, on Tuesday, September 15, WLAC will welcome Heather Hettinger, Fish Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for The Walloon Lake Fishery. Participants will learn about fish populations, habitat conditions, and current fisheries management efforts on Walloon Lake.
“These events are designed to be approachable, informative, and fun,” said Laura Morris, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement at WLAC. “You don’t have to be an experienced volunteer to join us. We want people to come curious, ask questions, meet their neighbors, and discover new ways to connect with Walloon Lake.”
Explore Walloon Lake and WLAC Preserves
Several fall events will take participants outdoors to experience the watershed firsthand.
On Saturday, September 12, Wander Walloon: Guided Wildlife Viewing Paddle will explore Walloon Lake near WLAC’s Schoof’s Creek Nature Area. Participants can bring a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard and learn about the birds, mammals, and other wildlife that depend on the lake and surrounding watershed.
The season continues with a Guided Mushroom Foray at Wildwood Harbor Nature Area on Saturday, October 17, offering an opportunity to discover the diverse fungi found in Northern Michigan forests and learn about their important ecological roles.
On Sunday, October 25, WLAC staff will lead a Guided Fall Color Hike at Postle Farm Preserve. Participants will explore the preserve during the fall color season while learning about the forest communities and natural features that make the property unique.
For families, the SpOoOoky Hike on Friday, October 23, will offer a different kind of preserve experience. Families can explore the trails at Postle Farm Preserve while enjoying candy stations, a warm fire, pumpkin painting, and other Halloween-themed activities centered around the preserve’s historic red barn.
Get Involved in Conservation
Fall also provides opportunities for community members to participate directly in WLAC’s stewardship and water quality programs.
On October 1 and 2, volunteers can join WLAC staff for seasonal stream monitoring at Fineout Creek and Schoof’s Creek. Participants will help collect information about stream conditions and water quality while learning how tributaries contribute to the overall health of Walloon Lake. A limited number of waders will be available for volunteers.
Two additional volunteer workdays will focus on woody invasive species removal. On Thursday, October 15, volunteers will work at Wildwood Harbor Nature Area, followed by another workday at Fields Preserve on Friday, November 6. Participants will learn basic invasive species identification and removal techniques while helping improve wildlife habitat. No previous experience is necessary.
These hands-on programs are an important part of WLAC’s broader stewardship work and provide an opportunity for community members to contribute directly to conservation on the ground.
Fall 2026 Event Schedule
WLAC Summer Speaker Series: Choosing Native Plants for Your Garden
Tuesday, September 1 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. | The Talcott Event Venue
Join Monica Gruler of Gruler Gardens to learn how native plants can support pollinators, improve soil health, and reduce runoff.
Wander Walloon: Guided Wildlife Viewing Paddle
Saturday, September 12 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. | Jones Landing Township Park
Explore Walloon Lake by kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard while learning about the wildlife that depends on the lake and surrounding watershed.
WLAC Summer Speaker Series: The Walloon Lake Fishery
Tuesday, September 15 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | The Talcott Event Venue
Learn about Walloon Lake’s fishery from Heather Hettinger, Fish Biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Fineout Creek Stream Monitoring
Thursday, October 1 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Cedar Valley Preserve
Help WLAC staff and volunteers monitor Fineout Creek and learn how tributary conditions influence Walloon Lake.
Schoof’s Creek Stream Monitoring
Friday, October 2 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Fields Preserve
Assist with field observations and water quality monitoring while learning about the role of Schoof’s Creek in the Walloon Lake watershed.
Woody Invasive Species Removal Workday
Thursday, October 15 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Wildwood Harbor Nature Area
Work alongside WLAC staff to remove woody invasive species and improve wildlife habitat. No experience is necessary.
Wander Walloon: Guided Mushroom Foray
Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Wildwood Harbor Nature Area
Explore the preserve and discover the fascinating fungi found in Northern Michigan forests and the ecological roles they play.
SpOoOoky Hike
Friday, October 23 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Postle Farm Preserve
Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween evening featuring candy stations, a warm fire, pumpkin painting, and exploration of the preserve trails.
Wander Walloon: Guided Fall Color Hike
Sunday, October 25 | 1:00–2:30 p.m. | Postle Farm Preserve
Explore Postle Farm Preserve during the fall color season and learn about the forest communities and natural features of the property.
Woody Invasive Species Removal Workday
Friday, November 6 | 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Fields Preserve
Help WLAC continue its stewardship work at Fields Preserve by removing woody invasive species and improving wildlife habitat.
All fall events are free and open to the public. Additional information, event details, and registration information are available at www.walloon.org/events.
The mission of Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy is to deliver Walloon Lake, a place where people and nature thrive, to the next generations through the power of conservation. Through land protection, water quality monitoring, stewardship, and conservation education, WLAC works to preserve the ecological integrity and natural beauty of the Walloon Lake watershed.