The Debra Edson Family Learning Gallery at the McMullen Family Conservation Center is occasionally made available to nonprofits and other organizations at no charge for uses that align with our mission, vision, and values.
We are now accepting requests for April 1 – November 15, 2026. Our team will review all applications for mission alignment and logistical feasibility, and respond within two weeks of receipt of your request.
Usage Restrictions
- Our facilities are available to visiting groups from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday, unless special arrangements are made and mutually agreed upon.
- All events are located in the Edson room and may include the adjoining gallery, café, and patio. We cannot accommodate events that require breakout spaces, such as conferences.
- Events taking place during working hours will be limited to the Edson room to minimize any possible noise disruption to those working in the building.
- There are parking and building capacity limitations that will be considered in reviewing your application.
- We do not accommodate private events, such as weddings, funerals, or private parties, or repeated monthly meeting space requests.
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Agreement
If your application is accepted, you will agree to:
- Allocate five minutes at the start of the event for a GTRLC representative to welcome the group and give an overview of the Conservancy’s work.
- Set up the room for the event, clean the room, and reset it to the standard configuration.
- Leave the space in the same condition. In the event of any damage, the visiting group will be responsible for assuming the cost of repair or replacement.
- Remove all trash and recycling generated by the event from the property.
- Provide proof of liability insurance to GTRLC, if requested, along with a copy of any additional permits or permissions required to carry out the proposed activity.
- Commit to scheduling time for a walkthrough of the facilities before the event, if requested.
- Coordinate the use of AV equipment with the Conservancy staff, and send all audiovisual materials to the event coordinator at least one business day before the event.
- For catered events, work with a licensed and insured caterer. The Conservancy may provide a list of preferred caterers upon request.
- If serving alcohol, work with a fully licensed and insured caterer/bartender. The Conservancy may provide a list of licensed bartenders upon request.
- For events with more than 50 guests, a minimum cleaning fee will apply.
- For events requiring equipment rental, tables, and chairs, work with selected GTRLC-approved vendors.
This request is subject to approval by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Event cancellations must be made at least one month before the event date. Last-minute event cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances will be accepted, but may not guarantee the right to reschedule.
GTRLC reserves the right to modify this agreement, including canceling it, with the visiting organization if circumstances change.