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By Mark Constance
ROSCOMMON — The call of the Kirtland’s Warbler is unique to Northern Michigan. And a festival in Roscommon celebrates the eccentric bird this weekend.
The 2026 Kirtland’s Warbler Festival is scheduled for June 5 and 6. The Warbler committee recently announced several presenters, featured artists and special guests for this year’s event.
Jim McGrath
Jim will present “Finding and Rearing Giant Silk Moths.” McGrath is the founder of Nature Discovery and has a degree in wildlife biology from Michigan State University. He has more than 25 years of experience as an interpretive naturalist. He also teaches natural science at Montessori Children’s House in Lansing, Stepping Stones Montessori in East Lansing, and Okemos Nursery School in Okemos. He also offers youth classes through Lansing Community College.
Nicole Schafer
Nicole will present “The Art and Science of Making Kirtland’s Warbler Habitat.” Schafer has extensive experience in forest ecology, silviculture and conservation across the Great Lakes region. She has worked with the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. She now works for the American Bird Conservancy. Schafer lives in Traverse City, Michigan, with her spouse, their two dogs, Dahgo and Layla, and their cat, Boekeloo.
Richard Rensberry
Rensberry, last year’s featured author and storyteller, will return as this year’s storyteller.
Rensberry grew up and lives in Michigan. His new adventure book, “Conversations with Sasquatch, the Encounter,” is set near his home in Lewiston, Michigan. He also is the author of more than 30 books in “The Rhyme for Young Readers Series,” presented by QuickTurtle Books. His children’s book “If I Were a Lighthouse” is enjoyed by lighthouse fans around the world.
Rensberry lives with fellow author and illustrator Mary Rensberry in Fairview, MI. They are founders and operators of Books Make Booms Custom Books For Small Businesses.
The 2026 Kirtland’s Warbler Festival artwork was created by featured artist Ann Bruce. The original painting will be auctioned at the June 5 Kirtland’s Warbler Home Opener at Gahagan Nature Preserve at 8 p.m. The artwork also will be used for the 2026 Kirtland’s Warbler Festival T-shirts.
2026 Kirtland’s Warbler Weekend Schedule
Kirtland’s Warbler Festival Home Opener – Friday June 5 at Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, 585 Southline Road in Roscommon
9-11 a.m. — Banding Demonstration
5 p.m. — Wine and Beer Tasting with Appetizers
5-7 p.m. — Scavenger Hunt
5-8 p.m. — Silent Auction
7-8 p.m. — Keynote Speaker — Scott Harris — RaptorQuest — Chasing America’s Raptors
8 p.m. — Live Art Auction
Saturday, June 6
CRAF Center, 606 Lake Street in Roscommon
7 a.m. — Registration Desk Opens
7:30-9:30 a.m. — 1st Field Trip
10 a.m.-noon — 2nd Field Trip
10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Featured Artist — Ann Bruce
10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Featured Author — Scott Harris
10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Featured Storyteller — Richard Rensberry
10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Kid’s Tent, Agency and Organization personnel, Young Artists’ Contest artwork display, Door prize drawings, and more
11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Presentations: 12:30-2:40 p.m.
12:30-1:30 p.m. — Nicole Schafer — American Bird Conservancy — The Art and Science of Making Kirtland’s Warbler Habitat
1:40 pm–2:40 pm—Jim McGrath—Nature Discovery—Finding and Rearing Giant Silk Moths
3:00 pm—Kowa Binocular drawing
For questions or to join the mailing list, email kirtlandsfestival@gmail.com. The festival can be found on Facebook at kirtlandwarblerfestival and on Twitter at @KWFestival1. Donations may be made through PayPal at kirtlandsfestival@gmail.com, or by check to Kirtland’s Warbler Festival, P.O. Box 981, Roscommon, MI 48653.
