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Visit the Ottawa County Parks - Program and Events Calendar for
event details and registration.
Call the Nature Education
Center for more information: 616-786-4847.
 Ticks Spread Diseases - How to prevent tick bites
In Michigan, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease. It is spread by an infected blacklegged (deer) tick.
Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks called nymphs that feed during the spring and summer months. Nymphs can be difficult to see since they are approximately the size of a poppy seed.
In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours or more before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted. “Prompt removal of ticks is the best method to decrease the chance of Lyme disease,” said Dr. Paul Heidel, the medical director of the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. “Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, a rash, severe fatigue, facial paralysis, or joint pain within 30 days of being bitten by a tick.”
To learn more click here.
 Visit the Ottawa Beach Pump House
Open Houses June, July, and August every Thursday evening from 4 pm-7 pm
July and August every Saturday morning from 9:30 am-12 pm
Special Programs:
June 22, 7:30 pm: Black Lake movie showing
July 6, 7:30 pm: Fun with Utilities at Ottawa Beach by
Valerie van Heest
August 10, 7:30 pm: Frozen in Time: The Shipwreck John
Moran by Valerie van Heest & Craig Rich
 Historical Ottawa Beach Walking Tour
The Holland State Park and the
Holland Museum are partnering to host a walking tour from the Lake Mac Beach to
the channel.
As you walk, you’ll learn about the historical significance of
Ottawa Beach and Holland State Park.
Meet at the Lake Macatawa Beachfront and enjoy a ½ mile walk to
the channel and into the State Park
Reminder: Boardwalk parking has a two hour limit. Parking is
available at Holland State Park (Ottawa County Parks parking passes are not
valid at the State Park).
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 Registration is now open for Ottawa County Summer Camps!
Day camps are available for all ages!
For ages 10 and under there will be a different nature theme each week.
For 3rd-8th grade we have multi-day and single day adventure camps.
Registration required.
*Registration tip: Use the "Catergory of Camp" dropdown - search by grade.
For help with registration for multiple camps call the Nature Education Center at 616-786-4847
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Open House at the Weaver House
June 18, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Pine Bend
Folks are invited to stop by to tour the house and gardens, hear some history of the site, and become familiar with the possibilities to rent it for a future event.
No registration required.
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This Week's Programs & Events
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Nesting Bird Field Trip
June 17, 6:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Various Locations
Migrant birds have passed and the resident nesters have settled in. Visit several local hotspots to identify a variety of notable breeding songbirds and waterbirds. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.
Registration required.
Walking will be of Moderate difficulty.
* Details will be emailed to participants after registration.
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 Fishing for Drum
Learn to catch big fish from shore!
The freshwater drum is a hard-fighting native fish that eats invasive species like zebra mussels and round gobies. Also known as "sheephead", the drum is related to prized saltwater species like redfish and seatrout.
Michigan Sea Grant Fisheries Biologist and Educator, Dan O'Keefe will lead participants in learning drum biology and how to catch them!
Additionally, you'll learn how to clean and cook this tasty fish.
Bring your own fishing equipment and a valid Michigan fishing license (youth under 17 years of age do not need a license).
A limited number of loaner rods will be available if you do not have your own. You may also wish to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and bottled water.
Registration required.
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Wildlife Encounter: Kids! Teacher of the Woods: The Ovenbird
The Wildlife Encounter-Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region; includes activities, walk and craft.
Program is geared for children ages 5-12 years. Children must be accompanied with an adult.
Hike will be of moderate difficulty.
Registration required.
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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
Junior Naturalist Day Camp: Outdoor Survival
June 21, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Pine Bend
This day camp, for children entering 4th-5th grade, is designed to engage kids with nature through age-appropriate activities including outdoor games, explorations and crafts.
Registration required.
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 Kayaking Summer Camp
This kid-friendly kayak camp introduces the basic kayaking skills needed to confidently navigate on a small river.
Through hands-on instruction (on shore and in the water), campers will learn boat entry and exit techniques, paddling techniques and kayaking safety.
Along the way, guides will share insight into the sights and sounds of the Pigeon River as well as play games along the way!
Kayak rental fee is included in camp pricing. This camp is for kids entering 6th grade to those entering 8th grade.
Registration required.
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Wildlife Encounter - The Teacher of the Woods: The Ovenbird
The Wildlife Encounters series aim to introduce people to the amazing natural history of the wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region.
These 30-45 minute presentations are geared for older children and adults. An optional guided nature hike or local field trip will follow after the program. Hike will be of easy to moderate difficulty.
No registration required.
Star Gazing at Hemlock Crossing
Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for an informal night with the stars.
Telescopes will be available. If you have them, bring a lawn chair and binoculars.
No registration required.
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East Summer Camp: Outdoor Survival
June 27, 12:30 PM- 3:30 PM at Hager Park
This is an age-appropriate exploration of outdoor survival including topics such as water safety, orienteering, and how to build a shelter.
There are two different camps offered that day, one for kids going into K -1st grade, and 2nd - 3rd grade.
Registration required.
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Outstanding Customer Service Awards
The Ottawa County staff are always striving to provide the best customer service. If you have had a outstanding experience with one of our staff members you can nominate them for the Outstanding Customer Service Award.
Click here for more information or to nominate a employee.
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