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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.
Saturday, July 15, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM at Windmill Island
This festival is a free event, and is designed to get families and children engaged with Lake Macatawa, local waterways and the Macatawa Watershed. There will be hands-on activities and educational exhibits including a paddle in a Voyaguer canoe. For more information click here.
 Visit the Ottawa Beach Pump House
Open Houses every Thursday evening from 4 pm-7 pm in July and August
Every Saturday morning from 9:30 am-12 pm in July and August
Special Programs:
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
 Registration is now open for Ottawa County Summer Camps!
Day camps are available for all ages!
For ages 3-10 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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The Nature Education Center will be closed for the 4th of July
This Week's Programs & Events
Things with Wings
Butterflies & dragonflies & birds, oh my!
Can you think of all the creatures that use wings to get around?
You'll investigate what critters are getting around through the air and how they do it on this fun hike.
Geared for kids ages 8-12. The walk will be over easy terrain.
No registration required.
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Prairie Wildflower Walk
The dazzling colors of the restored native prairie are a delight to experience!
Come through the summer to see how it changes and what new flowers are in bloom each time.
Hike will be on easy terrain and paved path.
No registration required.
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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
Pigeon River Kayaking Trip
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Pigeon River by kayak as you paddle the 3.5 mile stretch to Sheldon Landing.
Return transportation is via carpool. Each trip includes a basic kayaking lesson; no experience needed.
Registration required.
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Befriending Bats
Come to Hemlock Crossing to learn about Michigan's brown bat and how you can make a positive impact through best management practices.
Rotate through three short participatory stations and you'll become a bat ambassador.
This participatory program is geared for adults and children 12+ years of age.
Registration required.
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Junior Naturalist Day Camp: Slime & Scales (Amphibians and Reptiles)
July 12, 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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Half Day Survival Camp: Outdoor Survival (6th-8th grade)
Build your survival confidence by learning how to build a shelter, use a compass and start a fire. Sharpen your new skills in the final day group challenge; outdoor survival at its finest. This camp is for kids entering 6th grade to those entering 8th grade.
Registration required.
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 Art in the Outdoors Camp (6th-8th grade)
Discover Nature Through Art! Each day of this camp will offer unique art experiences to help develop the naturalist in you! You will develop artistic skills in clay, pen and ink, pastels and acrylic painting.
This class is geared toward 6th-8th graders. If you cannot join us for all 4 days, please contact the Nature Education Center at 616-786-4847 to discuss single day options.
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 an 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 an employee.
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