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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.
The newly paved parking lot at Riley Trails is open!
 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 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 Program:
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.
*Scholarships are available for all camps. To apply click here.
*Registration tip: Use the "Category 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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 Wetland Restoration Registration
Brian Majka, with GEI Consultants of Michigan, will introduce people to
the importance of wetlands and how we can restore this valuable habitat through
classroom instruction and field visits to a variety of wetland restoration
projects currently underway in Muskegon County. Following the classroom
portion, participants will travel to a variety of wetland restoration projects
in various stages of completion to better understand the process.
For more information click here, registration required
This Week's Programs & Events
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Just Added!
Butterflies and Caterpillars . . . Oh My!
Discover the diversity of butterflies and caterpillars found at Hemlock Crossing County Park.
After a short presentation about a butterfly often mistaken as a Monarch, we'll go out with local butterfly and moth enthusiast, Brad Ensing, to find more caterpillars and butterflies along the meadow and forest.
No registration required.
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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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Wildlife Encounter - Kids! Hunter of the Meadow: Praying Mantis
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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Summer Camp: Habitat Hunt (K - 3rd grade)
July 25, 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM at Grand River Park (5 - 8 year old)
Hop in the meadow, trek through the woods, and follow the river to see the different plants and animals that live in each ecosystem.
Registration required.
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Junior Naturalist Day Camp: Buggin' Out (4th-5th grade)
July 26, 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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 Kayak the Grand Camp (6th - 8th grade)
July 27, 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM at Connor Bayou
This kid friendly introduction to kayaking will spend instructional time on shore and in the water, and will include familiarization with kayaks, boat entry and exit technique, paddling technique, and kayaking safety.
Guides will also share insight into the sights and sounds of Crockery Creek with 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.
*Partial scholarships
are available, please call the Nature Education Center at 616-786-4847
Registration required.
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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
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Wildlife Encounter: Hunter of the Meadow: Praying Mantis
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 moderate difficulty.
No registration required.
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Discover the Dunes
The iconic dunes of Lake Michigan are at their peak for exploration during summer. Encounter what life abounds in this harsh environment and discover the story of how these dunes came to be.
Geared for adults and children 12+. Hike will be over steep terrain including long stairways.
No registration required.
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 Blueberries and Bikes (6th - 8th grade)
August 3, 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM at Riley Trails
Discover the joy of cruising along bike trails through Ottawa County's scenic blueberry fields and along the Lakeshore. Campers get the whole day to explore the neighborhood and beyond!
The fun begins at Riley Trails with group activities and will end at Tunnel Park. Along the way, "cruisers" will experience the empowerment and joy of discovering new places through their own person-powered transportation. Participants will need their own bike and helmet.
This camp is for kids entering 6th grade to those entering 8th 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 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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