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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.
 Step it Up Challenge
Starts August 14, 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM at Pigeon Creek Park
Join us for one or all of our group walks as we explore the different parks in Ottawa and Allegan counties!
Each walk will have a naturalist to help participants enjoy the natural beauty of the park at a leisurely pace as well as a fitness leader for those that want to get their heart rate pumping!
For the full group walk schedule click here.
For questions contact Amy at 616-393-5799
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 Visit the Ottawa Beach Pump House
Open Houses every Thursday evening from 4 pm-7 pm in August
Every Saturday morning from 9:30 am-12 pm in 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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 Aquatic Invasive Animal Training
Over 180 aquatic invasive species from around the world have
established breeding populations in the Great Lakes Basin. Many of these
species have had significant impacts on the environmental and economic health
of the region. Participants will learn about the far-reaching effects
these invaders have caused as well as how to identify several of these invasive
species that are spreading through the inland waters of West Michigan by Dr.
Dan O’Keefe, with Michigan Sea Grants. This class will also feature
a field portion to help participants locate and sample likely habitants for
these invaders.
For more information, and/or to register, click here. Registration required
This Week's Programs & Events
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Summer Night Sounds
When darkness falls on the forest, sounds can become creepy and unfamiliar. Bring a flashlight and join a naturalist to explore some of the sounds of nocturnal critters in the woods!
No registration required.
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Mountain Biking 101
August 5, 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM at Riley Trails
Learn basic mountain biking skills through a step-by-step process, beginning on the easiest trail loop. Participants will need a hybrid mountain bike with six or more gears and are required to wear a helmet.
Velo City Cycle will provide helmets and mountain bikes for $10, if requested.
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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Junior Grand Ravines Hike Summer Camp (6th - 8th grade)
Come out and explore the ravines! You will have much to share about these engaging activities along the trail. Afterwards, enjoy your lunch on the deck of the Grand Ravines Lodge overlooking the Grand River.
This camp is for kids entering 6th grade to those entering 8th grade.
Registration required.
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Crafting with Nature Summer Camp (3rd-6th grade)
Does your 3rd-6th grader love creating and developing unique crafts?
This 3-hour camp provides the materials and guidance that nurtures children to work with natural materials and create handmade treasures of their own.
Registration required.
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Junior Naturalist Day Camp: The Buzz about Bees (4th-5th grade)
August 9, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Pine Bend
What's happening in the hive? Bees provide us with more than just honey. We invite you to learn about how bees live and why they are important to the county's ecosystems.
Registration required.
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Outdoor Survival 2 Day Camp (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 second afternoon 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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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
Discover the Dunes - For Kids!
Summer is for days at Lake Michigan and exploring outdoors! Why not do both at once? Through a hike and activities you'll encounter a diversity of life in this harsh environment and discover the story of how the dunes came to be. Recommended for ages 8-12.
Hike will be over steep terrain including long stairways.
No registration required.
*Parking fees are in effect, day passes are $7.00.
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 Junior North Ottawa Dunes Day Hike (6th - 8th grade)
Spend the day trekking the shoreline and back dunes of Lake Michigan. This hike will include outdoor learning activities, on the trail games, and time to enjoy the beach.
This camp is for kids entering 6th grade to those entering 8th grade.
Registration required.
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 Summer Day Camp: Down & Dirty Decomposers
August 15, 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM at Grand River Park (K-3rd grade)
August 16, 9:30 AM- 11:00 AM at Hemlock Crossing (3yr - pre-k)
August 16, 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing (K - 3rd grade)
August 16, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Pine Bend (4th - 5th grade)
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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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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