NaturE-mail from Ottawa County Parks

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 09/21/2017 03:13 PM EDT

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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.

Announcements

Grand Ravines Invitation

Please join us for the Grand Ravines Park dedication on October 5, from 4-7pm. 

The event starts at Grand Ravines - South, for more information click here.

Step it Up

Step it Up Challenge

Group Walk & Wrap Up Party! - September 21, 6:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Join us for our guided group walk and wrap up party!  

Light refreshments will be provided afterwards.

For questions contact Amy at 616-393-5799

This Week's Programs & Events

Kayaking in the Fall

Colors by Kayak 

September 23, 9:30 AM- 1:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing 

Bask in the fall colors along the Pigeon River by kayak. Some kayak experience is needed. 

Registration required.

Wildlife Encounter: Monarchs on the Move 

September 23, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing 

Monarchs embark on a momentous migratory journey each fall. Discover how they do it, what troubles they face, and what we can do to help. Then go for a hike to watch for them as they head south to Mexico for the winter.

The Wildlife Encounters series introduces participants to wildlife found in our 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.

 Monarch Butterfly
Stars & Galaxy

The Autumn Sky 

September 23, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing  

The autumn months often provide clear skies, mild temperatures, and earlier sunsets, all of which make for good viewing. 

With the Summer Triangle overhead, Hercules to the west and Pegasus to the east, there are still plenty of constellations, stars, star clusters, and even a galaxy or two to observe. 

For more information click here. 

No registration required.

Open House at Grand Ravines Lodge 

September 24, 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM at Grand Ravines - North

The Lodge at Grand Ravines - North will be open to the public every Sunday in September and October from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Staff will be available to answer questions.

No registration required.

 Grand Ravines Lodge
Pigeon Creek Park

Pigeon Creek Park Through Hike 

September 24, 2:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Pigeon Creek Park 

Get out and enjoy the fall colors as you venture ALL THE WAY THROUGH this amazing park! A guide will lead you through, so you'll have all the more reason to soak in the beauty and uniqueness of this area.

Moderate terrain includes wide dirt trails and some boardwalk with some up and down. 

Round Trip: ~3 miles

Registration required.

Fall Bird Walks 

September 27, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Grand River Park

Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us as we walk for warblers and search for sparrows on these birding walks highlighting parks all around the county. 

No registration required.

*Moderate terrain will be flat, but will include dirt pathways.

 

 Chestnut sided warbler

Upcoming Programs/Workshops

Hemlock Crossing

Fall Colors Walk 

September 30, 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM at Hemlock Crossing

Why do leaves change color? Find out as we search for multi-colored leaves from a variety of deciduous leaves along the trail. 

No registration required

Capturing Fall Colors with Watercolor 

September 30, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing 

Enjoy the fabulous fall colors in a unique way this season! As part of the Nature's Paintbrush Series, Art Instructor and Naturalist, Nancy Berg, will guide you through a step by step watercolor painting lesson with the subject matter being Autumn Leaves. 

All materials and instruction booklet will be provided. 

Registration required.

*Feel free to join the Autumn Colors walk from 9-10 am at Hemlock Crossing for some pre-workshop inspiration.

 Watercolored Leaves
Hemlock Crossing

Stewardship Volunteer Workday: Hemlock Crossing Seed Collecting 

September 30, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

The public can also help keep the parks beautiful and combat invasive species. We could use your help!

Never volunteered for a stewardship workday before? No problem! Here is what you should know:

- Bring work gloves (preferably leather), insect repellent and appropriate outdoor gear.

- All necessary tools, drinking water and snacks will be provided.

- No preregistration is required.

- All ages are welcome, however we do ask that those under 16 are supervised by an

adult.

- Work days are cancelled if raining.

No registration required. 

Colors by Kayak  

October 1, 1:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Bask in the fall colors along the Pigeon River by kayak. Some kayak experience is needed. 

Registration required. 

 Kayaker on Pigeon River