NaturE-mail from Ottawa County Parks

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Mr. Toad

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.


Builders

We were able to capture video footage of the Grand Ravines suspension bridge being constructed and pair it with photos taken by Lee Koets throughout the project. This special parks project was funded by Bea Aldrink Idema and dedicated in honor of Ray and Alma Statema. The bridge was designed by UP Engineers and Architects and built by Anlaan Corporation

Watch the video!

*Easiest access to the bridge is on south side of the park, off Fillmore; take paved path on east side of the park about a quarter of a mile.


This Week's Programs & Events

Full Moon Night Walk 

October 6, 8:00 PM- 9:30 PM at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - West

Experience your favorite park in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight! For ages 10+. 

Registration required.

Full Moon
Nashville Warbler

Birding Walk 

October 7, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - West  

October 11, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Grand Ravines - South

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.

Easy to moderate terrain includes some paved walkway and some dirt and mowed grass pathways. Water-proof footwear may be helpful on dewy mornings. 

No registration required.

Mt. Pisgah Raptor Watch 

October 8, 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Historic Ottawa Beach - Mount Pisgah 

Join us at the peak of Mt. Pisgah to watch for migrating birds of prey. Feel free to come and go as you like. Program length will depend upon the weather and the number of birds seen. Bring drinking water, hat, sunglasses, and binoculars.

Hike to summit is strenuous. 

No registration required.

Mt. Pisgah
Grand Ravines Lodge

Open House at Grand Ravines Lodge 

October 8, 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 October from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Staff will be available to answer questions.

No registration required.


Upcoming Programs/Workshops

Family camping

Family Camping! 

October 13 - 14, 5:30 PM- 10:00 AM at Pigeon Creek Park - Group Camp

Enjoy a family fun weekend of camping close to home. Tents and sleeping pads are available for use. 

Registration required.

Tree Fungus

Fall Fungus Frenzy 

October 14, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Riley Trails

Join fungi expert, Dennis Dunlap, for this workshop designed to help participants find and identify a variety of mushrooms and other fungi.

Registration required.

Rosy Mound

Stewardship Volunteer Workday: Rosy Mound Woody Invasive Removal

October 14, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Rosy Mound

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. 

Voyageur Canoe

Paddle a Voyageur Canoe!

October 15, 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Connor Bayou 

Take a short ride in a 26 foot replica of a voyageur "North Canoe." Discover why these canoes were so important during the fur trading era and learn about the life of a French Voyageur. 

Several 30 minute time slots will be available between the hours of 1 pm-4 pm; choose your preferred time when you register
This trip is for adults and children 12+ years.

Registration required

Open House at the Weaver House 

October 15, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Pine Bend

Friends of Ottawa County Parks will be hosting an open house at the Weaver House. 

Enjoy a stroll around the garden, see the inside of the historic building, view photos and artifacts, and hear some stories about its past. 

No registration required.

The Weaver House