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

Ottawa County Parks t-shirts

Ottawa County Parks t-shirts are now available for sale at the Nature Education Center! We are excited to sell two types of tee:

1) The comfy tee - artwork by William Overbeeke

>> Unisex soft cotton-twill in charcoal

>> Women’s cut soft cotton-twill in indigo

*These run a little snug.

2) The tech tee - artwork by Devani Antumi

>> Unisex tech fabric in Kelly green

>> Women’s tech fabric in Carolina blue

*These run a little large, particularly the unisex.

All shirts are $15 each, plus tax.

At the beginning of the year a judging committee chose two design submissions to be printed on shirts. Owen Loughrin & Sally Salkowski were also chosen as competition finalists. A huge thank you to these artists who allowed us to use their wonderful work on tee shirts. *We are working to sell the shirts online, but as of now you must visit the Nature Center during operating hours to purchase them. Call with any questions: 616-786-4847.

Do you have leftover eclipse glasses? If so, and you would like to donate them to a good cause the Astronomers without Borders will be donating used glasses to schools in South America and Asia for the eclipse cross in 2019. 

Hemlock Crossing is a registered collection site. Please drop off any glasses that you would like to donate at the Nature Education Center, and we will take care of the shipping.

Internship Opportunity

Help us spread the word! The Ottawa County Department of Public Health​ is hiring an intern to help with the Step it Up Walking Challenge. We are really excited to have extra support on this program. Please help us find a great candidate.

Position description

Apply online

This Week's Programs & Events

Fall Fungus Frenzy  October 28, 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.  *This program was rescheduled from Oct. 14th to the 28th due to stormy weather.

"Haunted?" Hike!  October 28, 2:30 PM- 4:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing There's nothing scary about this family hike! Come dressed in your costume (although not a requirement) ready to explore the paved trail. Along the way, you'll learn about critters of the season through a variety of activities.  Then we will "scare up" some donuts and cider in the Nature Education Center.  Registration required.

Free Planetarium Software Explained  October 28, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing   There are a number of free planetarium programs available in the Internet for all to download to their home computers and laptops. They are quite versatile and allow the user to learn about the universe and all its wonders.  To find out more details about this event, and other programs hosted by the SAAA click here. No registration required.

Open House at Grand Ravines Lodge  October 29, 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.

Upper Macatawa Natural Area Through Hike  October 29, 2:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Upper Macatawa Natural Area - West  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 the area. Description: Moderate terrain on mainly paved and mowed grass trails, some in lower areas that *may* be wet (overly wet areas will be avoided).  Registration required.  Round Trip: ~3.5 miles **Fee is refundable upon participation

Upcoming Programs/Workshops

Full Moon Night Walk  November 3, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Grand Ravines - North 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.

Waterfowl Birding Field Trip  November 4, 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM at various locations Witness the spectacle of waterfowl migration at local hot spots including the Coopersville area and the well-known Muskegon Wastewater Facility. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.  Registration required.

Birding Walk  November 5, 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM at Connor Bayou  November 8, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Upper Macatawa Natural Area- West 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. Moderate terrain is flat but will include dirt pathways.  No registration required.

Hemlock Crossing by Instagrammer@tabitharowley

We want to see your park photos! Connect with us on Instagram by tagging your park photos@ottawacountyparks or #ottawacountyparks 

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