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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.
FYI North Ottawa Dunes will be closed to Friday, Nov 17 - Monday, Nov 20 for the annual deer management hunt. The park will re-open Tuesday, Nov 21 at 7 am. Thank you!
 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.
 Winter Open House . . . with Santa!
Santa & Mrs. Claus are returning by popular
demand to the Nature Education Center! Enjoy refreshments and capture the scene
as little ones have a special talk with Santa & Mrs. Claus. There will be
craft activities in the classroom, things to explore in the Wildlife Den, as well
as cookies and hot cocoa. Check out this event on Facebook.
The Weaver House will also be open and decorated
for the holidays. Please note that Santa will NOT be at the Weaver House.
This event is free and is kindly hosted by the
Friends of Ottawa County Parks. Interested in becoming a Friend to help with
events like this? Check out their website: http://friendsofocp.org/
No registration required.
 Guided Birding Tour of Muskegon County Wastewater System
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is excited to invite the public to join a guided caravan tour of Muskegon County Wastewater System on Friday, November 17, 2017, from 9AM to approximately 2PM. The tour will meet at the Muskegon State Game Area headquarters at 7600 Messinger Rd, Twin Lake, MI 49457 at 9AM. This location is about 3 miles north of the wastewater off Maple Island Road.
The Muskegon County Wastewater System is owned by Muskegon County, but co-managed for waterfowl by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The wastewater hosts regionally-significant numbers of waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds each spring and fall, with over 10,000 Ruddy Ducks and 10,000 Northern Shovelers present annually.
A permit is required to enter the wastewater property, which can be obtained at 698 N Maple Island Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442 (located 1.25 miles east of Maple Island on White Rd.) during normal working hours (Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM). **Note: those coming for the tour do not need to pick up their permits in advance.
To learn more about this event click here.
This Week's Programs & Events
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Pigeon Creek Park Through Hike
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 park.
Moderate terrain includes wide dirt trails and some boardwalk with some up and down.
Round Trip: ~3 miles
Registration required.
**Fee is refundable upon participation
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Wildlife Encounter - Kids! White-tailed Deer
November 12, 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
The Wildlife Encounter-Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own region. Each program includes activities, walk and take-home craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult; for ages 5-12.
Registration required.
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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
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Lake Watch Birding
Join us at Holland State Park for a morning of watching bird migration along the shores of Lake Michigan! Waterfowl, gulls, and more will be the focus of this stationary bird outing.
Meet at the parking area before we move out to the pier. You can join for the duration or for however long you are able. Be sure to dress in warm layers for cold and windy conditions.
No registration required.
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Wildlife Encounter: White-tailed Deer
November 18, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
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.
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Exoplanets Update
November 18, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
New observing techniques and instruments have resulted in the discovery of over 3000 planets orbiting other stars in our Milky Way, including Proxima Centauri, the star nearest to the Sun. Could these planets hold life forms? What is the "habitable zone" around a star? Come and find out. Find out more about this program and other SAAA programs on their Facebook page by clicking here.
No registration required.
*This program was moved from November 25 to November 18.
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Grand Ravines Through Hike
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.
Moderate terrain includes paved and dirt paths along with a long set of stairs and the new suspension bridge!
BYO snack at scenic lodge overlooking the Grand River.
Round Trip: ~3 miles
Registration required.
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