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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.
 Mug Club Pre-Sale
Coffee with the Birds 2018 Mug Club Memberships are now available
for sale on November 25!
Show your support for the Nature Education Center and the Coffee
with the Birds program by purchasing your 2018 MUG CLUB mug! The mug will feature
a bird-of-the-year, and membership will come with special bird-related perks
through the year. A great holiday gift for a bird lover!
Membership: $25/person
Member Perks:
- Our
first, limited edition mug
- Members
have the option to keep their mug at the Nature Center for each Coffee with the
Birds Program and for use with punch card
- Hot
Drink Punch Card: 10 free drinks
- Entry
into a members-only raffle for prizes including a free birding field trip,
binocular strap, bird feeder
- Two
Member-Only Bird Walks (Spring & Fall)
Mug design with our 2018 Bird of the Year will be unveiled at
the December 2 Coffee with the Birds program. There are a limited number of
mugs available for sale. Purchase
your membership online on 11/25 or call the Nature Center!
Mug pick up will be available after December 2.
 Coffee with the Birds
Session 1: 9:30 AM- 10:20 AM
Birding Tidbit: 10:30 AM- 11:00 AM
Session 2: 11:10 AM- 12:00 PM
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders and discuss various birding topics with a naturalist. Bring your bird questions, curiosities and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug! Donations for bird food appreciated.
* There will be 2 sessions of the Feeder Watching portion of Coffee with the Birds to choose from: 9:30 and 11:10 am.
* Birding Tidbits - 10:30am - Bite-sized presentations on anything bird-related. From tidbits on bird identification, and birding equipment to stories of birding adventures, these short programs are sure to be entertaining and informative. Be ready to share your experiences too!
No registration required.
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 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.
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Open House at the Weaver House
December 3, 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Pine Bend
Friends of Ottawa County Parks will be hosting an open house at the Weaver House this Sunday. Please stop by to view this historic home which they have decorated for the holidays.
No registration required.
*Please note that Santa will not be at the Weaver House, he will be at the Nature Education Center.
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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
Fireside Storytime
December 10, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Snuggle up by the fire with your kids for nature stories, and a mug of hot chocolate! Don't forget a comfy pillow and blanket! An optional walk will be offered afterward.
Recommended for ages 3-8. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration required.
*Registration fee refundable upon participation
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 Keep it Active Winter Walk
December 9, 2:30 PM- 4:00 PM at Kirk Park
Don't hibernate..... activate! These winter walks aim to keep you outside and active during the long, cold months of winter.
Join parks naturalists for a one hour "sauntering" walk. Meet new people, discover a new Ottawa County park, or enjoy the same one in a different season.
Registration required.
**Registration fee refundable upon registration
If snow conditions allow, we will use snowshoes. Bring your own or register ahead to reserve a pair.
IF YOU ARE RENTING SNOWSHOES: In the registration comment section, please enter the snowshoe size using the information below. Snowshoe size is more dependent upon weight than shoe size.
Weight Range up to 165 lbs. Size 13 **best for kids and lightweight adults
Weight Range up to 180 lbs. Size 9
Weight Range up to 205 lbs. Size 10
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 Nature-Inspired Ornaments
December 17, 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Create two ornaments using all natural materials. This program is geared toward adults and children 12+.
Registration required.
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