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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.
 Registration
for the Gold Spike Trail Tour IV, now open!
May 26, 2018 – Check in opens at 8AM and closes at 10AM
The Gold
Spike Trail Tour offers cyclists of all abilities a chance to explore the
Fred Meijer Pioneer Trail and the Musketawa Trail. The ride features:
- A one day, organized bicycle ride of one or both trails
- An out and back route that does not require cyclists to leave the trail at any point
- Options to ride 12 miles (20K), 25.5 miles (41K), 37 miles (60K), 62 miles (100K) or to turn around at any point on the trail
- Funds raised benefit The Friends of the Musketawa Trail (a 501 [c] [3] non-profit) for improved trail amenities, promotion and advocacy.
- A t-shirt with ride logo guaranteed for all early PAID registrants (early cutoff is April 15, 2018).
- SAG stations with refreshments and light snacks at Marne (10K), Conklin (20.5K), Ravenna (30K) and Muskegon (50K)
- Beautiful trails through scenic woods, farmland and wetlands
- A chance to ride with friends, family and fellow trail enthusiasts
Register
now!
The Pigeon Creek Park Lodge is OPEN and renting skis! Get out there and enjoy the snow! Make sure to dress in warm layers.
Check the trail conditions online: miOttawa.org/trails or call the hotline: 616-738-9531
 Ice Fishing
January 27, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hawthorn Pond
Enjoy a time of angling on the ice at Hawthorn Pond (near Holland) Saturday Jan. 27, from 9-12. This is a free event geared for children, accompanied by an adult. Poles and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks.
Registration is NOT required, but it is encouraged in case of a weather-related cancellation.
Alternate date: February 17
***This event is generously hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks. Friends invites you to join the all volunteer organization: friendsofocp.org
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Illustrating Trees
January 6, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Art Instructor, Nancy Berg, will teach tree drawing techniques that will help participants capture the details of tree textures using graphite, charcoal, markers, pens and ink. All materials included.
Registration required.
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 Keep it Active Winter Walk
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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Fireside Storytime
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.
No registration required.
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Upcoming Programs/Workshops
 Coffee with the Birds
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee & some baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders & discuss various birding topics with a naturalist. Bring your bird questions, curiosities and stories & don't forget your favorite mug!
*Interested in joining our Coffee with the Birds Mug Club? Learn more here: bit.ly/2018mugclub
There will be 2 sessions of the Feeder Watching 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.
Schedule:
9:30 - 10:20: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 1
10:30 - 11:00: Birding Tidbits Presentation "Hawks at my Feeder"
11:10 - 12:00: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 2
No registration required.
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Intermediate Cross-Country Ski Class
For experienced adult skiers who would like to refine their technique and ski more efficiently.
Participants must provide equipment. Rental available but not guaranteed.
Registration required.
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Astronomy at the Nature Center - Super Moon & Blue Moon
After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association will have telescopes available for observing the winter skies (weather permitting).
No registration required.
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 Skate Ski Class
For experienced adult skiers who want to learn the basics of several skate techniques. Skate skis are required, and a limited number are available to rent in the Lodge.
Participants must provide equipment. Rental available but not guaranteed.
Registration required.
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