NaturE-mail from Ottawa County Parks

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 06/15/2018 03:12 PM EDT

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Pink Lady Slippers

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

Pastel Wildflowers

Just Added! 

Wildflower Splendor - Plein-Air Painting Workshop 

June 23, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

All materials provided to create a beautiful Pastel Painting Class of the lush array of native wildflowers at Hemlock Crossing. Step-by-step instructions will be given by Artist and Naturalist, Nancy Berg, and will focus on exploring the wonderfully colorful world of Pastels! 

Enjoy art and nature. Class is limited to 20 participants. Ages 12-adult. 

Registration required.

Lake Michigan Dunes

Michigan's Dunes Education Program 

June 21, 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Loutit District Library 

June 28, 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM at Allendale Township Library

The Ottawa Conservation District presents on the importance of one of Michigan's most precious ecosystems: coastal dunes. Learn about dune formation, inhabitants, critical dunes, and why they need to be protected.   Best for ages 8-12. 

No registration required. 

This Week's Programs & Events

North Ottawa Dunes

North Ottawa Dunes Through Hike 

June 16, 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM at North Ottawa Dunes 

Hike the length of this 500+ acre park as you climb up and down through the backdune forest. We will eat lunch at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park before making the return hike. 

Additional details will be emailed prior to the hike. Registration required
Weaver House in the Summer

Open House at the Weaver House

June 17, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Pine Bend 

Join us for an open house event at the Weaver House, built in 1901. Volunteers will be available to share historical information. 

This event is hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks. 

No registration required.
Drum Fishing

Fishing for Drum 

June 19, 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM at Historic Ottawa Beach - Black Lake Boardwalk - West 

Learn to catch big fish from shore! The freshwater drum is a hard-fighting native fish that eats invasive species like zebra mussels and round gobies. Also known as "sheephead", the drum is related to prized saltwater species like redfish and seatrout. 

Michigan Sea Grant Fisheries Biologist and Educator, Dan O'Keefe will lead participants in learning drum biology and how to catch them! Additionally, you'll learn how to clean and cook this tasty fish.

Bring your own fishing equipment and a valid Michigan fishing license (youth under 17 years of age do not need a license). A limited number of loaner rods will be available if you do not have your own. 

You may also wish to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and bottled water.

Adults and Children 13+ years 

Registration required.

Upcoming Programs/Workshops

Young Birder

Nesting Birds Field Trip 

June 23, 6:00 AM- 12:00 PM at various locations

Migrant birds have passed and the resident nesters have settled in. Visit several local hotspots to identify a variety of notable breeding songbirds and waterbirds. 

Participants will also get the chance to visit part of the Campbell Power Plant in West Olive. This portion is normally closed to the public, but Rich Houtteman from Consumer's Energy has offered to host our group through this part of the property

Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered. 

Registration required.

Box Turtle

Wildlife Encounters - Turtles in a Nutshell

June 23, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing 

You'll be introduced to the life histories and unique features of the Turtles of Michigan. Dive in with us to explore just how many secrets these creatures hold and what makes them unique in the animal kingdom.

The Wildlife Encounters series aim to introduce people to the amazing natural history of the wildlife found in our own yards, parks and 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. 

No registration required.
Purple Lupine

Prairie Wildflower Walk 

June 24, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

The dazzling colors of the restored native prairie are a delight to experience! Come through the summer to see how it changes and what new flowers are in bloom each time.

No registration required.
Hemlock Crossing

Helping Hands Summer Camp 

June 25, 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing 

This camp experience is specially designed for differently-abled and special learners. Join us in a small group setting for sensory exploration along our accessible trails and private use of the Nature Education Center.

Children ages 6-15, with a caregiver.

Registration required.