|
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.
 Along the banks of
the Grand River, just upstream from Grand Haven’s famous musical fountain,
along a cut-out in the river known as “the sag,” is a mile of shoreline that
has been privately held for many decades.
The 345-acre property
sits between green space owned by the cities of Grand Haven and Ferrysburg and
North Ottawa Dunes. The site has long been used for sand mining, but has been
inactive in recent years. The property includes forested dunes, an 80-acre, and
riverfront land with wetlands.
This fall, the public
will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty this property holds
for the first time.
This property is
co-owned by Ottawa County
Parks and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM).
It will open to the
public on October 15, 2018 following boundary marking,
safety improvements, sign and trail marking installations.
Both organizations are working to secure the
remaining funds needed to protect all of the property. Ottawa County Parks
submitted a 2018 grant application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
and a decision on that request will be made in December of 2018. The Land
Conservancy will need to raise a minimum of $200,000 to cover costs related to
the loan. Anyone interested in making a contribution to help save this property
for public enjoyment and nature preservation can visit:
naturenearby.org/ottawasands
Learn more about this new park property: https://news.miottawa.org/new-park-opening-soon-ottawa-sands
 Historic Ottawa Beach Society Summer Series
August 2, 7:00 PM - Be the Light: A Big Red Presentation
Join Lakewood Elementary Students as they journey through time to uncover the history of Big Red. This presentation is the result of a year-long research project of our beloved Light.
August 16, 7:00 PM - "For Those In Peril: Shipwrecks of Ottawa County"
Since shipping began in earnest on the Great Lakes in the 1840s, Holland and Grand Haven have been important ports. But storms, shifting sands and aging vessels led to shipwrecks, collisions and groundings at these two ports. Local author, Craig Rich, will share the tales of a half dozen of these losses in his multimedia program.
All Summer Series events are open to the public at a cost of $5.00 per person. Members of the Historic Ottawa Beach Society have free admission to the event.
For more information and programs click here. No registration required.
What in the World is a Watershed?
Come learn about what a watershed is from the Ottawa Conservation District. All ages welcome.
 |
|
Discover the Dunes
August 4, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Rosy Mound
The iconic dunes of Lake Michigan are at their peak for exploration during summer. Encounter what life abounds in this harsh environment and discover the story of how these dunes came to be.
Geared for adults and children 12+.
No registration required.
*Parks Permit required
|
 |
|
Jr. Naturalist Day Camp: Patterns in Nature
August 8, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Pine Bend
This day camp, for children 10-12 years old, embraces exploration of the natural world. Integrated with a variety of activities, are opportunities for further investigations driven by the interest of the group.
Ages 10-12 years old.
Registration required.
|
 Crafting with Nature Day Camp
Does your 9-12 year old love creating and developing unique crafts? This 3-hour camp provides the materials and guidance that nurtures children to work with natural materials and create handmade treasures of their own.
Registration required.
|
Upcoming Programs/Workshops
 |
|
Star Gazing at Hemlock Crossing
Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for an informal night with the stars. Telescopes will be available. If you have them, bring binoculars and a lawn chair.
No registration required.
|
|
