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Fall 2018 • Ottawa County Parks Quarterly E-newsletter
Ottawa Sands Project Update
This 345-acre property is now 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, and sign and trail marking installations.
Park Address: 18153 North Shore Dr, Ferrysburg
The Story
Last fall, the owner of the property approached Parks with an offer to sell. The owner made a limited-time offer to donate 25% of the total $11.22 million land value.
Last December, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) board recommended $4.2 million be allocated for acquisition. This covered roughly half of the funds needed to acquire the whole property. Ottawa County Parks was encouraged to submit a grant for additional funding to complete the purchase in the next grant cycle.
One of the owner’s conditions for the sale was that the property be purchased this year, in its entirety. Without funds to cover the additional cost of the purchase, Ottawa County Parks approached the Land Conservancy for help. The Land Conservancy secured a $4 million, short-term loan from The Conservation Fund, a national organization that provides low interest loans for conservation projects.
The Land Conservancy has leased its half of the property to Parks to manage. Once the funds have been raised to pay back the loan and additional expenses, the property will be transferred to and fully owned by Ottawa County Parks.
Next Steps
Now 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. To ensure that the MNRTF will look favorably on the project and recommend the final grant to pay back the loan, it is it crucial that there is a wide show of public support for the project. The more funds that are raised prior to the MNRTF decision, the more likely the Trust Fund will recommend a grant to complete the project.
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“Without the Land Conservancy, the opportunity to purchase this land would not have been possible. This acquisition needed to happen in full, but we only had grant funding for half. The Land Conservancy really stepped up and for that we are very grateful.”
− John Scholtz, Director, Ottawa County Parks
To contribute to the project and help save this land, please visit: naturenearby.org/ottawasands
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Future Development
Since the addition of this property to the county parks system was unexpected, funds are not available for its immediate development. The first step toward improvements will be to create a master plan for the site.
The master planning process will include multiple opportunities for public participation and comment. If grant funding allows Parks to acquire the remainder of the property next year, the process could begin as early as fall 2019.
Important rules
Please review these important rules before planning your visit after October 15:
- No swimming
- Catch and release fishing only
- No live bait
- Watercraft of any kind are prohibited on the lake
- Dogs must be on a 10' leash and in the owner’s control
- All other Ottawa County Parks rules and regulations are in effect
Many of these rules may change in the future, but for now these will help us keep invasive species and the fish population under control, as well as keep visitors safe.
Registration is open for the 4th annual run across the M-231 bridge hosted by Ottawa County!
On the route of the 231 River Run you’ll enjoy both the Idema Explorers Trail and the Spoonville Trail. If you have run this event before, you’ll be pounding the pavement on the very paths you helped complete, as all race proceeds go to support paved trails and bike paths in our community.
Two distances are available: 10K and 4 mile. Walkers welcome! Register by September 30 to ensure your personalized bib and long sleeve tech shirt in your preferred size. Awards and a finish line party at Connor Bayou Park will complete your memorable day. Register online: bit.ly/231run2018
Over the summer, Parks partnered with Preferred Employment & Living Supports (PELS) to find short-term work for three individuals. PELS’ mission is to empower individuals faced with employment and life barriers to live higher quality and more independent lives through customized, relationship-based, and goal-centered supports.
Have you taken a bird photo in Ottawa County in 2018 that you think would look great on our 2019 Mug Club limited edition mug? We want to see it!
How to enter:
- Email submissions of original size image files (up to 3/person) to naturecenter@miottawa.org.
- Entries must also include your first and last name, location and date of photo, and bird species.
The winning photo and 2019 mug will be revealed on December 8 at the first Coffee with the Birds event of this winter season. The winning photographer gets prizes and chooses spring & fall mug club bird walk locations.
Submission deadline: November 1 at 9 am
*Please note: the winning photo may be edited for printing
The World of Spiders - September 15, 3-4 pm
Join YouTube personality, "Bob the Spider Hunter" as he takes you on a wonderful adventure into the world of spiders. Learn about different kinds of spiders and see a few up close before going on a spider hunt at Hemlock Crossing. Recommended for ages 12+. The program and hike is free, but donations are appreciated to help cover the cost of this special speaker.
New! Tot Time at the Nature Education Center
This program is for our littlest visitors! Explore our natural world with books, music and movement, age appropriate activities, and of course, a group walk along a stroller and wagon friendly path. $5 per child (includes caregiver); for ages 0-3. Register by clicking the link below.
Ecotherapy & Being Present
Have you ever carried stress with you into the woods? Experience some Ecotherapy as you participate in activities designed to get you in touch with nature and yourself at Hemlock Crossing. $5/participant, register with the links below.
Family Camping - October 19-20
Enjoy a family fun weekend of camping close to home. We'll set up at the Pigeon Creek Group Camp area (not open to the public). Tents and sleeping pads are available for use. Crafts, camp games, a "bear hunt" hike, campfire food and more! $30/family; register here.
Un-Haunted Hike - October 27, 2:30-4:30
There’s nothing scary about this family hike! Come dressed in your costume, ready to explore the paved trail. Along the way, you’ll learn about critters of the season through a variety of activities. Then we will “scare up” some donuts and cider in the Nature Education Center. Recommended for ages 3-7 with a caregiver, but all ages welcome! $3/child, register here.
There are many, many more programs this fall season! Scroll down for the full schedule, or check out our calendar online.
Annual Meeting
September 19, 7-9 pm at the Pump House Museum & Learning Center
The Friends annual meeting will feature a compilation of Ottawa Beach history and lighthouse history by Valerie van Heest, a local explorer and historian.
Weaver House Open House
October 21, 1-3 pm at the Weaver House at Pine Bend Park
Learn more about this historic home at an open house with Friends!
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Winter Open House... with Santa!
December 2, 1-4 pm at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park
Santa and 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. Make sure to bring your own camera.
There will be craft activities in the classroom and things to explore in the Wildlife Den.
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Check out the most recent Ottawa County Parks Foundation newsletter by clicking here!
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Facility Updates
Hager Park DeVries Room Outdoor Patio
The DeVries Room at Hager Park will be getting a brand new patio this fall. Visitors can look forward to the outdoor area in addition to the indoor facility when they make their reservation. New seating and a grill will be provided.
Hager Park Visitors Center Roof
Construction on the Hager Park Visitors Center roof (the building where the DeVries and VanderLaan rooms are located) will begin in early fall. This project will address leaks and other problems with this building’s unusual roof system.
Grand Ravines Lodge
Due to the difficulty and cost of making the Grand Ravines Lodge accessible during heavy snow and ice, beginning in 2019 the lodge will not be available for public rental in the months of January or February. Please make note of this and plan accordingly.
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View the full five-year plan online.
September
Focus: Environmental Sustainability
In September we will focus on promoting waste reduction, specifically plastic waste.
Did you know?
To reduce the need for plastic water bottles, we are continuously adding new water bottle fillers and retrofitting old drinking fountains to include water bottle fillers.
You can fill your water bottle throughout the spring, summer, and fall at Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Grand Ravines, Tunnel Park, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Olive Shores, and Hager Park. Water bottle filler retrofits are scheduled to be added to the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing and Kirk Park.
Why should you care about plastic reduction?
“As plastic pollution breaks down in the Great Lakes, microscopic pieces of plastic are found in the lakes and even treated drinking water. More than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year. And, it never really goes away. Instead, it just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as ‘microplastics’.”
Information cited from Alliance for the Great Lakes
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Partner Feature: Great Lakes Alliance
Thank you to Adamy Valuation, an Adopt-a-Beach volunteer company through the Great Lakes Alliance (GLA), for picking up four pounds of plastics and other litter at North Beach Park.
Every year, GLA volunteers participate in hundreds of beach cleanups across all five Great Lakes. Every year, 15,000 volunteers hit the beach and remove about 18 tons of trash. More than 85% of the of the debris they pick up is made up of plastic.
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What are microplastics?
Extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste.
How can you help?
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October & November
Focus: Economic Sustainability
In October and November, we will host a number of volunteer work days to remove invasive plants before they go to seed. Our growing volunteer base helps the Parks Department increase our capacity by saving us hours of potential staff time, and they help keep our parks beautiful. Check out the schedule below... we hope you can join us!
Focus: Environmental Sustainability
After the success of the solar light at both Upper Macatawa and Crockery Creek Natural Areas, we opted to go solar for lights needed at Adams Street Landing and Grand Ravines.
Focus: Social Sustainability
Over the fall season an effort will be made to offer programs in all corners of our county. Though our Nature Education Center is based in West Olive, we will continue to strive to make it as easy as possible for any resident to join us for a program!
Join us for a weekend work day!
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Bring work gloves (preferably leather), insect repellent, and appropriate outdoor gear. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
- All necessary tools, drinking water, and snacks will be provided.
- No preregistration is required.
- All ages are welcome; however, those under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
- Work days are cancelled if raining/snowing.
Workday Schedule
Native Seed Collection at Hemlock Crossing
September 25, 6-8 pm
September 29, 1-3 pm
Woody Invasive Removal at
Crockery Creek Natural Area
October 6, 1-3 pm
November 3, 10 am-12 pm
Woody Invasive Removal at Hemlock Crossing
October 13, 10 am-12 pm
November 10, 10 am-12 pm
Questions? Contact Gray Gogolin at (616) 994-4748
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Invasive spotted knapweed once dominated the open areas of Rosy Mound Natural Area and many other lake shore parks.
It is poisonous to other plants, creating barren areas where only knapweed grows. It is a threat to dry ecosystems, including prairies and dunes.
After many years of volunteer and Stew Crew staff work days at Rosy Mound, Kirk Park, and Olive Shores, nearly all of the knapweed has been removed.
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Pawpaws re-populating Paw Paw Park
In 2015, Holland Youth Connection planted five pawpaw tree saplings at Paw Paw Park, in an effort to revive the population of the park’s namesake tree. Pawpaw is the largest fruit tree native to the United States.
We are happy to report three were found growing this summer. More will be planted near the entry sign soon!
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We recently received a report of a broken tree covered in a fungus that looked very much like beech bark disease. Beech bark is yet another forest pest that threatens species of trees that make up our most familiar forests.
Stephen Hills, a former science teacher of 35 years and volunteer for Kent County Parks was enjoying the trails at Grand Ravines when he noticed a tree that looked out of place. “I feel at home in the woods and over time I’ve gotten to know the different habitats and what they’re supposed to look like. When they look different, I want to look closer,” said Hills.
It was, as suspected, beech bark disease—the first confirmed case in Ottawa County. Luckily, it was noticed by Hills and treated by our staff before it could spread to the other trees in the park. “I recognized it because I have a cabin in Oceana County, where this fungus is killing almost all of the beech trees,” said Hills.
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It’s difficult to imagine a forest without beech trees, or hemlocks, or oaks—all of which are currently facing threats from forest pests. Beech bark, hemlock woolly adelgid, and oak wilt are all relatively new in Michigan and present new and expensive challenges in land management.
We are thankful to the passionate individuals who help us keep an eye on our forests and wanted to share Hills’ story because we are truly grateful for his observation. His attentive eye helped us stop the spread of this disease at Grand Ravines. He said that he loves what he does and we know many of our volunteers do too. ”We all have to care for our environment. Ottawa County is in great shape to provide habitat for years to come, and you’re so lucky to have a millage and funding to help care for your land.”
We couldn’t agree more.
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Treatments have started for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). The contractor has finished the late spring treatments in June at the northern most extent of the HWA infestation in Mears. This resulted in the treatment of just over 2,100 trees! The insecticide used is anticipated to start controlling HWA within one year and maintain control for 5-7 years. The next round of treatments is expected to begin this fall during the first week of September. The contractor will pick-up where the last treatment ended; HWA treatment will continue to be prioritized from north to south.
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