Announcements
 Have you ever considered working for Ottawa County Parks?
We are currently searching for candidates interested in working outside next summer. The opportunities would be perfect for students (18+) who are home on break, retirees who want to spend more time outside, or anyone interested in parks who would like to earn extra money during the summer months.
There are many lakeshore jobs available, but opportunities exist at parks throughout the County. The best way to apply is at our job fair at the Ottawa County Fillmore Complex (Main Conference Room).
Interested candidates can expect immediate interviews with Parks Management. Computers will be available for on-site online application, but candidates may review available positions and apply online before the job fair event. Jobs will be posted online by in early December. We encourage anyone who may not be able to attend to apply online: governmentjobs.com/careers/miottawa
BIG news from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund related to Ottawa Sands!
"MNRTF Board has recommended a $3.82 million grant to complete the acquisition of the Ottawa Sands property in Ferrysburg, MI" https://content.govdelivery.com/…/MIOTTAWA/bulletins/2220d12.
We're one step closer to securing Ottawa Sands as park land. We are so grateful to the Trust Fund and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan -- without them Ottawa Sands would have been an opportunity that we would have had to turn down. A very special thank you to the many people who supported Land Conservancy's fundraising efforts! YOUR support did not go unnoticed.
HWA in Grand Haven
Melanie Manion, our Natural Resources Manager and Ali Locher, a Natural Resources Management Professor at GVSU are both part of the team in West Michigan fighting Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Recently, they were interviewed by WOOD-TV8 at Mulligan’s Hollow in Grand Haven. This is the first area in Grand Haven to have a confirmed infestation of HWA. It was found by a park user keeping her eyes on the trees while she enjoyed a walk. Because of this local citizen scientist, surveys of surrounding areas and treatment were able to begin right away. Thank you to everyone who has surveyed trees on their property and in parks and reported their findings. You are helping to keep our hemlock trees healthy! Watch the interview: savemihemlocks.org/2018/12/19/hwa-in-grand-haven. Thank you to the Michigan Wildlife Council for coordinating the interview!
Join us for a walk or program by registering online: miOttawa.org/OCPEvents.
Photo by Mike Lozon
The Nature Center will be closed on January 1st for New Year's Day
 New Year's Day Hike
Kick off your new year by joining the Land Protection Director of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, April Scholtz, for an 11 AM hike of Ottawa Sands on New Years Day. This will be a great opportunity learn more about the partnership project between Ottawa County Parks and Land Conservancy of West Michigan as well as a chance to take in some stunning, wintry views of the new park.
To learn more about this free event, and to register click here.
 Winter Tree Walk
December 29, 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing
Winter is a wonderful time to appreciate the structure of trees! Walk the woods to appreciate the fine details of deciduous trees and learn a few tips to identifying them in the subtleness of winter.
This program is recommended for Adults & children 5+
No registration required.
|
 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!
Donations appreciated.
* 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 - Feeder Watching Session 1
10:30 - 11:00 - Birding Tidbits Presentation: "Winter Birding Hotspots"
11:10 - 12:00 - Feeder Watching Session 2
Upcoming Topics:
2/2/19 - South Texas "Trash Birds"
3/2/19 - "Ode to Orioles"
No registration required.
|
Fireside Storytime
Snuggle up by the fire with your kids for a relaxing time of seasonally-themed nature stories and a mug of hot chocolate! Don't forget a comfy pillow and blanket. An optional walk will be offered afterward.
Registration required.
|
|
 |
|
