Announcements

The Grand Ravines Lodge (including the restroom) and drive to the riverfront parking area will be closed through February 28. The hill leading to the lodge becomes very slippery and is extremely expensive to salt and plow. A portalet is available on the north side of the park, near the ravine overlook. Walking trails and the restroom on the South side of the park will remain open all winter. Please plan your visit accordingly.

In response to a survey we offered in October, nearly 200 people said they would be interested in a regularly scheduled group walk in their neighborhood. These results tell us that it’s time to get a program together! Ottawa County is taking the initial steps to create a new program that includes weekly volunteer-led group walks throughout the county. Our goal is to have this program kick off in June, after Step it Up! (an 8-week walking challenge beginning in April) has ended. Would you be interested in leading a walking group in your community? We invite you to become a volunteer for this new program! You can find the Neighborhood Walk Leader description here: https://miottawa.org/Parks/pdf/Volunteers/Group-Walk-Leader.pdf.

If you’re interested, please complete the Ottawa County Parks volunteer application: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=134102648; apply for the “Neighborhood Group Walk Leader [Outdoor Recreation]” position. Submit your application by January 14, so we are able to schedule our first walk leader meeting between January and February.

Homeschool families… did you know we are adding new programs just for you? Sign up for our Homeschool Programs email list to stay up-to-date on opportunities for your children!

Current Programs & Workshops

Coffee with the Birds January 5, at Hemlock Crossing 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 January 6, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Hemlock Crossing   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.

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

Keep it Active Winter Walk January 12, 2:00 PM- 3:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing These weekend winter walks will encourage you to stay active during the cold months of winter. Join a parks naturalist for a one-hour leisurely walk. If snow conditions allow, snowshoes will be available to rent for $6 a pair (or bring your own!) Registration required; ages 10+

Astronomy at the Nature Center January 12, 7:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing  Ever wonder how big the universe is, or if multi-verses actually exist? Join us for a night of cosmic wonder as we explore these question and more and attempt to explain the universe in a nutshell. After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have telescopes available for observing the fall skies (weather permitting). No registration required.

Tot Time January 17, 9:45 AM- 10:45 AM at Hemlock Crossing  A monthly program designed especially for our littlest visitors! Miss Jessi invites Tots age 0-3 years, along with a caregiver, to explore our natural world with various books, music and movement, age appropriate activities, and of course, a group walk along a stroller and wagon friendly path. Each month will bring new adventures and discoveries as the seasons change! Registration required.

.

Eastmanville Bayou by_@puremichiganguy  Share your photos with us via Facebook or Instagram (@ottawacountyparks // #ottawacountyparks).

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.