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Visit the Ottawa County Parks Program and Events Calendar for details and registration. Call the Nature Education Center for more information: 616-786-4847.
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Adventure Camps are now open for registration!
Cruisin' the Pigeon River
July 18 from 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Hike, Bike, Paddle
July 23, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM at Pine Bend
July 30, 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM at Connor Bayou
Outdoor Survival Camp
July 8-10, 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM at Pigeon Creek Park
August 6-8, 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM at Pigeon Creek Park
Jr. Naturalist Day Camp - various dates, times and locations
All the Adventure Camps are designed for ages 11-14. Call the Nature Center at 616-786-4847 for details and to register. Registration required.
 Call to register: 616-786-4847
Five Star Lakeshore Community Beach Cleanup
Please join Five Star Lakeshore with a summer kick off cleanup! Snacks, drinks, tunes and cleanup supplies will be provided.
They will be meeting under the pavilion near the parking lot. For updates and details check out their Facebook page by clicking here.
Stewardship Volunteer Workday
Come help us protect the resources of one of Michigan’s top destinations this holiday weekend! Volunteers are needed to help pull garlic mustard from the beautiful dunes and trail system. This invasive weed can take over the forest under story, making it hard for native wildflowers, ferns and saplings to thrive. Please dress to work in the woods and wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Volunteers should meet at the campground office; limited parking is available behind the office building. All volunteers are asked to register in advance.
For more information, and to register click here.
 Prescribed Fire at Hemlock Crossing
Last Tuesday, May 7th Ottawa County Parks and Recreation preformed a prescribed burn at Hemlock Crossing. To learn more about why these burns are important to ecosystems such as prairies and savannas click here.
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Big Day Birding Field Trip
May 10, 7:00 AM- 4:00 PM at various locations
How many bird species can we find in Ottawa County in one day? Several county parks, as well as other locations, will be searched for waterbirds, raptors, songbirds and more!
Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.
Registration required.
*Only 3 spots left!
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Frog Chorus Call
As night falls on wetlands in spring, experience the overwhelming sounds of the frog call chorus! We'll see how many different kinds we find and try to watch them sing!
This program is recommended for adults and children 8 and up. Registration required.
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Astronomy at the Nature Center: Summer Sky
What's up in the sky tonight? Which constellations, planets and deep sky objects are visible? We'll answer these questions and more by sharing fascinating facts about the constellations including visible objects, myths, legends and more
After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have telescopes available for observing the fall skies (weather permitting).
No registration required.
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Beginner Bird Walk
Are you new to birding? Would you like to gain some basic skills to help you enjoy this wonderful pastime? This bird walk will introduce you to binocular use, bird identification and field guides and, of course, to the common birds in our parks!
Binoculars and field guides provided. Recommended for adults and kids ages 10 and up.
No registration required.
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Bird Walks
Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration.
CONDITIONS AT THIS PARK ARE OFTEN MUDDY & WET, PLEASE BE PREPARED WITH APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR.
No registration required.
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Tot Time
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.
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Veterans of the Ottawa County Poor Farm
From Old Soldiers Homes that cared for Civil War veterans to the V.A. today. Americans have recognized the responsibility to provide haven for our nation's wounded and aging warriors. But, not all in need found their way to those facilities. A few serviceman and women, who ranged in service from the War of 1812 to World War II, wound up at the Ottawa County Poor Farm. This is their story, one of patriotism, sacrifice, and remembrance. Presented by local historian, Marjie Viveen.
No registration required.
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Twilight Hike
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight! For ages 10+.
Registration required.
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Greenway Birding Blitz
May 18, 7:00 AM- 5:00 PM at various locations
Help celebrate International Migratory Bird Day and document birds along the Grand River Greenway. Join us at one or more of these locations!
7:00 - 8:30 am - Grand Haven North Pier
9:00 - 11:00 am - Ottawa Sands
12:00 - 2:00 pm - Crockery Creek
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Grand River Park
No registration required.
*Conditions at Grand River Park and Crockery Creek are often muddy & wet, please be prepared with appropriate footwear.
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Young Red-bellied Woodpecker, photo by@cst_snapshots
We want to see your park photos. Connect with us on Instagram by tagging your park photos @OttawaCountyParks or #OttawaCountyParks
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