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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.
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Join us this Summer for our Ottawa Walks!
Ottawa Walks was created in partnership with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health in response to participants of Step it Up! requesting a year-round program. A group of volunteers have made that possible. Beginning June 17, volunteers will host a weekly group walk in parks and neighborhoods throughout the county. These walks are free, and registration is not required at this time (unless otherwise noted). Walks are rain or shine, but cancelled for thunderstorms or heat exceeding 95 degrees. The schedule will be updated quarterly. To find a walk near you, visit: https://miottawa.org/Parks/ottawawalks.htm
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 Join us for a sneak peek & dedication of Ottawa County’s newest park property Stearns Creek Park! Event details:
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June 27 | 4-6 pm -- Ceremony from 4-4:30 pm
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*Please note that the park is not open to the public until this event. We are working on marking trails and prepping it for visitors. Please hold off on a visit until this event or after.
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
Invasive Species Removal
We want to continue to remove spotted knapweed from the preserve before they go to seed and continue proliferating. These plants are able to outcrowd native species because they release toxins into the soil. Volunteers are needed, and no experience is required! Shovels, gloves, insect repellent, and water are supplied. We suggest you wear sturdy clothing and long pants. We hope to see you there! Any questions can be answered via Facebook, phone at 616-842-5803, or email at klhdunes@ferrysburg.org
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Wildlife Encounter: Serpents of the Sand - Hognose Snake
Hognose Snakes, a.k.a. "spreading cobra", or "puff-adder", are nature's little actors. Find how they got these misleading names and discovery to what lengths this incredibly talented creature goes to in order to dissuade would-be predators. Then hike the park in search of this "serpent of the sand".
The Wildlife Encounters series aim to introduce people to the amazing natural history of the wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region. These 30-45 minute presentations are geared for older children and adults. An optional guided nature hike or local field trip will follow after the program.
No registration required.
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Pigeon River Kayaking Trip
Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring along the Pigeon River by kayak as you paddle the 3.5 mile stretch to and from Pine Bend.
Each trip includes a basic kayaking lesson. No experience is needed. The fee is $8 per person with an additional $26 fee for kayak & equipment rental. A detailed letter will be sent prior to the trip.
Registration required.
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Wetland Exploration
Explore a cattail marsh and discover the diversity of life found there. You will have the opportunity to catch macroinvertebrates and view them under a microscope. This program is designed for ages 6+.
Registration required.
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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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