NaturE-mail from Ottawa County Parks

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 08/08/2019 03:17 PM EDT

Visit the Ottawa County Parks Program and Events Calendar for details and registration. Call the Nature Education Center for more information: 616-786-4847.

Announcements

Ottawa Beach Marina Dedication

August 15, 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM at 2330 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland

Please join Ottawa County Parks and Park Township to celebrate and dedicate the new Ottawa Beach Marina & Kayak Launch and Park Township Plaza!

Light refreshments will be provided by Friends of Ottawa County Parks. Also available to attendees free-of-charge:
• Short pontoon boat rides (space limited, on-site sign up will be required)
• Adult & child-sized kayaks — to test out the new, universally accessible kayak launch!
• Demo bikes, provided by Cross Country Cycle
• The Pump House Museum and Learning Center will be open to the public as well, and admission is free!

Boat rides, kayaks, and bikes will only be available for limited times during the event.

Pump House Museum - "Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Michigan"

August 22 at 7:00 PM at Historic Ottawa Beach

On six evenings this summer the Pump House Museum will move the exhibits in the north gallery off to the sides, set up folding chairs and welcome guest speakers:

Authors M. Christine Byron and Tome Wilson will make their second appearance with a lively presentation about the phenomenon of Mid – Century Modern Architecture. This intriguing style started to appear in the early 1930s and is still popular today.

To learn more click here. No registration required.

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.

Each week, volunteers host a 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 meet rain or shine, but will be canceled for thunderstorms or temperatures exceeding 95 degrees. The schedule will be updated quarterly.

Click here to view and download this summer’s walk schedule

This Week's Programs & Events

Summer Night Sounds

August 9, 8:30 PM- 10:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

When darkness falls on the forest, sounds can become creepy and unfamiliar. Bring a flashlight and join a naturalist to explore some of the sounds of nocturnal critters in the woods!

A short presentation will be followed by a walk. Registration required.

Astronomy at the Nature Center: Public Star Gazing

August 10, 9:00 PM- 11:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical (SAAA) for public telescope observation of the night sky. Weather Permitting. Dress appropriately and a bring lawn chair, bug spray, and cover your flashlight with a red lens.

No registration required.

Prairie Wildflower Walks

August 11, 2:00 PM- 3:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing

August 18, 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing

The dazzling colors of the restored native prairie are a delight to experience! Come through the summer to see how it changes and what new flowers are in bloom each time.

No registration required.

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

Junior Naturalist Day Camp: Crepuscular Capers (ages 10- 12)

August 15, 8:00 PM- 11:00 PM at Pigeon Creek Park

Did you know that a whole new world emerges every night in the forest? Paired with a campfire and some tasty treats, you won't want to miss this incredible opportunity for a hike at night and observe some of the creatures who are active only from dusk to dawn (Crepuscular critters!)

Registration required.

Wildlife Encounter: Meadow Hunter- The Praying Mantis

August 17, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Summertime is hunting time for the big green, leaf-like insect we call the Praying Mantis! But why the name? How and what do they hunt? How can I find one? All these questions and more will be answered in this program which will be followed by an expedition to find them in their natural meadow environment.

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. This program is geared toward ages 12+.

No registration required.

Paddle a Voyaguer Canoe!

August 18, at Connor Bayou

Take a short ride in a 26' replica of a voyageur "North Canoe." Discover why these canoes were so important during the fur trading era and learn about the life of a French Voyageur. Several hour-long time slots are available on line. Click below to choose, and register for your time slot.

Registration required.Ages 9+

*PLEASE NOTE: The date has been changed from the original date on Saturday the 17th to SUNDAY, August 18th.

Pigeon River, photo by@ottawacountyparks

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Ottawa County | Where You Belong

Visit miOttawa.org/parks to learn more about the 7,000 acres of parks and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements, and programs are funded by grants and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you invest $26 annually in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you!

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