NaturE-mail from Ottawa County Parks

Bookmark and Share

Pigeon River

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

Grand Ravines Lodge Open House

Sundays in September & October, 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM at Grand Ravines - North 

The Lodge at Grand Ravines - North will be open to the public every Sunday in September and October. Volunteers from Friends of Ottawa County Parks will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

Grand Ravines Lodge

Native Plant Sale

Native Plant Sale

September 28, 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Fall is a great time to incorporate native plants into landscaping. By providing plants a longer time to establish roots, they will often be larger and have more robust blooms in the spring.

The Ottawa Conservation District is taking orders for seven unique native plant garden flats. These beautiful plant collections include 38 plants, enough to cover a 4' x 10' space, please a landscape design for each garden type. The garden flat selection including Butterfly Garden, Grass Garden, Monarch Way Station, Pollinator Garden, Rain Garden, Shade Garden, and Wildflower Garden. The Garden Flats sell for just $100 each.

Download the Fall Native Plant Catalog below for additional information and photos. Orders may be placed online or by downloading an order form from the website. Orders will be available for pick-up from 12:00 - 4:00 pm, Saturday, September 28, at Hemlock Crossing, 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive. Additional native plants will also be available for sale while supplies last.

Consult the Ottawa Conservation District's website www.ottawacd.org, to place a native plant order.


Job Opportunities

Ottawa Co. Logo

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is Hiring!

Gatekeeper - $9.45/hour

Gatekeepers open and close gates at specified County Parks each day. It’s a great job for neighbors of the park:

  • Riverside Park Gatekeeper 
  • Tunnel Park Gatekeeper 
  • Upper Macatawa Natural Area Gatekeeper

Learn more and apply!

Naturalist Guide - $13.25/hour

Parks Naturalists, plans and conducts natural history and cultural history, educational and recreational programs at the Ottawa County Parks Nature Education Center and throughout the parks system.  May also be responsible for managing visitors in the Center including greeting, orientation, monitoring, and sales.

Learn more and apply!

Parks Supervisor (full-time) - $47,530-$61,511 annual salary

Under the supervision of the Parks Operations Manager, supervises the operations and maintenance of assigned County Parks and Open Spaces.  Supervises employees and volunteers who provide patron services and maintain park lands, facilities, structures, and equipment.  Ensures that assigned parks and open spaces are operated and maintained to the standards established by the Parks Commission and provide quality recreational experiences for county residents and visitors.

Learn more and apply!


Ottawa Conservation District Position Description: Administrative Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY The Administrative Specialist furthers the mission of the Ottawa Conservation District by assisting with various aspects of all District programs. The Administrative Specialist is responsible for collaborating with the Executive Director and Conservation District staff to promote the District and its programs to educate diverse audiences on the importance of resources conservation in the Ottawa County region.

For more details click here.

Ottawa Conservation District Logo

This Week's Programs & Events

Sandpiper

Shorebirds Field Trip - Part 1: Shoreline & Sod Farm

September 21, 7:30 AM- 11:30 AM at various locations

Shorebirds are on their way south for the winter. Intercept and identify a variety of them on these half day field trip options.

Part 1: Shoreline & Sod Farm will start at Holland State Park and then visit the AAA Sod Farm in Hudsonville.

Details will be emailed to participants after registration. This program is designed for ages 12+.

If you wish to extend your experience the "Shorebirds Field Trip - Part 2: Wastewater Shorebirds" is being offered from 12:30 - 4:30 pm on the same date. 

Registration required. 

Yellowlegs

Shorebirds Field Trip - Part 2: Wastewater Shorebirds

September 21, 12:30 PM- 4:30 PM at various locations

Shorebirds are on their way south for the winter. Intercept and identify a variety of them on these half day field trip options.

Part 2: Wastewater Shorebirds will start in Coopersville before travelling to Muskegon Wastewater. Details will be emailed to participants after registration. This program is designed for ages 12+.

If you wish to extend your experience earlier in the day, the "Shorebirds Field Trip - Part 1: Shoreline & Sod Farm" is being offered from 7:30 - 11:30 am on the same date.

Registration required. 

Invasive Species Awareness: Recognize. Report. Remove.

September 21, 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Invasive species pose a concerning threat to our local natural areas. Discover how you can help by learning to recognize various invasive species found in Ottawa County. This presentation will also include information about what makes a non-native species invasive and how to report and remove these troublesome pests.

No registration required. 

invasive plant

Birding Walk

September 25, 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM at Riley Trails

Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us as we walk for warblers and search for sparrows on these birding walks highlighting parks all around the county.

Easy to moderate terrain includes dirt and mowed grass trails. Waterproof footwear may be helpful on dewy mornings.

No registration required.

Yellow Warbler
Mt. Pisgah

Mt. Pisgah Raptor Watch

September 22, 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Historic Ottawa Beach - Mt. Pisgah

Join us at the peak of Mt. Pisgah to watch for migrating birds of prey. Feel free to come and go as you like. Program length will depend upon the weather and the number of birds seen. Bring drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars (some loaners will be available). Hike to summit is strenuous.

No registration required.

Equinox Expedition

September 22, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

The days are getting shorter and summer officially is ending! Help celebrate the "Autumnal Equinox" by joining this expedition to find the beginning signs of fall along the Pigeon River. Easy to moderate terrain.

No registration required.

Sun in the sky

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

Thru Hike: North Ottawa Dunes Day Hike

September 28, 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM at North Ottawa Dunes

Hike the length of this 500+ acre park as you climb through the steep and hilly terrain of the backdune forest on dirt trails. We will eat lunch at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park before making the return hike.

Strenuous hike length of ~8 miles. Sandy and steep terrain. Recommended for adults and children age 12+.

Registration required.

*Additional details will be emailed upon registration. 

North Ottawa Dunes

Pigeon River

Pigeon River, photo by@ottawacountyparks

We want to see your park photos. Connect with us on Instagram by tagging your park photos @OttawaCountyParks or #OttawaCountyParks