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.

Join us for a public sale to stock up on native plants for your garden. Consult the Ottawa Conservation District with questions.


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

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

Upcoming Programs & Workshops

Birding Walk

October 5, 9:00 AM- 11:00 PM at Ottawa Sands

October 9, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Eastmanville Farm 

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.

Bird on a Tree Limb
Grand River

Impact of Dredging the Grand River in Ottawa County

October 5, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Join Dr. Dan O'Keefe from MSU Extension for a look at the potential physical and biological impacts of channelizing 22.5 miles of the Grand River downstream of Grand Rapids.

The Grand River Waterway Project seeks to stimulate economic vitality by creating a link for large powerboats to travel from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan. The plan would destroy fish and wildlife habitat and lead to increased erosion, affecting Ottawa County Parks properties along the river.

The Ottawa County Parks Commission and Ottawa County Board of Commissioners have passed resolutions in opposition to dredging, but state funding has been appropriated to carry out dredging activities if permits can be secured. This presentation will include an update on the status of the project.

No registration required. 

Half Day Thru Hike at Ottawa Sands

October 6, 2:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Ottawa Sands

Get out and enjoy the fall colors as you venture ALL THE WAY THRU these amazing parks! A guide will lead you, so you'll have all the more reason to soak in the beauty and uniqueness of each park.

Distance: 3 miles; Terrain: two-track and some loose sand, moderate hills. Recommended for adults and children age 8+.

Registration required.

 

Ottawa Sands

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