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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.
 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Celebrate the completion of a one-mile segment of the Idema Explorers Trail that connects Grand Ravines to GVSU's Allendale campus, and the Allendale business district. To learn more click here.
Grand Ravines Lodge Open House
The Lodge at Grand Ravines - North will be open to the public every Sunday in October. Volunteers from Friends of Ottawa County Parks will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
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Weaver House Open House
October 20, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Pine Bend
Join us for a Weaver House open house! These events are kindly hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks.
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Understanding Our Water Limits
Access to fresh drinking water is a privilege that sometimes we take for granted, especially those of us that live in the Great Lakes State. In Ottawa County, MI we are learning that our supposed limitless supply of fresh drinking water may be in jeopardy. Recent scientific studies have revealed that more water is being pumped from our natural underground water reservoir than can be replenished. Drinking water that is pumped from Lake Michigan also does not return to that system. Learn from Paul Sachs, Director of Planning and Performance Improvement for Ottawa County, about the County’s unique geology, water availability, water consumption trends, and necessary water conservation practices in this important presentation.
For more information click here.
Registration encouraged.
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Ottawa County Parks T-Shirts
More t-shirts have arrived back at the Nature Center! Additional sizes in dark blue and grey are now back in stock.
Lake Watch Birding at Holland State Park
Join us for a morning of watching migration along the shores of Lake Michigan! Waterfowl, gulls and more will be the focus of this stationary bird outing. Feel free to join us at any time. Bring optics including binoculars & scopes if you have them. Be prepared for cool & wet weather.
No registration required
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Photograph like the Pros
October 19, 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Ottawa County Parks Photographer Mike Lozon shares tips that will help you achieve professional results while shooting any subject matter. With an emphasis on nature, the workshop explores both the creative and technical aspects of photography: imaginative composition, enhanced editing, and basic camera operation .
The workshop is designed for newer photographers who are using Single Lens Reflex cameras ,but point-and-shoot cameras are also welcome. Please bring a bag lunch. This program is geared toward ages 15+.
Registration required.
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Fall 2019 Volunteer Workday
October 19, 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Stearns Creek
what you need to know:
- Bring work gloves (preferably leather), insect repellent, and appropriate outdoor gear. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
- All necessary tools, drinking water, and snacks will be provided.
- No pre-registration is required.
- All ages are welcome; however, those under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
- Work days are cancelled for rain/snow.
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Wildlife Encounter - Michigan's Marsupial: The Virginia Opossum
When you think of marsupials, images of kangaroos and koala's likely come to mind. But did you know that Michigan is home to a marsupial as well? The Virginia Opossum is one of the most unique and bizarre creatures around, and it may be lurking in your own backyard! You'll be amazed at the role these creatures play in nature and how they get the job done!
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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Half Day Thru Hike at Eastmanville Farm
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.
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Birding Walk
October 23, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Paw Paw - East
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.
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Colors by Kayak
Bask in the glorious fall colors along the Pigeon River by kayak. Recommended for adults and children ages 12+.
Registration required.
*A detailed letter will be sent upon registration.
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Un-Haunted Halloween Hike
NOTHING scary about this family hike! Come dressed in your costume and ready to explore the paved trail at Hemlock Crossing. Along the way, you'll learn about critters of the season through a variety of activities at stations along the trail.
There will be treats to collect along the path as well so make sure to bring a treat bag too. Afterwards, be sure to stop in the Nature Center for donuts and cider and to decorate a pumpkin to bring home. Recommended for ages 3-7 with a caregiver, but all ages welcome!
Registration required.
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Half Day Thru Hike at Rosy Mound
October 27, 2:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Rosy Mound
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: 2+ miles; Terrain: Steep hills with lots of stairs on gravel & boardwalk trails.
Recommended for adults and children age 8+.
Registration required.
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Guided Birding Walk at Ottawa Sands
November 8, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Ottawa Sands
Join MI Birds and Audubon Great Lakes partners at Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, as we explore Ottawa Sands! Come learn about the upcoming restoration project that is in store for this beautiful property while we bird through woodlands and along an inland lake in search of some diving ducks, rare gulls, and sparrows!
Meet us at 9am at the parking lot where coffee and tea will be served so we can warm up before we head out on the trail.
Please bring your own binoculars (a few pairs will be provided, if needed), thermos, and layer up for the weather. We will have two scopes available, but if you'd like to bring your own, please do so.
We hope to see you there!
Registration required
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Least Flycatcher by@the_peck_deck
We want to see your park photos. Connect with us on Instagram by tagging your park photos @OttawaCountyParks or #OttawaCountyParks
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