|
Visit the Ottawa County Parks Program and Events Calendar for details and registration. Call the Nature Education Center for more information: 616-786-4847.
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.
|
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.
Waterfowl Field Trip: Part 1 - Lakeshore Waterfowl
November 2, 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM at various locations
Witness the spectacle of waterfowl migration at local hot spots.
"Waterfowl Field Trip Part 1 - Lakeshore Waterfowl" will start at the lakeshore and explore areas near Grand Haven, including Ottawa Sands Park and Harbor Island. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.
*REGISTER FOR Part 2 to make it a full day of birding! Part 2 runs from 1pm - 5pm and will include the Coopersville area and Muskegon Wastewater facility.
Registration required.
|
Waterfowl Field Trip: Part 2 - Wastewater Waterfowl
November 2, 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM at various locations
Witness the spectacle of waterfowl migration at local hot spots.
"Waterfowl Field Trip Part 2 - Wastewater Waterflowl" will start in the Coopersville area and conclude at the Muskegon Wastewater facility. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.
*REGISTER FOR Part 1 to make it a full day of birding! Part 1 runs from 8am - 12pm and will include the lakeshore and explore areas near Grand Haven, including Ottawa Sands Park and Harbor Island.
Registration required.
|
Fall 2019 Volunteer Workday
November 9, 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Riley Trails
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.
|
Half Day Thru Hike at Paw Paw Park
November 3, 2:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Paw Paw - West
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.
Park at Paw Paw WEST and explore the large loop through Paw Paw East.
DISTANCE: 3 miles; Terrain: Flat, grassy and paved trails.
Recommended for adults and children age 8+.
Registration required.
|
|
 |
Birding Walk
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.
|
|
 |
Moonlight Night Hike
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight! Recommended for adults and children ages 10+.
Registration required.
|
|
 |
Nature's Artbrush Series: Getting Winter-ready
November 9, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
This painting will depict a late fall forest scene complete with a woodland animal in a tree-filled forest. No painting experience required for this step by step painting workshop taught by Naturalist and artist, Nancy Berg. The fee includes all materials to create a 16X20 acrylic painting.
Recommended for adults and children ages 12+.
Registration required.
|
|
 |
Earth Encounters: Superior Volcanoes & Mid-Continent Rift
Join us as we encounter how volcanoes deposited up to 20km of lava flows in the Lake Superior region. It will be a trip deep into time where we can see the processes that helped shape the Earth by reading the rocks from an event that nearly tore North America in half.
No registration required.
|
|
 |
Astronomy at the Nature Center: Telescope Basics
Just in time for the Christmas season! Learn all about telescopes & binoculars and how they work, how to use them, which ones to purchase and which ones to avoid.
After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have telescopes available for observing the fall skies (weather permitting).
No registration required.
|
Half Day Thru Hike at Grand River Park
November 10, 2:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Grand River Park
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: Flat with a few hills and mowed grass & dirt trails.
Registration required.
|
|
 |
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
|
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
|
