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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.
Pigeon Creek Lodge opened last weekend for the first time this season and is renting skis and snowshoes. Keep an eye on lodge hours and trail conditions online at miOttawa.org/trails. Please note: now that winter operations have begun at Pigeon Creek, dog walking and hiking is not allowed.
Hemlock Crossing is renting snow shoes at the Nature Center during business hours. Check the conditions and whether rentals are available that day online: miOttawa.org/trails
Thank you to to Friends of Ottawa County Parks for the purchase of new kid-sized snowshoes for both Pigeon Creek and Hemlock Crossing! The equipment purchase allows us to offer FREE snowshoe rental to kids 6 and younger (with a paid adult equipment rental). Learn more about the many ways our Friends support the park system (and consider becoming a member): friendsofocp.org
Time to be a Nature Nerd!
Learn more about this cool little critter... the snow flea (or spring tail) in a video by mi EcoBUZZ.
Did you know that in the winter there are snowy owls that live in our county? Come learn more about these majestic birds from Curtis Dykstra Ottawa Co. Parks Naturalist. This program is geared towards ages 12+
No registration required.
Photo by the_peck_deck
Birding Basics: Bird Identification
Have you enjoyed the Coffee with the Birds program? Do you desire to add to your birding knowledge and take it to the next level? Then this series is for you!
We’ll cover the basics you need to know to dive deeper into the world of birds and birding. Each date will cover new topics so you can choose just one, two or all three if you like. Make sure to bring your CwB Mug and your hot beverage coupons for free hot chocolate and cider.
This class will cover the basics of bird identification, bring clarity to the use of optics and will discuss bird book usage.
Registration required.
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Winter Walk
January 25, 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing
These weekend winter walks will encourage you to stay active during the cold months of winter. Join a parks naturalist for a leisurely walk. If snow conditions allow, snowshoes will be available to rent for $8 a pair (or bring your own).
Registration required.
*Only 1 spots left
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Wildlife Encounter: Winter Birding in Ottawa County
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. Presentations are followed by a guided hike. When we think of birding, we often think of spring, of singing birds and nesting. However, the excitement of birding can be experienced at ANY season! This presentation will introduce you to some local winter-time birding hotspots and which birds to be looking for when you go.
No registration required.
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Winter Walk
February 1, 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM at Grand River Park
These weekend winter walks will encourage you to stay active during the cold months of winter. Join a parks naturalist for a leisurely walk. If snow conditions allow, snowshoes will be available to rent for $8 a pair (or bring your own).
Registration required.
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Earth Encounters: Michigan Minerals
Come learn what makes a mineral a mineral and some basic methods to help identify them. We’ll focus on common minerals found in Michigan and you'll have opportunity for hands-on investigation of their particular properties.
No registration required.
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Astronomy at the Nature Center: Moon Rocks & Craters
We'll look at the formation and history of the Moon while learning a little about its geology. We may find that it has many things in common with its closest neighbor: Earth! After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have telescopes available for observing the winter skies (weather permitting).
No registration required
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Wonders of Winter
Bring the whole family to explore the wonders of winter! We'll enjoy artmaking and hands-on activities, stories, hot chocolate, and a guided hike.
Registration required.
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Photo by@_matfoto
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