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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.
2019 Annual Report
The Annual Report of the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission for fiscal year 2019 (10/1/2018 - 9/30/2019) is now available online: https://miottawa.org/Parks/park-plan.htm
A special thank you to contributors including: volunteer photographer Mike Lozon for providing many of the images used in this report, WOOD TV-8 for permission to use a clip of an interview with Marlee Ginter, Grand Valley State University, Georgetown Township, and Prein&Newhof.
Piece Together Parks!
Join us for a two-puzzle jigsaw contest for teams to support the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.
About this Event:
Team name and themes encouraged!
$50 (or more) donation per team to Parks Foundation to register.
Each team will receive a special limited-edition Ottawa County Parks puzzle! The winning team will receive a prize.
Co-sponsored by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and the Grand Haven Eagles.
To register click here.
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
Coffee with the Birds
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders and discuss various birding topics with a naturalist. Bring your bird questions, curiosities and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug! Donations for bird food appreciated.
Schedule:
9:30 - 10:20: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 1
10:30 - 11:00: Birding Tidbits: "Resorting" to Birding in the DR
11:10 - 12:00: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 2
No registration required.
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Fireside Storytime
Snuggle up by the fire with your kids for a relaxing time of seasonally-themed nature stories and a mug of hot chocolate! Don’t forget a comfy pillow and blanket! Dress for a guided hike after the story.
Recommended for ages 3 - 8, accompanied by an adult.
Registration required.
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Winter Walk
February 15, 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM at Connor Bayou
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 5 spots left!
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Wildlife Encounter - Kids! Jump into Snow Fleas!
February 16, 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
The Wildlife Encounter - Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region; includes activities, walk and craft. Program is geared for children ages 5-12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Fleas in winter?! While not actually “fleas”, Springtails (aka Snow Fleas) do jump, and in the snow to boot! Come jump along as we investigate this active arthropod of winter.
Registration required.
*Only 3 spots left!
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Birding Basics: Birding & Technology
February 20, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
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, or two 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 online resources for bird information and identification including apps for smartphones and in particular how to use the eBird website for recording your sightings and birding research.
Registration encouraged.
*The next program will be held on 3/19/20
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Trail Conditions
Winter conditions have changed at Hemlock Crossing due to the lack of snow. For the most up-to-date trails conditions and winter equipment rental information for both Hemlock Crossing and Pigeon Creek please visit: miOttawa.org/trails
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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.
Photo by@_matfoto
We want to see your park photos. Connect with us on Instagram by tagging your park photos @OttawaCountyParks or #OttawaCountyParks
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