  Ottawa County Parks Program and Events have been limited due to COVID-19, but we are adapting! Online and virtual nature programs are available, scroll down to learn more.
  Hager Park will be Closed on September 1 for Re-paving
Limited office hours at the Fillmore Complex
New Public Office Hours
The Parks & Recreation Administrative Office at the Fillmore Complex (12220 Fillmore St, West Olive, Rm 267) will be open to the public every Monday and Thursday between the hours of 10 am-2 pm and by appointment. For an appointment, please email staff at ocparks@miottawa.org.
These hours do not reflect the entire building, only the Parks & Recreation Department. The Nature Center remains closed.
New Phone Hours
- Administrative staff are available by phone Monday-Friday from 9 am-4:30 pm by calling (616) 738-4810.
- While the Nature Center is closed, Nature Center staff can be reached by phone Monday-Friday from 9 am-4:30 pm at (616) 786-4847
 Early & Eco Explorers Program are now open for registration!
Are you looking for a way to get your kids outside and exploring, engaging, and discovering in nature? These curriculum-based programs are for you! Traditionally these programs were offered for homeschool families, but all are welcome to attend! Early Explorers (ages 6-9) and Eco Explorers (ages 10-14) are now being offered from September-May.
Register for Early Explorers (ages 6-9)
Register for Eco Explorers (ages 10-14)
COMING SOON! - Outdoor Explorers
We are finalizing details on a new program called Outdoor Explorers!
Outdoor Explorers programming will be available for ages 4-14 and geared for students who are participating in virtual learning. These programs are an opportunity for students to step away from a screen, get outside, explore, and have fun. These programs will be focused on outdoor recreation and will not be curriculum-based. Programs will run 1-2 hours (depending on age group). More information and a schedule coming soon!
 Lotteries for special hunting permits now open
We are accepting applications for special hunting permits at select parks through August 31. These permits are only available via lottery. Click here for more info and to apply: miottawa.org/Parks/hunting.htm
The native plant sale offers a wide assortment of Michigan-grown native flowering plants, ferns, and grasses. For more information and order forms click here.
Shorebird Field Trip - Muskegon Wastewater Facility
September 5, 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM at various locations
Shorebirds are on their way south for the winter. Intercept and identify a variety of them at one of the best locations in Michigan to view them, the Muskegon Wastewater facility.
Registered participants can meet at Hemlock Crossing to caravan to Muskegon Wastewater, or meet the group at that location at a later time. Indicate your plans on the form when you register.
All participants are asked to respectfully maintain proper social distancing protocols and will be encouraged to wear masks.
Registration required.
*Only 4 spots left!
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Astronomy - The Fall Sky
September 5, 8:00 PM- 9:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
What's up in the sky tonight? Which constellations, planets and deep sky objects are visible? We'll answer these questions and more by sharing fascinating facts about the constellations including visible objects, myths, legends and more. After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have telescopes available for observing the fall skies (weather permitting).
Registration required. If Nature Center remains closed, program will be held outdoors. If necessary, more details will be emailed to registered participants.
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Birding Walk
September 9, 8:00 AM- 10 AM at Hemlock Crossing
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.
Special Considerations. Walks will attempt to remain on paved & wide gravel trails for easier social distancing. Please do your part by maintaining a respectful 6' distance from other participants. Mask wearing is also recommended. Thank you for your cooperation!
Registration required.
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Tot Time
September 10, 9:45 AM- 10:45 AM at Hemlock Crossing
For ages 0-3 with a caregiver Little ones are invited to explore our natural world with various books, music and movement, activities, and of course, a group walk along a stroller- and wagon-friendly path. Each month will bring new adventures and discoveries as the seasons change!
Registration required.
*All sessions will be conducted outside and restrooms will be available. Please dress for the weather.
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  Bringing Nature to You
We are building our library of online programs to Bring Nature to You! Our updated website allows you to explore the different habitats in Michigan from the comfort of your own home. We’ll continue to develop and add new programs, so please bookmark this page! We hope that these programs and activities can serve adults and children alike. Educators, please feel to share these resources with parents and students. As always, if you have any suggestions or feedback, we want to hear it! You can reach us at ocparks@miottawa.org.
Video Tutorial: Birds of Ottawa County; An Annotated Checklist by Chip Francke & Carl & Judi Manning
 Chip Francke & Carl & Judi Manning recently released "The Birds of Ottawa County; An Annotated Checklist" which contains new free supplemental materials for the "The Birds of Ottawa County, Michigan" book. We figured it would be a good idea to help those of you not familiar with these to get to know just what they are and how they work. This video will show you just how essential these birding resource are when paired with a good identification guide, and how they can help improve your experiences enjoying the birds here in West Michigan.
Video: A Robin's Life - Caring for Chicks
 Watch as a mother Robin cares for her three chicks and struggles with the realities of everything from how to deal with diaper duty to figuring out what these nestlings are able to eat. Eventually the chicks will be on their own, so mom doesn't have a lot of time! Come along for the journey!
Click the image above, or click here to view the video.
Looking for Red-necked Phalarope at AAA Turf Farm
 Come along and join Naturalist Curtis Dykstra as he looks for a reported Red-necked Phalarope at AAA Turf Farm in Hudsonville Michigan (May 20, 2020). Learn about this rare shorebird to Ottawa County and watch it as it swims, feeds and preens while on this pit stop during its migratory journey from tropical ocean waters to the Arctic tundra for nesting.
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