NaturE-mail from Ottawa County Parks

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We are offering small group, outdoor Parks Programs! Registration is required for all programs and space is limited. Online and virtual nature programs are still available, scroll down to learn more.

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North Ottawa Dunes Closed Due to Hunting

Please note that North Ottawa Dunes & Ottawa Sands will be CLOSED for an annual wildlife management hunt on Friday, November 20 – Monday, November 23. The parks will re-open Tuesday, November 24. More information: news.miottawa.org/nod-os-closed/ 

Learn more about hunting and why it is important for forest management:  https://news.miottawa.org/hunting-in-ottawa-county-parks/


Lit trails at Pigeon Creek Park

Trail lights are now on in the evening at Pigeon Creek Park. Hikers/bikers can now enjoy 3 miles of lit trails from dusk-close (8 pm) every night, until winter operations begin.
At that time, the lights will remain on, but the trails will only be open for XC skiing (and off-trail snowshoeing). Not sure if winter operations have begun? Keep this link bookmarked: miottawa.org/trails • #ottawacountyparks #visitgrandhaven #discoverholland


2021 Park Pass

Now Available Online!

Prepare for the summer season by purchasing your 2021 Motor Vehicle Permit (great for holiday gifts)!

Visit: countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com

1) Log in  2) Go to My Profile  3) Membership

header-partnerspacer (do not delete)spacer (do not delete)spacer (do not delete)Family Guided Hike

NORA & Ottawa County Parks are teaming up together for this fun guided 2 hour hike with a naturalist at Ottawa Sands County Park in Ferrysburg. Learn about the ecosystems and species in local parks while enjoying a fun, safe hike with family. PLUS - hot chocolate from Jumpin' Java for all registered participants at the end of the hike to warm  up with!!

To register for these walks click here.

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IN-PERSON Programs!

Volunteer Workday - Beach Clean-up

Olive Shores

November 21, 10:00 AM- 11:30 PM at North Beach Park

Help keep our beaches beautiful by picking up litter and debris.
Cancelled if raining.

Registration required.

Volunteer Workday - Invasive Shrub Removal

Eastmanville Bayou

November 21, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Eastmanville Bayou

Help improve the health of the ecosystems at Eastmanville Bayou.
Long sleeves and long pants recommended. Closed toed shoes required.
There is copious amounts of poison ivy at this park property.

Registration required.

Earth Encounters: Geology of Hemlock Crossing

Hemlock Crossing

November 21, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Despite being nearly devoid of rocks, Hemlock Crossing has a rich geologic history, with visible signs of glacial activity and ancient dunes. Join Naturalist George Jaeger as he helps to broaden your understanding of how the landscape of this park was formed.
All participants are asked to respectfully maintain proper social distancing protocols and will be encouraged to wear masks.

Registration & signed COVID-19 release form required.

Eco Explorers: Squirrel Search

Fox Squirrel

November 23, 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

With their fluffy tails and acrobatic abilities squirrels always manage to entertain us. We will learn to identify the several species common to our area and discuss the ways they interact with their habitat. With winter approaching how do these fuzzy critters prepare? Let’s observe them and find out!

Registration and signed COVID-19 released form required.

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