  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.
  Nature Center turns 10!
Our Nature Center turned 10 this year! Unfortunately, we weren't able to celebrate with a large community event as planned, but it was fitting to be challenged with the need to adapt our nature programs in a COVID world.
An exciting gift we received this year was the announcement that the Ottawa County Parks Foundation will begin financially supporting nature education programs starting in 2021, in addition to their support of land acquisition and special park projects!
The building remains closed, but we are still offering nature programs in-person and online (miOttawa.org/OCPevents), and look forward to offering snowshoe rental this winter. We are excited for the next decade of nature education and are so grateful for the continued support we have received. Thank you all.
If you haven't been able to visit the Nature Center, this video created in partnership with mi Eco BUZZ, shows what you have to look forward to when we re-open. We can't wait to welcome you back for programs, school field trips, birthday parties, meetings, and more when we can all gather again safely. In the meantime, please enjoy the gorgeous trails at Hemlock Crossing!
Did you miss the Livestream of Coffee with the Birds?
It's not too late! You can view the program at the link below.
You can watch CwB Livestream whenever it's convenient for you! Just click the link and watch this year's mug reveal, enjoy birds at the feeders and hear different bird topics discussed! For more information on Coffee with the Birds and joining the Mug Club visit:
Membership supports the CwB program & feeding the birds at the Nature Center. Perks for members include...
- Exclusive, limited edition mug with the photo contest winner on it and stuffed with goodies!
- Event reminder magnet
- Membership Card (to be used for future deals from sponsors)
- Michigan Birds Checklist
- Entry into members-only door prizes
- Two member-only bird walks (spring & fall)
Visit: countyofottawaparksandrec.perfectmind.com
1) Log in 2) Go to My Profile 3) Membership
Contact-free pickup will be available at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park on January 2 & 3. You can only pick up your mug at these designated dates/times and you must sign up for a time slot. Click the dates above to view the pick-up options
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We know how hard it is to get out for a walk before it gets dark right now, so we have been keeping the trail lights on at Pigeon Creek Park, but we have MORE good news. Pigeon Creek Park hours have been extended and it is now open until 10 pm year-round! Trail lights will be on until the park closes. More info: https://content.govdelivery.com/.../MIO.../bulletins/2afaf4f
**Don't forget when we open up for winter operations, the park closes to hikers, bikers, and pups. You can check to see if winter operations have begun by visiting: miottawa.org/trails
We are adding Virtual Office Hours for adults and students to connect with an Ottawa County Parks naturalist on Zoom! This is an opportunity for you to ask that question you’ve always wanted to ask about the natural or cultural history of your favorite park, tap into advice from an insider to tailor a park visit to your needs, and learn more about upcoming programs!
Click here to view the Zoom dates.
  Pineless & Poison-free
Water Flowing Underground!?
December 30, at Hemlock Crossing
12:30 PM- 1:00 PM
3:30 PM- 4:00 PM
Water on the surface flows and shapes the landscape. Try training your eyes to look for signs of water shaping things from underground too.
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
REGISTRATION & SIGNED COVID-19 release form required.
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Moonlight Hike
December 30, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Grand Ravines - North
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight! Per the MDHHS order, all participants are asked to respectfully maintain proper social distancing protocols and are required to wear masks.
REGISTRATION & SIGNED COVID-19 release form required.
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Beavertecture
January 1, at Hemlock Crossing
12:30 PM- 1:00 PM
3:30 PM- 4:00 PM
Lodges and dams oh my! We can learn a lot from nature's best architect. Explore the work left behind by beavers and the impressively strategic reasons how and why they build their lodges and dams.
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
REGISTRATION & SIGNED COVID-19 release form required.
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Winter Walk - New Year, New Sightings
January 2, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Bend Area
Boost your winter mood by getting out to enjoy a winter adventure with a Park Naturalist to explore, observe and engage your minds with what’s going on in nature! Have you explored the Bend Area Open Space yet? Join a naturalist to experience new sights in the new year as we get to know this unique, newly expanded open space. Per the MDHHS order, all participants are asked to respectfully maintain proper social distancing protocols and are required to wear masks.
REGISTRATION & SIGNED COVID-19 release form required.
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