  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 at Hemlock Crossing
We are excited to announce the Ottawa County Parks Nature Center will have a soft re-opening on January 29, 2021. Much of the building will remain closed, but the restrooms will be open and snowshoe rental will be available.
Special Winter Hours
- Tuesday through Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM (gear due back by 5:30 PM)
- Sunday- 12-4 PM (gear due back by 5:30 PM)
- Monday- 10 AM – 4 PM (gear due back by 5:30 PM) **Only during satisfactory snow conditions.
- Masks are required for entry
- Capacity will be limited inside the rental area; be prepared to wait outdoors
- Concessions will not be available
- Confirm whether snowshoe rental is available online: miottawa.org/trails
Snowshoe Rental
- Snowshoe rental for 3 hours: $8; $2 per additional hour
- Ages 6 and under are free with a paid adult rental
- Snowshoes are available for ages 4+
For more information, please visit: https://miottawa.org/Parks/winter-rec.htm
  Click this image to view the video
Winter Nature Walk!
Looking for ways to beat the winter blues? Head out on a nature walk and look for something you haven't noticed before! Or if that option is too chilly, join me for a 'virtual' winter walk in this week's mi EcoBUZZ episode where I visit a local park and look for animal clues!
This summer we are teaming up with Velo Kids to offer Summer Bike Camps!
There's a chance to explore town at the Urban Bike Camps, as well as trails at the Mountain Bike Camps. Kids will learn bike skills, safety and trail stewardship. Groups are limited to 9 riders (with 2 coaches). Sign up soon to secure your spot! Learn more and register here: https://www.velo-citycycles.com/.../summer-bike-camps...
  Fireside Storytime
February 28, 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Under normal circumstances, we’d snuggle up to the fire and relax with a story and hot drinks inside the Nature Center, but with the Great Room at the Nature Center remaining closed, we’re taking the this program outside on the trail! Follow along with a naturalist as you explore different nature themes outdoors and read a related story along the way.
Recommended for ages 3 - 8, accompanied by an adult.
Registration required.
*Please only limit adult registration/attendance to one per family group to keep space for more kids.
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Drumbeats of Spring
March 3, at Hemlock Crossing
10:00 AM- 10:30 AM
12:30 PM- 1:00 PM
The winter woods are not as silent as we think they are; if we tune our ears we can hear the drum beats of spring returning. Join a naturalist on a walk to get to know four of the early "singers" of the woods.
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
Registration required.
*Click on the timeslot above to register for that particular program.
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Pineless & Poison-free
March 5, 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing
Black birds, beverages, base ball, bugs, and beyond — uncover the true stories behind Hemlock Crossing’s namesake tree.
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
Registration required.
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Five-needled and Fascinating!
March 5, 12:30 PM- 1:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Sought as “cork,” driven by hogs, fuelers of fortunes and fires, eastern white pines are the main characters of Michigan’s forest story. All told, the story is…five-needled and fascinating!
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
Registration required.
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  Click this image to view the CwB Information Page where the Livestream event is embedded
Coffee with the Birds - Virtual Event
March 6, 9:30 AM- 11:00 AM
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some baked goodies from the comfort and safety of your own home. You can watch the birds at the Nature Center feeders LIVE on your computer with a naturalist as your viewing guide. Pre-submitted birding topic questions, curiosities and stories will be shared and discussed.
Enter the link below into your web browser to view the program, submit your question and to find more information on Coffee with the Birds, the Mug Club and more.
https://news.miottawa.org/2021-cwb/
Event Schedule:
9:30 - 10:30 am: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session
10:30 – 11 am: Birding Tidbits - Bite-sized presentations on anything bird-related.
Join the birding update email for current information at https://bit.ly/birding-email.
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