  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.
  Coming soon: Tree House at Grand Ravines
Through a significant gift to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [link to website] from an anonymous foundation, a Tree House will be constructed just off the Idema Explorers Trail route. The Tree House, which will be located high above the edge of ravine that parallels the north boundary of the park, will be dedicated to Bea Aldrink Idema in recognition of her love for nature, education, and having fun. Learn more: https://news.miottawa.org/grand-ravines-tree-house/
 Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission purchases key property in Macatawa Greenway
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission purchased a 5.5-acre parcel on Black River Court directly adjacent to Holland Township’s Hawthorn Pond Park as well as to other Macatawa Greenway property that connects along the Macatawa River to 96th Avenue. The property includes nearly 500 feet of river frontage and about 2.5 acres of floodplain – including some wooded area.
To learn more click here.
Open House at Grand Ravines Lodge
Friends of Ottawa County Parks will be hosting open houses every Sunday in April, and the first two Sundays in May. Stop on by and check out the inside of this beautiful lodge at Grand Ravines - North.
As you hike in search of signs of the changing seasons, read "When Spring Comes" by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek. Pages from this beautifully illustrated children's book will be posted on signs along the trail for your family to read together - along with ideas for things to look for and do as you hike!
The story will available to read as you stroll Monday, April 12 through Sunday, April 18 during regular park hours, 7 am to 10 pm. The hike is an approximately .5 mile loop on a barrier free, stroller-friendly gravel trail.
This event is part of a StoryWalk® series created in partnership by Loutit District Library, Spring Lake District Library, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, the Village of Spring Lake and the City of Grand Haven. LDL StoryWalks® are made possible through the generosity of Carol Alexander and Kevin Carbary.
 Click on the image above to watch this video.
mi EcoBuzz - Beavers 101!
"Nature's Engineers", "Natural landscapers", "Keystone Species"...these are a few of the names that Beavers have acquired because of their importance to and significant impact on the natural environment. Curious to learn more? Join me for the newest episode of mi EcoBUZZ
 Native Plant Sale
The native plant sale offers a wide assortment of Michigan-grown native flowering plants, garden kits, and grasses.
To view the catalog and order online click here.
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...
*A new session has been added for ages 7-8 year old's! On June 14th-18th we will offering a second biking camp at Riley Trails. Click here to register for that camp.
  Sounds of Spring
Woodcock Walk
April 9, 7:30 PM- 9:00 PM at Grand River Park
Introduce yourselves to Woodcocks with a short presentation, then enjoy watching the sun set to the twitter of displaying Woodcocks!
There may be prolonged periods of standing so feel free to bring a small outdoor chair to carry along.
Registration required.
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On Ephemeral Pond
April 10, 10:00 AM- 10:30 AM at Hemlock Crossing
Not all wetlands hold water throughout the year. Some short-lived bodies of water provide a golden opportunity for certain creatures to reproduce. Join a park's naturalist and investigate an ephemeral pond.
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
Registration required.
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Making Nature
April 10, 12:30 PM- 1:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing
The natural communities of Ottawa County have been through many changes both recently and historically. Hike with a park's naturalist to explore the ways that these changes affect what we see in our parks and how new natural areas are created.
This walk will be 30 minutes long with additional time for questions following.
Registration required.
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Wildflower Walk
April 11, 2:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Grose Park
Woodland flowers, called spring ephemerals, bloom before the trees leaf out. Join a parks naturalist to look for these spring beauties blooming in our parks.
Registration required
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First in Flower
April 13, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at Grand Ravines - North
The first flowers of spring have a secret. Find out what they know that makes the spring a great time to grow and flower. And witness the adaptations that allow them to flower first.
Join a naturalist for a 30 minute walk to develop some common observational skills and questions to cultivate your curiosity.
Registration required.
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Spring Wildflower Workshop
April 17, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Grand Ravines - North
Learn how to identify spring wildflowers! This workshop will aid participants in using Newcomb’s Wildflower guide to identify native wildflowers & their pollinators found in our parks. Bring your own Newcomb's Wildflower Guide or contact the nature center at 616-786-4847 to inquire about purchasing your own guide.
Registration required.
*Terrain may be muddy
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Tot Time
April 22, 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.
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 Astronomy: James Webb Space Telescope - Virtual Event
April 10, 7:00 PM- 8:00 PM
For the past 30 plus years, the Hubble Telescope has looked deep within the Universe, and helping us explore the secrets of its formation. The Hubble Telescope, is primarily a visual telescope, with some capability to observe the ultraviolet, and infrared thus gave us some extraordinary views of the of universe.
Complementing and as a successor to Hubble, will be the James Webb telescope, which will launch in October this year.
The Webb telescope will be the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System.
A link to the Zoom meeting will be emailed to registrants prior to the virtual program.
Registration required.
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