  Check out our program schedule online!
   Winter Family Event
December 10, 5-7 pm at Hemlock Crossing
Join us for a fun, outdoor holiday gathering hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks. Families are invited to enjoy the meadow trail, which will be illuminated by LED candlelight. Warm beverages and an easy craft will be available free of charge.
Free, no registration required. Help us spread the word, by sharing the event on Facebook!
 Open House at the Weaver House
December 5, 1-4 pm at Pine Bend
Join us for an inside look at the Weaver House at Pine Bend Park. In December, it will be decorated for the holiday season! Did you know Weaver House turns 120 years old this year? Parks staff will be available to share historical information and show you around the house.
Free, no registration required. Help us spread the word by sharing the event on Facebook.
North Ottawa Dunes & Ottawa Sands Closed for Hunting from November 19- 22
North Ottawa Dunes & Ottawa Sands will be CLOSED for an annual wildlife management hunt this upcoming weekend, Friday, 11/19 through Monday, 11/22. ⛔
Access is by permission only; those in the parks without permission will be ticketed. Both parks will re-open Tuesday, 11/23.
Hunting is an important part of managing natural lands and parks in Ottawa County. Biodiversity is dependent on a delicate balance of predator and prey populations. This balance has been altered by a significant loss of predators, like wolves. As a result, some prey populations, such as deer, do not have the natural checks and balances needed to prevent overpopulation. Humans have always been and continue to play an important role in hunting prey populations. Learn more click here.
Click the photo above to watch the video
Deer Management for Healthy Forests
Did you know that too many deer can consume large amount of native forest understory plants, eventually altering forest composition? In this video, created in partnership with mi Eco BUZZ, you'll learn about how hunting is an important conservation tool that helps keep our local forests healthy and diverse.
December 6-19 at Paw Paw - West
Take a StoryWalk® at Paw Paw Park West! In collaboration with Herrick Library this StoryWalk® features "Rabbits Gift" by George Shannon and Laura Dronzer. Pages from this picture book will be posted on signs along the path for your family to read together - along with ideas for things to look for and do as you walk! The story will available to read as you stroll along a .5 mile trail. No registration required!
The story will available to read as you stroll along a .5 mile trail. No registration required!
December 6-12 at Rosy Mound
Take a StoryWalk® at Rosy Mound! In collaboration with Loutit District Library this StoryWalk® features "Good-Bye Autumn, Hello Winter" by Kenard Pak. Pages from this picture book will be posted on signs along the path for your family to read together - along with ideas for things to look for and do as you walk! The story will available to read as you stroll along the trail. No registration required!
 Moonlight Night Hike
November 19, 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM at Hager Park
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight!
Registration required.
*Terrain includes level paved & dirt trails. Bring a flashlight.
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Themed Walk: Pineless & Poison-free
November 20, 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Port Sheldon Natural Area
Blackbirds, beverages, baseball, bugs, and beyond- uncover the true stories behind the Eastern Hemlock tree.
Take a deeper dive into a topic of interest that may focus on natural features of a park, tell the story of cultural connections to place or weave both elements together.
You can expect these themed walks to last one hour or less, cover less distance on a trail and provide a new perspective on how you experience that special place.
Registration encouraged.
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Wildlife Encounter - for Kids! Turkey & "Dressing"
November 21, 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Turkey & dressing is a long tradition for Thanksgiving dinner. But Turkeys are much more than just dinner! And "dressing" up like one is what will happen, all while you laugh your way to discovering what, beyond dinner, is special about this bird.
The Wildlife Encounter - Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region. Program is geared for children ages 5-10 years. Children must be accompanied with an adult.
Registration required.
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Senior Special: Pineless & Poison-free
November 23, 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM at Port Sheldon Natural Area
Blackbirds, beverages, baseball, bugs, and beyond- uncover the true stories behind the Eastern Hemlock tree.
Active adults 55+ years can take a deeper dive into a topic of interest that may focus on natural features of a park, tell the story of cultural connections to place or weave both elements together.
Registration encouraged.
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Evening Walk at Pigeon Creek Park
November 26, 7:00 PM- 8:00 PM at Pigeon Creek Park
Autumn is a transition time for all living things. As the days get shorter, plants and animals prepare for the winter months. Walking in the evenings is a great way for people to ease into the winter months.
Meet an Ottawa County Parks naturalist at the Pigeon Creek Kiosk near the parking lot for a walk on the lit trails.
This will be an easy paced walk for everyone with opportunities to talk and learn more about Ottawa County Parks and the wonderful opportunities to enjoy.
Registration encouraged.
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