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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers programming and volunteer opportunities year-round! Visit the Program and Events Calendar for details and registration. Call our Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park for more information: 616-786-4847.
Hopefully you have enjoyed the sunny days and warm evenings of summer walking trails in a county park near you or hanging out at one of the lakeshore parks. Fall is just around the corner and there are some great opportunities to get outside & into the parks. Below is a list of walking-focused programs for all interests and abilities!
If you are wanting to enjoy a brisk walk, meet new people, and build confidence and familiarity with a few county parks, join one of the Empower Walks or walk ALL The WAY through select County Parks on a Thru Hike. On the other end of the interest scale are Wonder Walks and Nature Journal Club Themed Walks. These walks are for those who enjoy a slow, meandering pace, stopping to observe whatever catches the eye! Themed Walks are a balance between covering some ground and learning about the unique features or human stories of a park.
There is a diverse offering for everyone this fall. Scroll down and read on to learn more about the dates, times, locations, and themes of these walks. We hope to see you on these walks and also at the Spring 2023 Step It Up program!
 
NEW! Nature Journal Club Themed Walks
Registration required, $5/person; ages 18+
Experience the autumn season in a new way through nature journaling! Practice your skills as we slowly meander the trails and pause to sit, draw, write, ask questions, and record our observations. Learn new drawing and writing techniques specific to the walk theme while building community and connection. The Nature Journal Club Themed Walks compliment our Introduction to Nature Journaling course and while taking the class prior to these walks is not required, it is recommended.
NEW! Wonder Walk
Registration required, $5
Practice your nature journaling skills as we slowly meander the trails and follow what catches our eyes. These walks compliment our Introduction to Nature Journaling course and while taking the class prior to these walks is not required, it is recommended. *Journals are not provided.
Themed Walks
Registration not required, but appreciated
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History Walk at Pine Bend:
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Fall Color Walk:
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Big Teeth, Quakers, and Cottony Seeds:
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Discover the Dunes
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The Farm in Fall-time
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Ravens and Ravenswood
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Five-needled and Fascinating!
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A Palette of Fall Color
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Seeing the Parks Through New Eyes
Thru Hikes
Registration required, $5/half day or $10/full day
Enjoy the changing seasons as you venture ALL THE WAY THRU these amazing parks with a naturalist guide.
Moonlight Night Hike
Registration required, $5/person; ages 10+
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight! Please bring a flashlight.
Seeing the Parks Through New Eyes: At Night!
Registration required, $5/person; ages 8+
Join a guide for a 90 minute walk to delve into our senses at night
Empower Walk
Registration appreciated; ages 18+
Have you ever wanted to hike in a county park but don't feel comfortable enough to go on your own? Come enjoy a brisk hike, meet new people, and build confidence and familiarity with a few of our county parks!
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