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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.
 May
Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this spring, as well as upcoming programs, events, and much more. Thank you for reading!
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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation requires a motor vehicle permit at our Lake Michigan beach parks, as well as the boat launch at Riverside Park, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Find more information here: Park Fees - Ottawa County, Michigan
Reminder: Ottawa County no longer issues a physical permit (stickers or hangtags). Your new digital permit simply requires you to register your license plate online or at the park pay stations.
As a reminder, there will be two ways to purchase your digital permit:
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Online - visitors will be able to register their license plate and pay for their annual or daily motor vehicle permit online using a mobile-friendly website. Utilizing this will allow users to verify their residency and birthday, so they are able to receive discounts they are eligible for before visiting the park. This will be the only method to purchase discounted motor vehicle permits!
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On-site - pay stations will be installed at all lakeshore beach parks including the two new parks we will be managing for Port Sheldon Township. Visitors can purchase a digital permit by registering their license plate for a day or a year using the pay station. Annual permits sold at the pay stations will be $25; daily permits will be $8. The fee stations are not able to determine residency, so no discounted permits will be sold at these stations.
Ottawa County Parks collects parking fees from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at the following parks: North Beach Park, Olive Shores, Kirk Park, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Tunnel Park, Kouw Park*, Windsnest Park*, and Riverside Park (boat launch only)
*In 2023, Ottawa County Parks will begin managing Kouw and Windsnest Parks per a management agreement with Port Sheldon Township. The township will be subsidizing the cost of an annual motor vehicle permit for their residents. Read more about this change by clicking here.
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As part of the improvements underway at Ottawa Sands, the entryway and access drive will be reconfigured and paved. The entryway will be realigned and converted to a boulevard and include an expanded interface with North Shore Drive. Furthermore, there will be extensive work to make a public water connection for the park.
As a result, the former parking area will be inaccessible during construction.
How can I access Ottawa Sands?
During construction, we request that users of Ottawa Sands park at Coast Guard Park. There will be a new improved pedestrian access that will be completed before the parking area is closed (see map below).
On April 10, 2023 the Ottawa County Parks Commission received information from a concerned kayaker that an undetermined amount of suspected oil was observed on the water and shoreline of a lake in the Bend Area Open Space. EGLE's Remediation and Redevelopment Division secured a clean-up contractor to mitigate impacts to the area, and the majority has been resolved.
Beginning April 28, the area and access to the lake has been re-opened for recreation. Visitors should be mindful to stay away from areas bordered by orange snow fencing. Ongoing monitoring will continue of the site and ongoing minor clean-up is likely to occur as needed. Out of an abundance of caution, it is advised that fishing on the affected lake should be catch and release at this time.
The bike lane along the M-231 Bridge will be closed from May 16 - May 25 for construction.
We will post updates to our social media and let you know if anything changes. Follow or like our pages to stay in the loop!
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Distribution of our paper spring newsletter has been cancelled. We expect to get the Summer 2023 newsletter into your mailboxes mid-June. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Get the scoop on Parks news, upcoming programs, & more: miottawa.org/Parks/pdf/newsletters/Spring2023.pdf
Here's what you should know about workdays:
- Register online by clicking a link below.
- Bring work gloves, insect repellent, and appropriate attire for the outdoors.
- All tools, drinking water, and snacks will be provided.
- All ages welcome; 16 and under must be with an adult.
- Workdays are cancelled for rain/snow.
Upcoming Workdays...
Invasive species, like garlic mustard, pose a large threat to habitat for native plants and wildlife. Help us protect our parks by joining us for a garlic mustard removal workday.
Invasive Garlic Mustard Removal
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Workshop on May 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Join the Ottawa Conservation District for a workshop with Dr. Erin Hill, Weed Science Diagnostician with Michigan State University's Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. You'll learn tactics and resources for building your weed seedling identification knowledge. This will help you pull young weeds, not young native plants! Removing them from your garden as early as possible keeps these weeds from seeding and spreading, or otherwise competing, with your desired plants.
Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park
Join the Ottawa Conservation District for their 2023 Spring Native Plant Sale at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing on May 27.
Pre-orders are for beach grass and garden kits only. They can be ordered at their online store or by mail-in order form. These orders will be available for pick up at the sale.
Online orders close May 8
Individual pots of grasses, flowers, and shrubs will be available on a first come, first served basis. There will also be some garden accessories available.
For more details, please visit this website: 2023 Native Plant Sale
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The harvest is tentatively scheduled to begin on the north side of Pigeon Creek Park the week of May 8.
We will send out updates on social media as we know more about trail closures. There will also be signs in the park marking closed areas.
While it may be difficult to see trees being cut down, a benefit to removing this crop plant is a more diverse forest waiting in the seedbank. As this diverse forest grows, it has the potential to bring new species to Pigeon Creek Park.
Click the link for a video to learn more: Red Pine Management at Pigeon Creek Park
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Join Ottawa County Parks, Owashtanong Islands Audubon Society, Holland Audubon Club, and MI Birds for an engaging evening with accomplished birder and speaker Tiffany Kersten.
Tiffany Kersten didn't set out to do a big year, but after a series of unanticipated and serendipitous events, she suddenly found herself amidst one. As a sexual assault survivor, she spent 2021 traveling to all corners of the Lower 48 States, tallying birds and gifting personal safety alarms to women she met along the way. In her presentation, Tiffany will lead us through the fear, empowerment, struggles, and healing that all played vital roles in the personal growth she experienced on this wild adventure.
REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED AND MAKES YOU ELIGIBLE FOR DOOR PRIZES! Seating may be limited and will be available as first come, first served. Video overflow provided.
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May 12, 6-8 pm at Stearns Creek
Come and hike through beautiful Stearns Creek Park with district forester Ben Savoie! Speakers from Ottawa Parks, the Michigan DNR, and the Ottawa Conservation District will talk about the history of oak management on the property, and how you can bring these practices to your land. Those interested in attending can RSVP by registering for this free event.
Parking: South Stearns parking loop, 136th avenue as potential overflow
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May 13, 3-5 pm at Observatory at Hemlock Crossing Park
Come join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomers for an afternoon in the park. On Saturday, May 13, from 3PM to 5PM weather permitting, we will be outdoors at the Observatory having demonstrations and displays of astronomical events. There will be special telescopes set up to observe the Sun (which may include sunspots, possible prominences, and solar flares), and we will be giving tours of the Observatory and Telescope.
Following the outdoor activities, at 8PM we will be giving a presentation in the Nature Center on the Summer Sky including what moon phases, planets, stars, and constellations are visible to the eye. We look forward to having a great day with clear skies and excellent viewing. Hope you all can join us.
No registration required!
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Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
Kids & Families
Wildlife Encounter - KIDS!
Registration required, $5/person, geared for ages 5-10
The Wildlife Encounter - Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region. It includes a presentation, a craft and a walk. Program is geared for children ages 5-10 years. Children must be accompanied with an adult.
Frogs & Toads
Secret Lives of Salamanders
Tuned into Nature
Registration required, $5/person
Kids ages 2-4 can bring their favorite grown up to sing songs, dance, and learn about nature together. We'll spend time making and moving to music based on a nature theme and go outside for a walk to explore it outdoors. Children must be accompanied with an adult.
StoryWalk
We’re collaborating with local libraries to continue providing StoryWalks this spring! Walk through the pages of a book as you make your way along a park path. These are self-guided programs, and the stories are available during park hours. These StoryWalks are brought to you by Herrick Main Library, Loutit District Library, and Herrick North Branch Library. Thank you!
Get Summer Camp Ready!
Summer camps are starting to fill up! Secure your spot ASAP.
We offer camps for two age groups:
▪️ Early Sprouts (ages 4-5): Activities in this camp will engage caregiver and child interactions in the outdoors. Caregivers will play an active role during camp.
▪️ Nature Buds (ages 6-8): Explore and engage with nature! Activities may include using dip nets in our wetlands, scooping up butterflies in insect nets, and searching for salamanders.
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Recreation & Health
Eat Green. Stay Active. Live Well - Where Food, Fitness, & Health Meet the Outdoors
Registration required, $55/person
Explore new nutritious ways to indulge in springtime’s freshest flavors, taste the ‘pick of the patch’, and discover the top seasonal superstars to power up your plate and make your meals greener, more interesting, and delicious. Be inspired, get expert tips, spectacular recipes, latest nutrition news, natural foodie finds and faves from snacks to drinks with sample bites and more―everything you need in ONE serving!
Nature Journal Club: Migration at Mt. Pisgah
Registration required, $5/person, ages 10+
Calling all nature lovers! Gather each month to learn new drawing and writing techniques specific to the theme and enjoy community connection with fellow journalers. The Nature Journal Club compliments an Introduction to Nature Journaling, however taking the class prior is not required. *Journals are not provided
Into Nature
Bird Walk
Registration appreciated
Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration. Trail conditions vary depending on the park. Be prepared for muddy and wet trails.
Big Day Birding Field Trip
Registration required, $20/person | 5 spots left!
How many bird species can we find in Ottawa County in one day? Several county parks, as well as other locations, will be searched for waterbirds, raptors, songbirds and more! Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered. Be prepared for a faster paced birding experience with possibly some strenuous terrain including dirt trails, mud and stairs.
Lakeshore Birding - Part 1 & Part 2
Registration appreciated
Part 1 - Lake Watch: Join us for a stationary lake watch from the pier looking for migratory waterfowl, gulls and shorebirds. Meet at Holland State Park.
Part 2 - Shoreline Dunes: Join us to hike the dunes in search of migratory sparrows, warblers and more. Terrain includes paved walkways, steep stairway and some sandy paths.
Rock Walk
Registration appreciated
Come discuss the origins and types of rocks found on our planet and learn to identify those that are found in our state. After our talk we'll try our skill at identifying some rocks in our hands-on lab then take a walk and look at some representative rocks from around the state of Michigan.
Astronomy: Summer Sky
Registration appreciated
The long periods of daylight followed by very short nights is a challenge that professional and amateur astronomers deal with in observing summer constellations. Find out what can be seen in the summer sky.
Bald Eagle Walk
Registration required, $5/person
Bald Eagles frequent areas along the Grand River and have nested at Grand Ravines for a number of years. Join us on this hike to learn the story of the park's resident eagles and view their nesting activities. Terrain is steep and often muddy.
Beginner Birding
Registration appreciated
Are you new to birding or want to get started? Would you like to gain some basic skills to help you enjoy this wonderful pastime? This bird walk will introduce you to binocular use, bird identification and field guides and, of course, to the common birds in our parks.
Greenway Birding Blitz
No registration required
Celebrate migration by birding along the Grand River Greenway! Join us at one or more locations through the day.
- May 27, 7-9 am | Ottawa Sands
- May 27, 10 am - 12 pm | Riverside Park
- May 27, 12:30-2 pm | Eastmanville Bayou
- May 27, 2:30-4 pm | Grand River Open Space
Grand Ravines Lodge
The lodge at Grand Ravines North will be open to the public on specific Sundays in April & May. These open houses are hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks who will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
Weaver House
The lodge at Grand Ravines North will be open to the public on specific Sundays in April & May. These open houses are hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks who will also be available to answer any questions you may have.
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