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*Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers programming and volunteer opportunities year-round! **Visit the Program and Events Calendar [ [link removed] ] for details and registration. Call our Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park for more information: 616-786-4847.*

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announcements
September

Scroll down to find information about ways to get, as well as upcoming programs, events, and much more. "*Thank you for reading!*"

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Motor Vehicle Permit Update

Any annual motor vehicle permits purchased for the remainder of 2023 will be valid for the rest of this year and all of 2024! As a reminder, motor vehicle permits are required at our lakeshore parks from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 🌊 We hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! 

lakeshore
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The Tale of Two Spiders [ [link removed] ]
The Tale of Two Spiders with Bob the Spider Hunter [ [link removed] ]

*September 16, 2023 | 10-11:30 am | Nature Center - Great Room*

Join YouTube personality, Bob the Spider Hunter, as he shares the story of two very unique and different spiders; one being the largest orb-weaving spider in North America, and the other being one of our smallest, but having abilities like no other spider! What sets them apart as two of the most fascinating, eight-legged, silk weaving animals Bob has ever hunted and studied? Come and find out!

Spiders will be on hand for live viewing and handling!

Register button [ [link removed] ]

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FOOCP Annual Meeting & Gabagouache Experience

September 20 at Connor Bayou

gabby 3

Would you like to paddle the Ottawa County Parks’ voyageur canoe on the Grand River? Become a member of "Friends of Ottawa County Parks [ [link removed] ]" (FOOCP) by downloading and printing this form. [ [link removed] ] 

After becoming a member, join FOOCP as they rendezvous on Wednesday, September 20 at Connor Bayou for a *Members Only Event and Annual Meeting*. Did you know Connor Bayou was a rendezvous site? You’ll have a chance to learn more about this through a short Living History presentation. Plan to bring your picnic basket - dessert is on us. Watch for more information coming soon on the FOOCP Facebook page [ [link removed] ] on how to reserve your seat on the Gabagouache. 

*You must be or become a member to participate.*

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You're invited! Jenison Mill Segment Dedication

Wednesday, September 27; 3 pm
Arch

Join us to celebrate the newly completed Jenison Mill Segment along the Idema Explorers Trail of the Grand River Greenway in honor of Peter Secchia. Comments begin at 3:30 pm (rain or shine). 

*Parking at: 7663 River Ave, Georgetown Twp, MI 49428*

The walk from the parking area to the event location is approximately 0.5 miles (as highlighted below). Shuttles will be available for transportation if desired. 

Learn more about the Grand River Greenway: "grandrivergreenway.org [ [link removed] ]"
Map
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Freedom Trax Wheelchair Donation

Freedom TRAX

Last year, Lori’s Voice generously donated a Freedom Trax wheelchair to Ottawa County Parks. The special design allows individuals who are wheelchair-dependent to freely move regardless of the terrain!

The Freedom Trax wheelchair is located at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park for visitors to use. Stop by the front desk to see if it is available for use or call the Nature Center in advance to check availability.

Thank you Lori's Voice!


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Ottawa Sands Parking Lot Closed [ [link removed] ]

During construction, we request that users of Ottawa Sands park at Coast Guard Park [ [link removed] ]. There is a new and improved temporary pedestrian access pathway that will take you into the park.

For a map and more info, visit: Ottawa Sands Entrance Closed | News - Ottawa County, Michigan  [ [link removed] ]

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Volunteer Workdays [ [link removed] ]

Do you want to get involved volunteering? Register online: "miOttawa.org/ocpevents [ [link removed] ]"

Seed Collection

*Invasive Species Removal*


* September 23, 10 am-12 pm - Hiawatha Forest [ [link removed] ]

*Native Seed Collection *


* September 23, 1-3 pm - Upper Macatawa Natural Area  [ [link removed] ]

"Bring work gloves, insect repellant, 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 if raining (or snowing)."



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Pigeon Creek Logging Update [ [link removed] ]

Southeast side trails (#10 - #11 - Creek loop - #28 - #29 - #36 - #30) at Pigeon Creek Park are closed. The north side of the park will also remain closed. 

Any trails besides the north, and the ones listed, will remain open for now. We do not currently an expected date of completion, but we will continue to provide updates as we know more.

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September Programs [ [link removed] ]

*Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program! *

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Kids & Families

Wildlife Encounter - KIDS! Monarchs on the Move

"Registration required, $5/person, geared for ages 5-10 "

Monarchs embark on a momentous migratory journey each fall. Discover how they do it, what troubles they face, and what we can do to help. Then go outside to watch for them as they head south to Mexico for the winter.


* Sep 10, 3-4:30 pm - Grand River Park  [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 24, 3-4:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Tuned into Nature

"Registration required, $5/person, ages 2-4 "

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. Adult must stay with child for duration of program. 


* Sep 20, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalk

We’re collaborating with local libraries to continue providing StoryWalks this summer! 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. "Brought to you by Herrick Main Library, Loutit District Library, and Herrick North Branch Library. "


* Sep 2 - Sep 17 | Wild Ideas | Hawthorn Pond Natural Area [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 11 - Sep 17 | Full of Fall | North Ottawa Dunes [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 18 - Oct 1 | Swashby and the Sea | Tunnel Park [ [link removed] ]

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Recreation & Health

Thru Hike

"Registration required, $5/person, ages 10+ "

Get out and enjoy the transition to fall as you venture ALL THE WAY THRU these amazing parks! A guide will lead you, so you’ll have all the more reason to soak in the beauty and uniqueness of each park.


* Sep 17, 2-4 pm - Grand River Park  [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 30, 2-4 pm - Riley Trails [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Sep 29, 8-9:30 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

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Into Nature

Bird Walks

"Registration not required but appreciated"

Whether you are an avid birder or just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us as we search for warblers, sparrows, and more on these birding walks that highlight parks all around the county. Trail conditions vary depending on the park. Be prepared for muddy and wet trails.


* Sep 6, 8-10 am - Crockery Creek Natural Area [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 20, 8-10 am - Paw Paw Park West [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy: Ring of Fire - October 14 Solar Eclipse

"Registration not required but appreciated"

On October 14, 2023, a solar eclipse with a narrow path of totality will be visible across eight states: Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. All other states including Michigan will get to see a partial eclipse. Learn all about solar eclipses and how to prepare for this event. After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have the observatory open and telescopes available for night sky observing (weather permitting).


* Sep 9, 8-9 pm - Hemlock Crossing  [ [link removed] ]

The Tale of Two Spiders - with Bob the Spider Hunter! 

"Registration required, $5/person, ages 10+ "

Join YouTube personality, Bob the Spider Hunter, as he shares the story of two very unique and different spiders; one being the largest orb-weaving spider in North America, and the other being one of our smallest, but having abilities like no other spider! What sets them apart as two of the most fascinating, eight-legged, silk weaving animals Bob has ever hunted and studied? Come and find out! Spiders will be on hand for live viewing and handling!


* Sep 16, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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Friday Public Observatory Nights

Observatory

The observatory at Hemlock Crossing Park will be open to the public on Fridays at 9 pm. These events are weather dependent and will be cancelled if overcast. Make sure to check the calendar at the bottom of this page before you head out to the park: * holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ]*


* Sep 1, 8 pm | Public Observing
* Sep 8, 8 pm | Public Observing
* Sep 15, 8 pm | Public Observing
* Sep 22, 8 pm | Public Observing
* Sep 29, 8 pm | Public Observing

For more details and weather cancellations,* visit miOttawa.org/observatory [ [link removed] ] *



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Open Houses

Weaver House

Join us for an inside look at the Weaver House at Pine Bend Park. These open houses are hosted by Friends of Ottawa County Parks and they will be available to share historical information and show you around the house.


* Sep 17, 1-4 pm - Pine Bend Park [ [link removed] ]

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*Show us how you enjoy your parks!*

*Connect with us on Instagram [ [link removed] ] by tagging your park photos @OttawaCountyParks [ [link removed] ] or #OttawaCountyParks [ [link removed] ]*

*OR*

*Follow us on Facebook and tag us @OttawaCountyParksandRecreation  [ [link removed] ]*






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Parks logo

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission | 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan 49460 | 616-738-4810

Visit miOttawa.org/parks to learn more about the 7,000 acres of parks and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements, and programs are funded by grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you invest $26 annually in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. *Thank you!** *

STAY CONNECTED: Visit us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ] Visit us on YouTube [ [link removed] ] Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ]

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Linked In [ [link removed] ]



*
All programs & events are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
Chairperson Joe Moss | Vice-Chairperson Sylvia Rhodea | Gretchen Cosby | Roger Bergman | Lucy Ebel | Jacob Bonnema | Rebekah Curran | Roger Belknap | Kyle Terpstra | Doug Zylstra | Allison Miedema

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com ]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Ottawa County, Michigan · 12220 Fillmore Street · West Olive, MI 49460 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]