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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.
 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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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!
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!
September 20 at Connor Bayou
Would you like to paddle the Ottawa County Parks’ voyageur canoe on the Grand River? Become a member of Friends of Ottawa County Parks (FOOCP) by downloading and printing this form.
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 on how to reserve your seat on the Gabagouache.
You must be or become a member to participate.
Wednesday, September 27; 3 pm
 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.
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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During construction, we request that users of Ottawa Sands park at Coast Guard Park. 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
Do you want to get involved volunteering? Register online: miOttawa.org/ocpevents
Invasive Species Removal
Native Seed Collection
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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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.
 
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
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
- 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
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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.
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