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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
In case you missed the September email over the holiday weekend, scroll down to find information about upcoming programs, events, and much more. Thank you for reading!
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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!
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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Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
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.
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.
Into Nature
Bird Walk
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.
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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