|
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.
 🍂 October 🍂
Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this fall, as well as upcoming programs, events, and much more. Thank you for reading!
Did someone forward you this message? Click here to sign up for your copy.
We had a great time celebrating the Jenison Mill Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail connecting Ottawa and Kent County marked by the Secchia Gateway Arch.
A very special thank you to the Secchia family, all of our speakers, volunteers and friends who joined us to honor Peter Secchia and celebrate the newest addition to the Idema Explorers Trail. Peter’s tireless work and leadership as co-chair of the Grand River Greenway Campaign helped pave the way for the resulting "Grand Connection".
This 1-mile segment is the final connection from a 2-mile existing segment of the Idema Explorers Trail in Georgetown Township to the existing trail system in Kent County. As a result, bike/pedestrian trail users in this area are now connected to 100-miles plus of trails in Kent County, including connections to Millennium Park, downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids riverfront, as well as several other trails!
If you haven't enjoyed a ride along the trail, we encourage you to do so soon. It will be gorgeous this fall. You can access the trail by parking at the smal log along Cottonwood Drive or the parking area at the Grandville Clean Water Plant. You can find a map of the segment below.
We are grateful for our long-term partnerships and collaborators who have helped make this project come to life. We look forward to future projects along the Greenway! 
Ottawa Conservation District (OCD) will be hosting their fall Native Plant Sale at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing on October 7 from 9 am-1 pm. The sale will offer a wide assortment of Michigan-grown native flowering plants, garden kits, and grasses as supplies last.
For day of plant availability, pricing and more visit: Native Plant Sale
|
October 14, 11 am - 2 pm | Hemlock Crossing
Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for an afternoon in the park observing the sun and partial eclipse for Astronomy Day! The SAAA will have sun-viewing glasses available ($2.00, cash or check only) for purchase and other fun activities for people of all ages! Following outdoor activities, there will be a presentation indoors at 7 pm on the Fall Sky. Learn more: holland-saaa.org
October 28, 10 am - 12 pm | Riley Trails
Grab your favorite Halloween costume, your bike and helmet, and join Velo Kids for a Halloween bike ride! There will be a short bike course for the littles. All ages are welcome! No bike? No worry! Borrow a bike and helmet from the Velo Kids bike library. We can’t wait to see you on the trails! Learn more: velo-kids.com
Have you taken a bird photo in Ottawa County in 2023 that would look great on our 2024 Mug Club limited edition mug? We want to see it!
Submission deadline is October 31, 2023.
How to enter:
Submit original image files (up to 3/person) online: news.miottawa.org/mugclubcontest
Mug Club Membership
2024 Mug Club Memberships will be available for sale online (more details to come). Members receive a limited edition mug and fun birding perks throughout the year. Funds raised through the Mug Club support birding programs. The mugs and membership make great gifts!
Sign up for birding updates for more information about Mug Club: miottawa.org/birding
|
October 7, 9:30-11:30 am | Hemlock Crossing
Seeing seeds? Us too! Join us for a seedy hike with an outdoor educator, then learn how to write and illustrate what you observed and learned. We’ll wrap up by helping the Stewardship Crew collect seeds for the Ottawa County Parks seed bank. Registration is required; $10/person.
The Awareness, Art & Action program series provides participants an opportunity to grow in their awareness of the natural world as a catalyst for both artistic creativity and active stewardship.
|
Do you want to get involved volunteering? Register online: miOttawa.org/ocpevents
Native Seed Collection and Invasive Species Removal
Park Cleanup
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).
|
All southside trails are CLOSED at Pigeon Creek Park. The north side of the park has been reopened. We will keep you updated on when southside trails reopen.
 
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
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.
Awareness, Art & Action: Seeds Please!
Registration required; $10/person (ages 12+)
Seeing seeds? Us too! Join us for a seedy hike with a naturalist, then learn how to write and illustrate what you observed and learned. We’ll wrap up by helping the Stewardship Crew collect seeds for the Ottawa County Parks seed bank. The Awareness, Art & Action program series provides participants an opportunity to grow in their awareness of the natural world as a catalyst for both artistic creativity and active stewardship.
Astronomy
Registration not required but appreciated
Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association for an astronomy program. They will have the observatory open and other telescopes available to view from (weather permitting). Learn more at holland-saaa.org
Fall Sky - What is up in the sky tonight? Which constellations, planets and deep sky objects are visible.
Waterfowl Birding Field Trips
Registration required; $10/person (ages 12+)
Witness the spectacle of waterfowl migration! Be prepared for cool/wet weather, and bring your own food and water. Details will be emailed in advance to those registered.
Part 1 - Lakeshore Waterfowl will start at the Holland State Park and will visit other local waterfowl hotspots in the Holland area.
Part 2 - Wastewater Waterfowl will visit one of Michigan’s premier waterfowl birding locations at the Muskegon Wastewater facility.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS - MICHIGAN’S MARSUPIAL: THE VIRGINIA OPOSSUM
Registration appreciated (ages 10+)
Did you know that Michigan is home to a marsupial as well? The Virginia Opossum is one of the most unique and bizarre creatures around, and it may be lurking in your own backyard! You’ll be amazed at the role these creatures play in nature and how they get the job done!
INTRO TO NATURE JOURNALING
Registration required; $5/person (ages 10+)
Many of us seek ways to better connect with nature. Nature journaling helps us do this and you do not need to know
anything about nature, drawing, or writing to begin! Learn how to start a nature journal, a few drawing basics, and some simple tricks to help you be successful.
FIRESIDE YOGA
Registration required; $10/person (ages 18+)
Come practice yoga fireside at the Nature Center! All levels of experience are welcome. *Yoga mats not provided.
EAT GREEN. STAY ACTIVE. LIVE WELL.
Registration required; $55/person (ages 18+)
Explore new nutritious ways to indulge in fresh fall favorites, taste the ‘pick of the patch’ and discover the top seasonal superstars to power up your plate to make your meals greener, more interesting and delicious. Tour the colors afterwards on hiking trails - a fall feast for your eyes!
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 of each park.
NATURE JOURNALING: LITTLE LANDSCAPES
Registration required; $5/person (ages 10+)
Gather each month to learn new drawing and writing techniques specific to the theme while enjoying community connection with fellow journalers. *Journals are not provided.
MOONLIGHT NIGHT HIKE
Registration required; $5/person (ages 10+)
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk as you explore by moonlight! Please bring a flashlight.
Kids & Families
Wildlife Encounter - KIDS! The Webby World of Spiders
Registration required; $5/child (ages 5-10 accompanied by an adult)
The Wildlife Encounter - Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks, and region. Adult must remain with child for duration of program.
The Webby World of Spiders
Take an adventure into the world of spiders! What makes them unique? What kinds are there? How can you find and observe them? Go on a spider hunt with your guide to find out!
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.
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
- Oct 6, 8 pm | Public Observing
- Oct 13, 8 pm | Public Observing
- Oct 20, 7 pm | Public Observing
- Oct 27, 7 pm | Public Observing
For more details and weather cancellations, visit miOttawa.org/observatory
|
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.
|
