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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
November ??

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." [ [link removed] ]

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Attention: Park Closures

North Ottawa Dunes and Ottawa Sands will be CLOSED for an annual wildlife management hunt from Friday, November 17 to Monday, November 20.

deer

Access is by permission only; those in the parks without permission will be ticketed. *Both parks will re-open Tuesday, November 21.*

Hunting is an important part of managing natural lands and parks in Ottawa County. Biodiversity is critical to ecosystem health and is dependent on a delicate balance of predator and prey populations. In Michigan, this balance has been altered by a significant loss of predators, like wolves. As a result, some prey populations, such as deer, do not have the natural checks and balances needed to prevent overpopulation. Humans have always been and continue to play an important role in hunting prey populations. 

Learn more: news.miottawa.org/hunting-in-ocp [ [link removed] ]



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2023 Photo Contest Winner Reveal

November 21 | 7-8:30 pm | Hemlock Crossing

2023 Photo Contest

Be the first to know the winners of the 2023 Mug Club Photo Contest and which photo will be on the new mug! Following the reveal, Curtis will give a fun presentation about a birding adventure.

*EVENT SCHEDULE:*


* *7:00 pm* – Socialize with other bird lovers 
* *7:30 pm* – Photo Contest winner reveal
* *7:45 pm* – Presentation by Curtis Dykstra
* *8:30 pm* – Event concludes


*Mug Club Membership *

2024 Mug Club Memberships will be available for sale online soon (details to come). Members receive a limited-edition mug and fun birding perks throughout the year. Funds raised support birding in Ottawa County and seed at the Nature Center. The mugs and membership make great gifts. 

Want to be alerted when the 2024 Mug Club Membership pre-order begins? Sign up to receive birding emails [ [link removed] ]. 

Learn more: miottawa.org/birding [ [link removed] ]

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Subscribe to our NEW Family-Friendly Programming Email List

Kids in park

Ottawa County Parks offers fun and enriching family-friendly programming throughout each season. From exploring the great outdoors during Wildlife Encounter - KIDS! to making and moving to music based on a nature theme during Tuned into Nature, there are a variety of ways to get outside in our parks.

Interested in staying up to date on our family-friendly programs and events? Subscribe to our new email list here: bit.ly/OCP-KidActivities-News [ [link removed] ]



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Volunteer Workdays [ [link removed] ]

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

volunteers

*Invasive Species Removal - *Did you know that invasive species are a leading cause of habitat loss? Join us for a workday to remove invasive species and improve wildlife habitat.


* Nov 4, 11 am - 12 pm - Bend Area Open Space [ [link removed] ]
* Nov 4, 1-3 pm - Eastmanville Bayou  [ [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] ]

All north side trails and southwest trails have been reopened at Pigeon Creek Park. All southeast side trails have been reopened with the exception of #28 - #29. 

Stay up to date on trail conditions here: miottawa.org/trails [ [link removed] ]

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November 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! 

"Registration required; $5/child (ages 5-10 accompanied by an adult) "

*Turkey and "Dressing" *
Turkey & dressing is a long tradition for Thanksgiving dinner. But Turkeys are much more than just dinner! And "dressing" up like one is what will happen, all while you laugh your way to discovering what, beyond dinner, is special about this bird. 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.


* Nov 5, 3-4:30 pm - Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]
* Nov 19, 3-4:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Tuned into Nature

"Registration required; $5/child (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. 


* Nov 29, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalk

We’re collaborating with local libraries to continue providing StoryWalks this fall! 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. "


* Oct 30- Nov 26 | Change Sings | Paw Paw Park East [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 30-Nov 26 | The More We Get Together | Hemlock Crossing  [ [link removed] ]

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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.


* Nov 15, 10 am - 12 pm - Upper Macatawa NA (84th Ave)  [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy

"Registration not required but appreciated"

*Telescope Basics - *Are you thinking of buying a telescope, but feel intimidated by all the terms listed in the catalog description? Tonight's program will reveal the mysteries of basic optics, and enlighten some of the terms such as power, magnification, focal length and more!


* Nov 11, 7-8 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Earth Encounters: A Grand River 

"Registration required; $5/person (ages 10+) "

Experience the Grand River as a creative force influencing the landscape of Ottawa County in this Earth Encounters Geology program. We’ll learn about sediments, deposition, and erosion as we look for the signatures of these in your county parks. Be prepared for wet or muddy trails and wear appropriate footwear. This program will include a 30 min indoor presentation and hands-on activities followed by a 30-45 min hike to explore the parks geological features.


* Nov 12, 3-4:30 pm - Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]

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Recreation & Health

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.


* Nov 4, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Nov 5, 3-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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!


* Nov 5, 3-4:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing  [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Nov 11, 2-4 pm - Eastmanville Farm [ [link removed] ]
* Nov 19, 2-4 pm - Paw Paw Park East [ [link removed] ]

NATURE JOURNALING: COUNTING, MEASURING & ESTIMATES

"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.


* Nov 18, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [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 as you explore by moonlight! Please bring a flashlight.


* Nov 25, 7-8:30 pm - Connor Bayou  [ [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. 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] ]*


* Nov 3, 7 pm | Public Observing
* Nov 10, 7 pm | Public Observing
* Nov 17, 7 pm | Public Observing
* Nov 24, 7 pm | Public Observing

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