|
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.
 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.
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.
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
|
November 21 | 7-8:30 pm | Hemlock Crossing
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.
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.
|
Do you want to get involved volunteering? Register online: miOttawa.org/ocpevents
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.
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 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.
 
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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: 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.
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.
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
- 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
|
|
