Join us for our Annual Holiday Luminary Event ??



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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
☃️ December ☃️

Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this winter, 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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Holiday Luminary Event with Friends of Ottawa County Parks [ [link removed] ]

December 8 • 5-7 pm • Hemlock Crossing

Holiday Luminary Event [ [link removed] ]

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Join us for this year’s annual Holiday Luminary Event [ [link removed] ] as Hemlock Crossing is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. There is no charge for attending, so bring your families and enjoy this magical evening! Hot cider and hot cocoa will be waiting. If able, bring any hats or mittens you are willing to donate to our mitten tree! All donations will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Holland.

"This event is hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks [ [link removed] ]. "

foocp
??>> Click Here to Sign up << [ [link removed] ]?? [ [link removed] ]

*"Registration is appreciated but not required. "*



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2023 Mug Club Photo Contest Results
Jeanne and Curtis [ [link removed] ]

Curtis Dykstra and Jeanne Stoddard hold the 2024 Mug Club member mug featuring Jeanne's photo of a Cape May Wabler.

Cape May Warbler
Announcing the Winner

Congratulations to our Coffee with the Birds Mug Club Photo Contest winner, Jeanne Stoddard, who took home the grand prize with her striking capture of a Cape May Warbler. Her photo will be featured on the limited-edition 2024 Mug Club [ [link removed] ] member mug, which can be purchased for $25 online or at the Nature Center. 

"The Gift Shop at the Nature Center has been closed due to issues with our credit card machines. In-person sales are possible but may take longer than usual. *We strongly recommend purchasing your membership online [ [link removed] ]* (especially on a Coffee with the Birds day). If you purchase online, all you’ll need to do when you arrive is swing by the front desk to pick up your mug. Keep reading to learn how to purchase your Mug Club Membership..."



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Mugs
*Mug Club Membership *

2024 Mug Club Memberships [ [link removed] ] are now available for sale! Members receive a limited-edition mug and fun birding perks throughout the year. Membership supports the Coffee with the Birds programs and feeding the birds at the Nature Center. The mugs and membership make great gifts. 

*Perks for members include…*


* Exclusive, limited-edition mug with photo contest winner 
* Event reminder magnets 
* Membership Card for free hot drinks at the Nature Center 
* Entry into a door prize drawing for prizes!
* Member-Only Bird Walks
* Picnic with the Birds event 

Learn more: news.miottawa.org/cwb-mug-club [ [link removed] ]


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Pigeon Creek Sledding Hill Livestream

The Sledding Hill Livestream [ [link removed] ] at Pigeon Creek Park is now available on our newly launched Parks YouTube channel [ [link removed] ]. 

Check out the livestream: miottawa.info/hillcam [ [link removed] ]
SleddingHill [ [link removed] ]
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NOTICE: Parking Lot Closed at Grand Ravines

The lower parking lot at Grand Ravines - North will be closed January-February. 

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Pigeon Creek Park Trails Update [ [link removed] ]

Lights at Pigeon [ [link removed] ]

*All trails have been reopened at Pigeon Creek Park. *

Not only have all the trails been reopened at Pigeon Creek Park, but the trail lights are also back on for the season! Don't let the shorter days keep you indoors...the park offers three miles of lit trails which are open until the park closes at 10 pm.

*Reminder:* Pigeon Creek Park winter operations will begin as soon as we have enough snow. When winter operations begin, the park will no longer be accessible to hikers, bikers,and dogs.

*NOTICE: Equestrian trails close to horses on December 1.*



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

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Checking Trees for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

*Invasive pest now confirmed in seven Michigan **counties. *Infestations of hemlock woolly adelgid have been confirmed in Allegan, Benzie, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Washtenaw counties.

HWA

According to a michigan.gov article: [ [link removed] ]

"The Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development encourage those who have eastern hemlock trees on their property to take time this winter to inspect the trees for signs of hemlock woolly adelgid. Anyone taking to the woods also can help by looking for signs of this invasive insect while hunting, hiking or enjoying other outdoor activities.

Winter is the best time to look for evidence of an infestation, according to Robert Miller, MDARD’s invasive species prevention and response specialist.

“Cooler temperatures trigger feeding activity,” Miller said. “As hemlock woolly adelgid feeds, it secretes a white, waxy material that creates ovisacs. The presence of these small, round, white masses make it possible to identify infested trees.”

As they feed, these tiny, soft-bodied insects consume a hemlock’s stored nutrients, slowly sucking the life from the tree. These insects are considered invasive because they are not native to the state and can cause significant harm to Michigan’s estimated 170 million hemlock trees."

*Read the full article [ [link removed] ] to learn how to identify hemlock trees, hemlock woolly adelgid, and more!*



Report Your HWA Findings

There are many ways you can report HWA (and other forest pests)!


* Report to Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development via email [email protected] <[email protected]?subject=Hemlock%20woolly%20adelgid> 
* Call the MDARD Customer Service Center: 800-292-3939.
* Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool [ [link removed] ]. "Please note you must create an account to make a report to MISIN, so the data can be verified! "
* You can also download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone. [ [link removed] ]

Identify the location of infested trees and, whenever possible, take one or two pictures of infested branches to help confirm identification. To avoid spreading the insect, do not collect sample branches or twigs.

Management of HWA in Ottawa County Parks

Ottawa County Parks staff, volunteers, and interns initiated surveys and treatments for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in 2019. Since then, OCPR has treated roughly 3,000, and surveyed nearly 7,000 of the most imperiled hemlock trees in the Parks system. During surveys, each individual tree receives a tag with a unique ID and surveyors record the tree’s diameter, GPS coordinates, and presence or absence of HWA and elongate hemlock scale — another harmful insect pest that infects hemlock trees. This data is used to streamline treatments and assess the efficacy of treatment strategies over time. Using a systemic insecticide that will protect each hemlock for 5-7 years, parks staff prioritize treatment for hemlock populations that are already infested or are in close proximity to known infestations of HWA.

Lakeshore parks are considered the highest priority due to their proximity to Lake Michigan which is a major flyway for migratory birds and has consequently become a significant vector for HWA. The OCPR Stewardship Crew recently completed surveys at the last remaining properties along the lakeshore and will continue moving inland during future surveys and treatments throughout 2024.

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Park Stewards of Ottawa County Parks [ [link removed] ]
Park Stewards

Park Stewards completed 33 workdays in 2023. This dedicated group of volunteers play a vital role in supporting various natural resource management projects, including removing invasive species and harvesting native seeds. Their efforts help to improve the health of our parks. THANK YOU! 

Want to get involved volunteering? Learn more: miottawa.org/volunteer [ [link removed] ]

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December Programs [ [link removed] ]

*Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program! *

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Recreation & Health

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.


* Dec 2, 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.


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

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Into Nature

COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS

"Registration appreciated"

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders and discuss various birding topics with a naturalist. Bring your bird questions, curiosities and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug!

*There are 2 sessions of Feeder Watching to choose from: 9:30 and 11:10 am.

*Schedule: *

9:30 - 10:20: Feeder Watching Session 1

10:30 - 11:00: Birding Tidbits

11:10 - 12:00: Feeder Watching Session 2


* Dec 9, 9:30 am-12 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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Kids & Families

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. 


* Dec 27, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

STORYWALK

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


* Dec 4 - Dec 27 | If Winter Comes, Tell it I'm Not Here |Paw Paw Park East [ [link removed] ]
* Dec 4 - Dec 27 | The Wish Tree |Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

winter camp
❄️WINTER NATURE BUDS ❄️ - "Sign up NOW open! "

"Registration required; $10/child (ages 6-9)"

This winter version of our summer Nature Buds Day program will be offered at Hemlock Crossing Park. Children will experience outdoor adventures and investigate wildlife and habitats through the lens of winter. Register for one, two or all three, but do come out and enjoy our Michigan winter season! For ages 6-9.


* Our Frozen Wild: Jan 6, 9:30-11:30 am  [ [link removed] ]
* Winter Tales on Winter Trails: Feb 3, 9:30-11:30 am  [ [link removed] ]
* Owl Be There: Mar 2, 9:30-11:30 am  [ [link removed] ]


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Pigeon Creek Lodge Cross-Country & Skate Ski Lessons

"$8/person; all lessons offered at Pigeon Creek Park. Ski rentals are available, rental fee is not included."

*Beginner:* Learn about equipment and basic techniques. Ages 10+; one adult must accompany every two children.


* Dec 30, 10-11:30 am - Pigeon Creek Park [ [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. *Please be aware that the park gate closes automatically at 8 pm, therefore visitors must arrive before 8 pm to enter the park.

*Make sure to check the calendar for cancellations on this page before you head out to the park: holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ]*


* Dec 1, 7 pm - Public Observing
* Dec 8, 7 pm - Public Observing
* Dec 15, 7 pm - Public Observing
* Dec 22, 7 pm - Public Observing
* Dec 29, 7 pm - Public Observing

For more details:* 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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