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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.
 February
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!
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April 1 - April 5, 2024 • 7:30 am - 5:30 pm* • Pigeon Creek Park
Join us for an unforgettable Spring Break outside with Ottawa County Parks at our brand NEW all-day, week-long camp! At our camp, we hope to provide a memorable and enriching experience for children that combines the best of nature, outdoor exploration, teamwork, learning, and of course - FUN!
*After care from 5:30-6 pm is available for additional cost ($15).
Learn more and sign up at miottawa.org/ocpevents
 
In early February, the process of creating a strategic plan for Ottawa County Parks and Recreation will begin. Be a part of the conversation on the future of your local parks! Sign up for email alerts and stay informed of upcoming opportunities for public input.
Starting February 16th at 4:00 pm, we will be temporarily suspending reservation and program registration requests for two weeks. We anticipate being live with our new recreation software by February 29th. Stay tuned for more details.
The Parks department is upgrading its recreation software to a more user-friendly system in late February. As a result, we will stop taking reservation and program registration requests on February 16 at 4:00 pm. If you would like to sign up for a program that requires registration within this timeframe, you must do so before February 16 at 4:00 pm (see list of programs below).
If you have an account in our current system, you will be alerted via email and prompted to set up your new account when the system is ready to go. We are excited to provide a better user experience but know at first this may be difficult. Please call us with any questions you may have!
Sign up for the following programs BEFORE February 16 at 4:00 pm to participate:
If you happen to miss the sign-up deadline and still want to register, don't worry! Please give us a call at the Nature Center (616-786-4847) and we will try our best to accommodate you.
 
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
WILD WINTER FAMILY FUN DAY!
Registration appreciated but not required
Don't hibernate all winter! Combat cabin fever and come to the Nature Center for this fun-filled event. Your family will have several indoor and outdoor activities to complete in order to earn a prize! Come at any time during the event. Designed for families with children 5-10 years old.
ASTRONOMY: NASA/OSIRIS REx ASTEROID RETURN MISSION FINDINGS
Registration appreciated but not required
OSIRIS-REx is an asteroid study and sample return mission that visited and collected samples from a near-Earth asteroid. Launched in 2016, the mission returned in September 2023, with rock samples which will allow scientists who will study them, to learn more about our Solar System and Earth.
After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have the observatory open and telescopes available for night sky observing (weather permitting).
MOONLIGHT NIGHT HIKE
Registration required; $5/person
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore by moonlight! There is an option to use snowshoes when conditions are favorable. Please be sure to complete the snowshoe questionnaire when registering.
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.
WINTER WALK
Registration appreciated but not required
Join us for a winter walk to enjoy the winter scenery and discover what nature is up to at this time of year.
NATURE JOURNALING CLUB
Registration required; $5/person (ages 18+)
Calling all nature lovers! Gather each month to learn new drawing and writing techniques specific to the theme and enjoy community connection with fellow journalers. The Nature Journal Club compliments our ‘Introduction to Nature Journaling’ program, however taking the class prior is not required. *Journals are not provided.
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.
FIRESIDE STORYTIME
Registration appreciated but not required (ages 3-8)
Snuggle up by the fire with your kids for a relaxing time of seasonally-themed stories and a mug of hot chocolate! Don’t forget a comfy pillow and blanket! An optional walk will be offered afterward. Recommended for ages 3 - 8, accompanied by an adult.
WINTER NATURE BUDS
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.
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.
Into Nature
COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS
Registration appreciated but not required.
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
WINTER BIRDING FIELD TRIPS
Registration required, $10/person
Wintertime birding in Ottawa County can be an adventure worth the effort! Come along and see why as we venture to various local birding hotspots of winter. Choose one or both segments of this all day event. Details and meeting locations will be emailed in advance to those registered.
Part 1: Winter Waterfowl
Part 2: Birding the Barrens
*Please note classes will be cancelled if ski conditions/weather is unfavorable.
$8/person; all lessons offered at Pigeon Creek Park. Rental available but not guaranteed (rental fee is not included). If you would like to rent equipment, plan to arrive 15+ minutes before the start of the program to pay for rental.
Beginner: Learn about equipment and basic techniques. Ages 10+; one adult must accompany every two children.
Intermediate: For experienced adult skiers wishing to refine their technique and ski more efficiently. Ages 16+.
Skate Ski: For experienced adult skiers who want to learn the basics of several techniques. Skate skis required; limited rental available. Ages 16+.
The observatory at Hemlock Crossing Park will be open to the public on Friday nights. 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
- Feb 2, 7 pm - Public Observing
- Feb 9, 7 pm - Public Observing
- Feb 16, 7 pm - Public Observing
- Feb 23, 7 pm - Public Observing
For more details: miOttawa.org/observatory
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