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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.
 March
Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this spring, as well as upcoming programs, events, and much more. Thank you for reading!
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WebTrac is our new online registration system. This system will allow you to register for programs, reserve a facility, and much more.
If you only wish to browse, you may view WebTrac as a guest.
To enroll in programs or book a reservation, you'll need to create an online account in WebTrac. Please note your previous account with us in PerfectMind will be closed and any associated information will be deleted.
Getting started:
- Visit the create a new household page
- Enter required information highlighted in red. This is the primary member on the account.
- If you would like to add additional family members, click Add New Member at the bottom of the screen.
- After all family members have been added, click I'm not a robot.
- Click Save.
- You will receive an email to verify your account.
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission is developing a strategic plan to drive future efforts. OCPRC is seeking input from community members and Ottawa County Park visitors through a brief public survey to help set priorities. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. We want to hear from you!
Please complete the survey by April 10, 2024.
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!
For more details, visit: news.miottawa.org/spring-break-camp
Interested in a Spring Break Camp Scholarship?
Thanks to our generous donors, a select number of scholarships are available for Spring Break Camp. To apply for a scholarship, kindly direct your inquiries to our Program Supervisor, Nahuel Medina, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (616) 994-4773.
 
On select Wednesdays in June-August
Get ready to soak up the sunshine with our Early Sprouts and Nature Buds half-day summer camps. Secure your spot as soon as you can!
EARLY SPROUTS - AGES 4-5 (W/ CAREGIVER)
$10/session • 9:30-11 am
Early Sprouts will engage caregiver and child with activities interacting in the outdoors. Caregivers will play an active role during the class.
NATURE BUDS - AGES 6-8
$10/session • 9:30-11:30 am
Nature Buds will explore and engage with nature through activities that may include using dip nets in the wetland, catching insects, and searching for salamanders!
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Click a date below to be redirected to the registration page with more details.
Early Sprouts Schedule:
Nature Buds Schedule:
 Prepare for the summer season by purchasing your 2024 permit online! Permits are required at lakeshore
parks and the Riverside boat launch from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Ottawa County Parks collects parking fees from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at the following parks:
*In 2023, Ottawa County Parks began managing Kouw and Windsnest Parks per a management agreement with Port Sheldon Township. The township will be subsidizing the cost of an annual motor vehicle permit for their residents. Read more about this change by clicking here.
Permit Pricing
Annual permits are $25. There are additional discounts for residents and resident seniors.
- Discounted to $15 for Ottawa County residents
- Discounted to $9 for Ottawa County resident seniors age 60+
- Discounted to $10 for Port Sheldon Township residents and $4 to Port Sheldon Township Seniors (This discount is subsidized by Port Sheldon Township)
- Active Bridge Card holders in Michigan can receive a free Ottawa County Parks annual motor vehicle permit. Limited to one permit per household. To receive a coupon code, inquire inside the DHHS office or call 616-394-7200 and press “0” to speak with an operator. Enter the coupon code into a pay station at one of the lakeshore parks listed below to receive your free annual permit ($25 value). Be sure to select ANNUAL PERMIT. Please note this coupon code does not work online, it must be done at a park.
- Daily motor vehicle fee is $8 per vehicle
Learn more at miottawa.org/Parks/fees_rules.htm
Following a recent wage survey, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners supported an increase of starting hourly rates for all seasonal positions with Ottawa County Parks and Recreation. The majority of seasonal staff will now earn $15.50 per hour, while a few select positions will start at $18.50.
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is actively seeking to fill over 30 seasonal positions. Joining our team is a great way for college students, retirees, high school students, and others who enjoy working outdoors to learn from industry experts and gain valuable work experience.
Ottawa County Parks is currently hiring for the following positions:
Positions are available at the following locations: North Beach, Kirk Park, Tunnel Park, Olive Shores, Ottawa Beach Marina, Hager Park, Windsnest, Kouw, Conner Bayou, Grand Ravines, Grose Park and the Park Operations Center in West Olive.
Help us care for the parks you love! Public volunteer opportunities are now available HERE.
Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.
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Here’s what you should know about workdays:
- Register at: miottawa.org/OCPevents
- Bring work gloves, insect repellent, 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 will be cancelled for rain/snow.
Did you know that invasive species pose a threat to biodiversity on both a local and global scale? They disrupt fragile ecosystems and put native plants and animals in jeopardy. As Invasive Species Awareness Week comes to an end, let's continue to work together to keep our ecosystems healthy and thriving! If you would like to learn more about invasive species, join EGLE for a webinar.
Upcoming Webinars in the Series
Learn more: michigan.gov/egle/outreach/webinar-series/notmispecies
Happy vernal pool season! Today, we are joining the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership in celebrating the upcoming vernal pool season! Watch “Ephemeral” on mivernalpools.com and take a deep-dive into the world of vernal pools with the experts who know them best.
Inspired to be a part of Michigan’s vernal pool conservation effort? The 2024 Vernal Pool Patrol training series starts next week, March 6th. Learn more about the community science effort and how you can get involved here: https://vppartnership.iescentral.com/menus/events-calendar.html
Want to learn more about Vernal Pools with Ottawa County Parks?
Join us for Awareness Art & Action: Vernal Pools on April 20 at Hemlock Crossing. Registration is required.
Explore the world of ephemeral wetlands and the host of creatures that take advantage of these temporary vernal pools. We’ll learn about these habitats, specific creatures and how they inform us on the quality of those places while creating nature journal entries based on what we see.Then take part in a survey of one of the many vernal pools found in our parks.
 
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
ASTRONOMY: APRIL FULL SOLAR ECLIPSE
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
There will be full Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, for parts of the United States of America. While it will only be approximately 95% full in Michigan, there is still much to see and experience. This presentation will cover how and why eclipses occur, the beginning and length of the eclipse, as well as proper eye coverings for safe viewing.
After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have the observatory open and telescopes available for night sky observing (weather permitting).
Into Nature
WINTER WALK
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
Join us for a winter walk to enjoy the winter scenery and discover what nature is up to at this time of year.
COFFEE WITH THE BIRDS
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
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
EQUINOX EXPEDITION
Registration required • Res-$5 / Non-Res-$6 • Ages 10+
The days are getting longer, and SPRING OFFICIALLY ARRIVES TODAY! Help celebrate the "Vernal Equinox" by joining this evening expedition to find signs of spring along the Grand River.
EARTH ENCOUNTERS: SAND SLEUTHING
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 8+
This program will introduce you to a definition of sand as well as many different varieties of it, how it is created and moved and some of the local landforms associated with it. There will be a presentation, activities and a short hike.
The Earth Encounters series aims to introduce people to the amazing geologic features of, and stories behind, the landscapes of our region. Whether you’re learning about a specific mineral or the formation of an entire landscape, this program is bound to be engaging for all! This program can take the form of either an indoor presentation, outdoor hike or combination of both.
INTRODUCTION TO NATURE JOURNALING
Registration required • Res-$5 / Non-Res-$6 • Ages 18+
Come practice yoga at the Nature Center! A certified yoga instructor will lead this session in the beautiful Great Room with a fire in the fireplace and views of the forest outside. All levels of experience are welcome. *Yoga mats not provided.
MOONLIGHT NIGHT HIKE
Registration required • Res-$5 / Non-Res-$6 • Ages 12+
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.
NATURE JOURNAL CLUB
Registration required • Res-$5 / Non-Res-$6 • 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 an Introduction to Nature Journaling, however taking the class prior is not required. *Journals are not provided.
FIRESIDE YOGA
Registration required • Res-$10 / Non-Res-$15 • Ages 18+
Come practice yoga at the Nature Center! A certified yoga instructor will lead this session in the beautiful Great Room with a fire in the fireplace and views of the forest outside. All levels of experience are welcome. *Yoga mats not provided.
Kids & Families
TUNED INTO NATURE
Registration required • Res-$5 / Non-Res-$6 • 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 encouraged • FREE • Ages 3-9
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.
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER - KIDS! JUMP INTO SNOW FLEAS
Registration required • Res-$5 / Non-Res-$6 • Ages 5-10
Fleas in winter?! While not actually “fleas”, Springtails (aka Snow Fleas) do jump, and in the snow to boot! Come jump along as we investigate this active arthropod of winter.
The Wildlife Encounter - Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks and region. It includes a presentation, walk and art activity or craft. Program is geared for children ages 5-10 years. Children must be accompanied with an adult.
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.
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March 4-31 at Hemlock Crossing: Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin & Kate Messner
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March 4-31 at Paw Paw Park East: Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
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.
Make sure to check the calendar for cancellations on this page before you head out to the park: holland-saaa.org
- Mar 1, 8 pm - Public Observing
- Mar 8, 8 pm - Public Observing
- Mar 15, 8 pm - Public Observing
- Mar 22, 8 pm - Public Observing
- Mar 29, 8 pm - Public Observing
For more details: miOttawa.org/observatory
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