Correction of Petoskey Stones Program Location



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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
August

Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this summer, 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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Earth Encounters: Petoskey Stones! - Location Correction

This program will take place at Hemlock Crossing NOT Rosy Mound Natural Area.

*"Registration required "*"• Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 "**""• ""*Ages 8+""*

Petoskey stones are a familiar rock to most of us. Come and learn the natural and cultural history of our State Stone. Bring your own stone to polish or we'll have some for you to try.


* August 24, 3-4:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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Strategic Plan Draft - Now Available for Review!

A draft of the strategic plan [ [link removed] ] is now available for review. You can share your thoughts by filling out this survey [ [link removed] ].

*The deadline for submitting public comments is August 7.*

*Learn more at miottawa.org/strategicplan [ [link removed] ]*

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Stewardship Grant Fund – Matching Donation Challenge

We have an incredible opportunity to make a substantial impact on our community and environment! By participating in the Statema Stewardship Fund Matching Donation Challenge, you can help the Friends of Ottawa County Parks, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, approve more grants for youth groups focusing on stewardship projects and nature education.

If we raise $1,500 in donations before October 15, a generous Friends member will match it with another $1,500. That’s double the impact! And it gets even better...that member’s company will match their $1,500 too, turning the collective $1,500 into an astounding $4,500 for future grant projects. Your donation will help more students attend a nature education field trip, support the natural resources of Ottawa County, and much more!

Here's how you can get involved:


* Write a check to ‘Friends of Ottawa Co Parks’, noting Statema Fund on the memo line.
* Mail it to FOOCP, PO Box 84, Lamont MI 49430.
* Share your contribution story with friends and encourage them to join the challenge!

Let’s see what a few good friends can accomplish!

Matching Donation Challenge Graphic
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Lotteries for Special Hunting Permits are Now Open

Deer

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting [ [link removed] ] on over 4,500 acres of selected properties. Six of the properties require a special permit, which are available via lottery. These lotteries are now open, see below for more information on how to apply. 

*For general information about hunting, please visit us at: www.miottawa.org/Parks/hunting.htm [ [link removed] ]*

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Special Permits

Properties requiring a special permit for hunting include:


* Crockery Creek Natural Area
* Upper Macatawa Natural Area
* Stearns Creek South
* Stearns Creek North
* North Ottawa Dunes/Ottawa Sands


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Benches are Available for Sponsorship at Ottawa Sands

Ottawa Sands, a former sand mine transformed into an accessible park, offers a breathtaking paved lake loop with benches strategically placed along the path. These benches are perfect for a moment of reflection or a shared conversation, they are a wonderful way to create a lasting tribute to a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or simply commemorate a special memory. Enjoy the beauty of Ottawa Sands while remembering those who matter most.

Along the 1.6-mile trail around the lake, there are 24 benches [ [link removed] ] available for sponsorship.

Interested in learning more about benches available for sponsorship at Ottawa Sands? Complete this form [ [link removed] ]. Enter Ottawa Sands in the 'Preferred Park' section.

Please note that Ottawa Sands is currently CLOSED to the public. Click here to learn more [ [link removed] ]

Benches
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Family Nature Day: Explore the Grand River! [ [link removed] ]

August 10 • 10 AM - 4 PM • Grand River Park

Bring the whole family and explore nature with activities, crafts and more.

The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and Grand River Park is an excellent way to experience it. Your family will explore how important this riverway is to the diversity of life that depends on it for survival.

This event is *FREE*. Registration is appreciated. [ [link removed] ] 

Family Nature Day [ [link removed] ]
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Pedal the Pigeon with Velo Kids [ [link removed] ]

A Kids Only Mountain Bike Race

August 17 • 9:30-11:30 AM • Pigeon Creek Park

Pedal the Pigeon [ [link removed] ] is not only a race for kids, it’s a celebration of accomplishment and a bike party for friends and family. We hope to see you and all your little rippers out there! Yes, this is a race…but we are biking in the woods with our friends, let’s HAVE FUN no matter how fast we are going. 

Online registration will *close on August 14 at 9 pm.* NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

Sign up at velo-kids.org/events [ [link removed] ]
Velo Kids Pedal the Pigeon [ [link removed] ]
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New Connection Kits Are Here!

Get Your August Kit: Parks Bingo [ [link removed] ]

Are you looking for ways to address work/life balance or team health?  You’re not alone! As a collaborating partner in North Ottawa Wellness Foundation, we are pleased to introduce digital *Connection Kits*.  These free monthly Kits will" help people connect to their own personal well-being, to the great outdoors, and to others. "

The August theme is *Parks Bingo*. This fun game can motivate individuals and/or teams to explore our great parks, which is great for both mental and physical health.  The Kit includes simple thought-starter instructions and all the materials. Access the Parks Bingo card HERE [ [link removed] ]. 

*Want time to plan ahead?*  Subscribe to the Wellness Foundation newsletter [ [link removed] ] and you’ll receive an email containing all the Kit information approximately two weeks before the end of each month. 

NOWF logo
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Come see us on the Zee Bus!

The Zee Bus is a rolling library that travels around the Zeeland area during the summer. On Thursdays, Ottawa County Parks outdoor educators provide nature activities at Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Get ready for a special theme on August 1 of "Coffee, Cookies, and Critters!" Bring a friend and be ready for a fun, engaging time for your kids, while enjoying a coffee and cookie! *Upcoming Dates: August 1 & August 8*

2024 Zee Bus Schedule [ [link removed] ]
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Calling all Teachers! Book your Fall Field Trip

We invite you and your students to join us for a journey into the great outdoors of Ottawa County Parks!

Our professional outdoor educators provide field trips that are enriching, positive, and memorable, giving your students tangible experiences to relate back to what is taught in your classroom, no matter the season! 

Get started at miottawa.org/fieldtrips [ [link removed] ]
Field Trips [ [link removed] ]
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stewardship banner
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Service Saturday: Come Volunteer with Us! [ [link removed] ]

August 17 • 12-2 pm • Riley Trails

Invasive plant species are one of the leading causes of habitat loss. Volunteer with us to help protect wildlife habitats and native plant communities! We will work together to remove invasive spotted knapweed by hand-pulling this plant around the inland lake at Riley Trails. All equipment and training will be provided!

Registration is required. Click here to sign up! [ [link removed] ]

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Awareness Art & Action: Butterflies [ [link removed] ]

August 17 • 1-3 pm • Hemlock Crossing

Butterfly

Explore the wonderful world of butterflies! We’ll learn about their habitats, adaptations and interactions, and what they need to thrive all while creating nature journal entries based on what we see. Then, find out what you can do to aid and protect these delightful creatures.

Registration is required. Click here to sign up!  [ [link removed] ]


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programs and eventsspacer
August [ [link removed] ]

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

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Upcoming Special Events

Family Nature Day: Explore the Grand River!

*"Registration encouraged "• FREE *""• All Ages""*""*

Bring the whole family and explore nature with activities, crafts and more.


* August 10, 10 am-4 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy Program: Public Observing 

*"Registration encouraged "• FREE *""• ""*Ages 12+""*

Observe the night sky with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association. They will have the observatory open and telescopes available to view from (weather/cloud cover permitting). Please check holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ] for updated information and cancellations.


* August 10, 9-11 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Pedal the Pigeon with Velo Kids

Pedal The Pigeon is not only a race for kids, it’s a celebration of accomplishment and a bike party for friends and family. We hope to see you and all your little rippers out there!

*Online registration will close on August 14 at 9 pm*. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.


* August 17, 9:30-11:30 am - Pigeon Creek [ [link removed] ]

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Into Nature

Naturally Speaking: In Tune with Hummingbirds

*""*"Registration encouraged "*• FREE *""• ""*Ages 12+ ""*

Unique to the Western Hemisphere, Hummingbirds are tiny flying jewels to behold!  Beyond just their brilliant colors, the amazing things they do just to stay alive will leave you in awe of this pugnacious creature weighing less than a nickel. Come find out more, including how to attract and feed them in your own backyard.


* August 15, 7-8:30 pm - Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]

Dune Discovery Hike

*"Registration encouraged" *"• *""*"FREE"*""* "**""• ""*Ages 12+""*

Unique to our region, the Great Lakes Dunes are a sight to behold. Aside from their sheer beauty, these dunes hold a story hidden in time, that continues on to this day. Discover the geologic and ecological secrets behind these amazing formations. You'll never look at them the same again! *Meet at the parking area. Parking permit required.


* August 20, 6-7:30 pm - Rosy Mound Natural Area [ [link removed] ]

Earth Encounters: Petoskey Stones! 

*"Registration required "*"• Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 "**""• ""*Ages 8+""*

Petoskey stones are a familiar rock to most of us. Come and learn the natural and cultural history of our State Stone. Bring your own stone to polish or we'll have some for you to try.


* August 24, 3-4:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Wildflower Walk

*"Registration encouraged" *"• *""*"FREE"*""* "**""• ""*Ages 12+""*

On this casual hike, you'll experience the variety prairie wildflowers blooming in our parks through the summer.


* August 31, 2-3 pm - Upper Macatawa NA (84th)  [ [link removed] ]

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Recreation & Health

Yoga at the Nature Center

*"Registration required • *""*"Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15"*""* "• A"ges 18+ "*

Come practice yoga at the Nature Center! A certified yoga instructor will lead this session in the beautiful Great Room, with views of the forest outside. All levels of experience are welcome. *Yoga mats not provided.


* August 11, 3-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Wildflower Photography

*"Registration required • *""*"Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 "*""*"• A"ges 18+ "*

Summer is the season of meadow flowers! Grab your favorite camera and come along for a walk through a meadow in search of summer wildflowers. You’ll learn tips for photographing flowers with an emphasis on caring for nature and an eye for art.


* August 12, 6-7:30 pm - Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club

*"Registration required • *""*"*"Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 "*"*""*"• A"ges 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.


* August 17, 10-11:30 am - Paw Paw Park East [ [link removed] ]

Paddleboard the Macatawa River 

*"Registration required • *""*"Resident-$50 / Non-Resident-$60"*""* "• A"ges 12+ "*

Join us on a leisurely guided standup paddleboard trip on the Macatawa River.  We will launch at Paw Paw Park West and travel to Windmill Island and back. As we travel, we will look for the flora and fauna along the river.


* August 18, 12:30-4 pm - Paw Paw Park West [ [link removed] ]

Paddle the Pigeon 

*"Registration required • *""*"Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30"*""* "• A"ges 12+ "*

Join us on a leisurely guided kayak trip down the Pigeon River, enjoying the sights and sounds as you paddle through the Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend Parks. Kayak included in fee.


* August 25, 1-5 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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Kids & Families

Family Campfire

*"Registration required "• *""*"*"Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6"*"*""* *""• ""*All Ages""*

As evening fall upon the woods, gather around the campfire to make S'mores and engage in various campfire games & activities. MEET AT THE GROUP CAMP AREA. If weather is poor, we will move event to the Pigeon Creek Lodge.


* August 30, 8-9:30 pm - Pigeon Creek Park [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalks

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. "


* *July 29-August 18 at Pine Bend*: "Summer Song" by Kevin Henkes
* *August 5-25 at Connor Bayou:* "On a Magical Do Nothing Day" by Beatrice Alemagna
* **August 5-25 at Outdoor Discovery Center:* "The Hike "by Alison Farrell
* *August 12-25 at Paw Paw West: *"Zap! Clap! Boom! The Story of a Thunderstorm "by Laura Purdie Salas

"5-2-1-0 StoryWalks are presented in collaboration with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health's 5-2-1-0 Let's Go! Initiative."

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Friday Public Observatory Nights

observatory

The Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association will continue to host Friday public viewing nights with smaller telescopes (weather permitting). 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 [ [link removed] ]*


* August 2, 9 pm - Public Observing
* August 9, 9 pm - Public Observing
* August 16, 9 pm - Public Observing
* August 23, 9 pm - Public Observing
* August 30, 9 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] ]*

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*Follow us on Facebook and tag us @OttawaCountyParksandRecreation  [ [link removed] ]*






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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!** *

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All programs & events are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson Joe Moss | Vice-Chairperson Sylvia Rhodea | Gretchen Cosby | Roger Bergman | Chris Kleinjans | Jacob Bonnema | Rebekah Curran | Roger Belknap | Doug Zylstra | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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