 October
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!
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CORRECTION: See updated program descriptions below.
Love the Parks? We are hiring!
We are hiring an Administrative Assistant. This full-time, benefited position ($24.04 - $31.25 hourly) will work under the supervision of the Parks and Recreation Director and provide administrative and secretarial support for the department.
Oct 17 • 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM • Ottawa Sands
 Aerial image of Ottawa Sands by GEI Consultants
Ottawa Sands will re-open on October 17.
Join us at the confluence of the Grand River and Lake Michigan Coastal Greenways to celebrate the grand re-opening of Ottawa Sands! Staff will be present rain or shine to answer questions about ecological restoration, access improvements, park amenities, and the Idema Explorers Camp*. Remarks & ribbon cutting begin at 4:30 pm, followed by:
- Self-guided Park Tour
- Idema Explorers Camp* Sneak Peek
- Paddling the Sag
*The grand reopening will not include the Idema Explorers Camp; the camp opening date is TBA.
Ottawa Sands StoryWalk Postponed
The StoryWalk "Dreamers" that was planned for Oct 1 - Oct 14 at Ottawa Sands has been postponed to October 17.
The StoryWalk has been extended and will be available from October 17 through the end of the month. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
Keep scrolling to learn about more program opportunities at Ottawa Sands this fall.
Share your best photos of birds in Ottawa County with us!
Have you taken a bird photo in Ottawa County in 2024 that would look great on our 2025 Mug Club limited edition mug? We want to see it!
The 2024 Mug Club Photo Contest is open to receive entries! Click the link below to go to the submission form. Submit original image files (up to 3/person).
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Witnessing the fall colors in Ottawa County Parks is an experience not to be missed. Lace up your hiking boots and see where our trails take you!
Share your fall photos with us to be featured on our social media. Click here to learn more.
 Ottawa Conservation District Fall Native Plant Sale
October 5 • 9 AM - 1 PM • Hemlock Crossing
Join the Ottawa Conservation District for their Fall Native Plant Sale! The in-person browse and buy for individual plants will take place on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the Hemlock Crossing Nature Center. Preorders will be available for pick-up during the day-of sale.
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October 9 • 5 PM - 6 PM • Hemlock Crossing
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation will be hosting their Annual Meeting on October 9 from 5-6 pm at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing.
Meet the Foundation Board of Directors, welcome the newly elected Board members, and enjoy a brief presentation about what the Foundation has accomplished this year and will be working on in 2025. Ottawa County Parks Coordinator of Park Planning and Development, Curt TerHaar, will be giving an update on Ottawa Sands and the Rosy Mound expansion.
Want to learn more about the Ottawa County Parks Foundation? Click here to get involved.
October 27 • 2 PM - 4 PM • Riley Trails
Get ready for a spooktacular time at the Velo Kids Wheelie Scary (ok...not wheelie so scary) Halloween Bike Ride to benefit local Bike Parks! Don your favorite Halloween costume, grab your bike and helmet, and join us for a fang-tastic afternoon of fun and adventure at Riley Trails on Sunday, October 27, from 2-4pm.
This family-friendly event welcomes riders of all ages and skill levels.
 Volunteer with us on Service Saturdays
This fall, we will be hosting a Service Saturday on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteer with us to help protect wildlife habitats and native plant communities. Equipment and training will be provided. All ages are welcome! Registration is required; sign up for the service day using the links below.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is partnering with the Nature Conservancy on an effort to ask people across the state what nature means to them and how it enriches their communities. This input will guide the Michigan the Beautiful initiative to conserve, connect, and restore Michigan’s lands and waters.
Public Input Opportunities
Join one of two Michigan the Beautiful webinars and input sessions to learn more and share your perspective. Your input will help guide the Michigan the Beautiful initiative. Register to join a discussion on Monday, October 7, from 1:30-2:30 p.m or Tuesday, October 8, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Whether or not you are able to join a workshop, the MDNR would love to hear from you! Take the survey and let them know how — together — we can better care for Michigan’s nature.
You 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 FOOCP raises $1,500 in donations before October 15, a generous Friends member will match it with another $1,500, doubling the impact. The member's company will also match their $1,500 contribution, transforming the initial $1,500 into a total of $4,500 for upcoming 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!
Lower Grand River is Now an Official Water Trail
The Lower Grand River is now an official water trail! The Michigan Department of Natural Resources approved the application submitted by the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW) and added the Lower Grand River to the list of 9 designated water trails in the State of Michigan.
A water trail is a specially designed route for small boats like kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and rowboats. LGROW will continue collaborating with river access owners to ensure an amazing experience for all paddlers and boaters.
Follow LGROW on Facebook to learn more about this exciting news.
 October
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
Fall program schedule updates!
Into Nature
Naturally Speaking: The Shifting Landscape of Ottawa Sands
Registration encouraged - FREE - Ages 12+
The Ottawa Sands landscape is defined by centuries of shifting. From the shifting sands of dune formation to shifting human influences on this unique landscape, the history of this property is as deep as the lake that currently stands as its centerpiece. Using images from past and present, this presentation will explore the complexities of the park’s geologic and human history as well as where it’s heading into the future.
Bird Walks
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
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.
Raptor Migration Watch
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Join us at the peak of Mt. Pisgah to watch for migrating birds of prey. Feel free to come and go as you like. Program length will depend upon the weather and the number of birds seen. Bring drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars (some loaners will be available).
Hike to summit is strenuous.
Astronomy Program - Fall & Winter Sky
Registration appreciated • FREE • Ages 12+
This presentation will cover the major constellations available for viewing in the nighttime sky during the Autumn and Winter months, along with additional objects such as the visible planets, the Moon and other deep space objects. Possible targets of the Hemlock Astronomical Observatory will also be shared.
Ottawa Sands Hikes
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 8+
This hike is a first-hand examination of the complexities of the park’s geologic and human history as well as where it’s heading into the future.
WaterFowl Field Trips
Registration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 12+
Witness the spectacle of fall waterfowl migration!
Part 1 - Lakeshore Waterfowl will start at lakeshore in Grand Haven and explore areas Ottawa Sands and Harbor Island. Be prepared for cool & wet weather. Bring your own food and water. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.
Part 2 – Wastewater Waterfowl will visit one of Michigan’s premier waterfowl birding locations at the Muskegon Wastewater facility. Be prepared for cool & wet weather. Bring your own food and water. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.
Colors by Kayak
Registration required • Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30 • Ages 12+
Bask in the glory of the fall colors on these leisurely guided kayak trips. Kayaks, paddles, pfd's included.
Moonlight Kayak Trip
Registration encouraged • Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30 • Ages 12+
Join us on this special guided nighttime kayak trip at Ottawa Sands! Enjoy the evening sky and moonlit sounds as you paddle along the shores the “Sag” of the Grand River, an area with minimal current. Kayaking experience is required. Kayaks, paddles, pfd's included.
Moonlight Night Hike
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 12+
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight!
Nature Journaling
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+
Nature Journal Club: 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. Journals are not provided.
Introduction to Nature Journaling: 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.
Thru Hikes
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Get out for a walk to revel in the seasonal changes of fall. You’ll venture all the way THRU these amazing parks along various greenways. Your guided experience allows you to both soak in the beauty and uniqueness of each park and socialize with fellow walkers.
One-Day Thru Hike
Registration required • Resident-$15 / Non-resident-$20 • Ages 12+
SPECIAL ONE-DAY EVENT! Enjoy the fall colors as you hike all three completed segments of the Idema Explorer’s Trail along the Grand River Greenway, with transportation provided. You’ll hike a total of 10 miles, covering the Jenison Mill Trail to Bend Area, Grand River Park to Grand Ravines South, and Riverside Park to Connor Bayou. *Instructions on parking and transportation will be provided to registrants.
Kids & Families
StoryWalks
No registration • FREE • All Ages
Pages from a featured book will be posted along a path for your family to read during park hours. Thank you to our local libraries, Herrick District Library and Loutit District Library, for making StoryWalks possible!
- Oct 17-31, Dreamers - Ottawa Sands
- Oct 7-20, Red Knit Cap Girl - Pine Bend
- Oct 21-Nov 3, On a Gold-Blooming Day - Paw Paw Park West
Tuned into Nature
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$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.
Family Nature Day: Helping Nature
Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages
Bring the whole family and explore nature with activities, crafts and more! Find out more about how people help nature and explore the projects that were completed at Ottawa Sands Park.
Fall Fest Family Campfire
Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages
Celebrate the fall season by spending an evening around the campfire. This special event will include fun games, activities, a campfire, and more. There will be hotdogs available and S'more’s for dessert. If you'd like, you can dress up in your Halloween costume!
MEET OUTSIDE THE LODGE. If the weather is poor, we will move inside.
The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings throughout the year whenever viewing conditions allow. These events are weather dependent and will be canceled if overcast.
Make sure to check the calendar for cancellations on this page before heading to the park: holland-saaa.org
- October 4, 8 pm - Public Observing
- October 11, 8 pm - Public Observing
- October 18, 8 pm - Public Observing
- October 25, 8 pm - Public Observing
For more details: miOttawa.org/observatory
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