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OCPbanner-centered

*Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers programming and volunteer opportunities year-round. **Visit the Program & Events Calendar [ [link removed] ] or continue scrolling to explore this month's offerings! Call our Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park for more information: 616-786-4847.*

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Announcements
November

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!*"

"Did someone forward you this message? Click here to sign up for your copy." [ [link removed] ]

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Public Input Open House: Rosy Mound Expansion Master Plan

Join us for an open house style public input event about the expansion of Rosy Mound Natural Area on November 7, 2024, from 6-8 pm at the Grand Haven Charter Township Board Room. Multiple plans will be available for review. Can't make it to the event? An online survey will be available soon.

*Sign up to Receive Alerts* [ [link removed] ]


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Park Closures

North Ottawa Dunes and Ottawa Sands will be closed for the annual wildlife management hunt on Friday, November 22 to Monday, November 25. Access is by permission only; those in the parks without permission will be ticketed. Both parks will re-open Tuesday, November 26. 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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November Connection Kit: From Me to You

This month, we are focusing on the benefits of helping others. Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in people's lives. Research has also shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits. It improves physical and mental health. It provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. And it nurtures new and existing relationships.

Choose one or more organizations where you would like to volunteer this month. We encourage you to volunteer at least twice, but the amount and frequency is up to you. *Keep scrolling to see our upcoming volunteer opportunities! *

"Connection kits are provided in collaboration with the North Ottawa Wellness Foundation. For more wellness resources, visit northottawawellnessfoundation.org [ [link removed] ]"

*Volunteer Opportunities* [ [link removed] ]


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OCP-Fall-SpecialEvents-2024
Naturally Speaking: The Shifting Landscape of Ottawa Sands

November 7 • 7-8:30 PM • Grand Ravines - North

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.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Family Nature Day: Turkey Trot!

November 16 • 10 AM - 4 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Bring the whole family and explore nature with activities, crafts and more! Trot yourself through Hemlock Crossing as you learn about turkeys, and then stop inside the Nature Center for a craft. Registration is appreciated but not required. Best part? This program is FREE! 

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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2024 Coffee with the Birds Mug Reveal

November 26 • 7 - 9 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Photo Contest Logo

Celebrate the start of the Coffee with the Birds Season by gathering with other bird lovers to witness the reveal of the Photo Contest winner and new Mug Club mug! Afterward, stay for an entertaining birding presentation.

This event will be livestreamed on the Ottawa County Parks YouTube channel [ [link removed] ].



*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


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Lights at Night - Coming Soon!

Dec 1-Dec 14 • Dusk to 10 pm • Pigeon Creek Park
Lights at Night

Join us and the Friends of Ottawa County Parks at Pigeon Creek Park as the trails are decorated with festive lights for two weeks, from December 1 to December 14, every evening from dusk until 10 pm. This self-guided experience allows you to stroll at your own pace along an illuminated trail through the forest. On weekends, the Pigeon Creek Lodge will be open for concessions. Don't forget to join us for Children's Night! No registration required.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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OCP-Stewardship-Banner
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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 a service day using the links below.


* 11/16 - Invasive Plant Removal at Ottawa Sands from 10 AM - 12 PM  [ [link removed] ]
* 12/21 - Seed Processing at Hemlock Crossing Nature Center from 10 AM-12 PM  [ [link removed] ]

*Get Involved* [ [link removed] ]


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*Partner Program hosted by West Michigan Conservation Network*

*From Planning to Planting: *Climate-driven Land Protection and Stewardship Strategies

November 8 • 7 PM - 8 PM • 101 Loutit Hall, Grand Valley State University

How should organizations focused on land management adapt strategies to make natural areas more resilient and have the greatest chance of protecting biodiversity? This is a question  that Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is trying to answer. Mitch Lettow, Stewardship Director of SWMLC, will share their approach to utilizing GIS models and boots-on-the-ground stewardship work to protect Southwest Michigan's natural heritage.

"Presented by: Mitch Lettow, Stewardship Director Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy"

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


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Awareness, Art, & Action: Seeds Please!

November 9 • 1 PM - 3 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Seeing seeds? Us too! Join us for a seedy hike with a naturalist, then learn how to write and illustrate what you observed and learned. We’ll wrap up by helping collect seeds for the Ottawa County Parks seed bank. *Registration is required. *

"The Awareness, Art & Action program series provides participants an opportunity to grow in their awareness of the natural world as a catalyst for both artistic creativity and active stewardship."

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


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Water-Conscious Landscapes through Native Gardens

As part of an effort to promote water-conscious landscapes, the Department of Strategic Impact [ [link removed] ] (DSI) launched a pilot project at the Fillmore Administrative Complex to transform turf grass into native plant gardens. This year, DSI reported a remarkable savings of 277,600 gallons of water and nearly $6,000 in maintenance and watering costs!

Thanks to these revitalized landscapes, staff from Ottawa County—including Parks, Sheriffs, Facilities, DSI, IT, Fiscal Services, and Register of Deeds—gathered native seeds for restoration and ecological enhancement projects in our parks and open spaces! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to gather seeds from the native gardens.

If you’re interested in learning more about water-conscious landscapes, visit: miottawa.org/groundwater/water-conscious-landscapes.htm [ [link removed] ]

Seed collection [ [link removed] ]
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OCP-Fall-Programs-2024
November

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

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Into Nature

Ottawa Sands Hike: A Shifting Landscape

*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.


* Nov 3, 2-4 pm - Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ]
* Nov 10, 2-4 pm - Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ]
* Nov 17, 2-4 pm - Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Nov 6, 10 am-12 pm - Riley Trails [ [link removed] ]
* Nov 20, 10 am-12 pm - Stearns Creek [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Nov 7, 7-8:30 - Grand Ravines Lodge [ [link removed] ]

Awareness, Art, & Action: Seeds Please! 

*Registration required *• **Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15** **• *Ages 12+*

Seeing seeds? Us too! Join us for a seedy hike with a naturalist, then learn how to write and illustrate what you observed and learned. We’ll wrap up by helping collect seeds for the Ottawa County Parks seed bank.


* Nov 9, 1-3 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy Program: Telescope Basics

*Registration appreciated *• FREE **• *Ages 12+*

With the continued growing interest in astronomy and desire to view the night sky, the upcoming holiday season lends itself to looking to purchase a telescope as a gift. This presentation will cover what to look for as well as what to avoid in looking to select a telescope.


* Nov 9, 7-8 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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Recreation & Health

Nature Journal Club: Shifting Skies

*Registration required *• ******Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6** ******• *Ages 18+*

Autumn skies have a certain shifting, captivating quality to them. What are the different clouds we see? Why do they change? Can clouds tell us anything about weather or predict what is to come? How do we capture skies in our journals? We'll explore these questions and some techniques for using watercolor and pencils. "*Journals are not provided."


* Nov 9, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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!


* Nov 15, 7-9 pm - Riley Trails [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Nov 5, 5:30-7 pm - Pigeon Creek [ [link removed] ]

One-Day Thru Hike

*Registration required *• **Resident-$15 / Non-resident-$20** **• *Ages 12+*

SPECIAL ONE-DAY EVENT! Start at Ottawa Sands and end at PJ Hoffmaster State Park! Transportation will be provided so we can walk the length of the trail segment ONE-WAY.


* Nov 9, 10 am-2 pm - Ottawa Sands + North Ottawa Dunes [ [link removed] ]
OCPF Health and Wellness Sponsorship
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Kids & Families

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.


* Nov 13, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Family Nature Day: Turkey Trot

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

Bring the whole family and explore nature with activities, crafts and more! Trot yourself through Hemlock Crossing as you learn about turkeys, and then stop inside the Nature Center for a craft.


* Nov 16, 10 am-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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 [ [link removed] ] and Loutit District Library [ [link removed] ], for making StoryWalks possible! 


* Nov 4-24, Dreamers/Soñadores by Yuyi Morales - Hemlock Crossing
* Nov 18-Dec 1, Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson - Paw Paw East

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Friday Public Viewing Nights

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 [ [link removed] ]*

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

For more details, visit:* miOttawa.org/observatory  [ [link removed] ]*

OCP-Fall-GetConnected-2024

*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:*
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]>

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:  Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com ]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Ottawa County, Michigan · 12220 Fillmore Street · West Olive, MI 49460 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]