 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!
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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.
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.
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
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.
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!
2024 Coffee with the Birds Mug Reveal
November 26 • 7 - 9 PM • Hemlock Crossing
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.
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Dec 1-Dec 14 • Dusk to 10 pm • Pigeon Creek Park
 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.
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.
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
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.
As part of an effort to promote water-conscious landscapes, the Department of Strategic Impact (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.
 November
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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! 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.
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.
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.
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!
- 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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