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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.*

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

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Announcements
December

Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this winter, 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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Lights at Night with Friends of Ottawa County Parks

Dec 1-Dec 14 • Dusk to 10 pm • Pigeon Creek Park
Lights at Night [ [link removed] ]

Join us at Pigeon Creek Park to enjoy Lights at Night [ [link removed] ] with Friends of Ottawa County Parks! One loop of our lit trails will be lightly decorated with holiday lights from December 1 to December 14, every evening from dusk until 10 pm. This self-guided experience is perfect for an evening hike through the woods. Check out the trail map below! No registration required. 

Lodge Concessions

The Pigeon Creek Lodge will be open for concessions ($) December 6-8 and 12-14, from 5 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy a full selection of concessions, including hot beverages, popcorn, and more!

Donations

The Friends of Ottawa County Parks are collecting adult mittens, hats, and scarves to donate to local charities. Drop off your donations at the Lodge during park hours or at the Nature Center during regular hours. 

StoryWalk

The #StoryWalk "Owl Moon" will be available for an after-dark hiking experience along the lighted trails thanks to Loutit District Library [ [link removed] ]. 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]

Trail Map

The trail loop 1-10-11-29-36-30-1 will be lightly decorated with festive lights through December 14.

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2025 Mug Club Memberships are Available for Sale

This year, we received a record-breaking 141 submissions for the 2024 Coffee with the Birds Mug Club Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who entered! A video [ [link removed] ] featuring all entries can be found on our YouTube channel [ [link removed] ]. Our judges had a difficult time choosing a winner, as there are always many excellent submissions, but we are excited to announce the winner...

CWB winner 2025

Ryan Bebej claimed the grand prize with his capture of an American Avocet.

Ryan Bebej's shot of an American Avocet will be showcased on the limited edition 2025 Mug Club member mug, available for purchase online [ [link removed] ] or at the Nature Center for $25. A calendar featuring the winning photo, honorable mentions, and selected contest photos will also be available to purchase at the Nature Center for $25.

*Mug Club Membership*

Membership supports the Coffee with the Birds programs and feeding the birds at the Nature Center. Perks for members include: 


* Exclusive, limited edition mug with photo contest winner on it
* Event reminder magnets (x3: 1 to keep, 2 to give away!)
* Membership card for free hot drinks at the Nature Center.
* Entry into a door prize drawings for prizes including bird feeders and more!
* Member-Only Bird Walks (Spring & Fall)
* Picnic with the Birds event

"You can pick up your mug in person (after 11/26/24) at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park [ [link removed] ].* *The Nature Center is open Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5, Mon CLOSED.  "

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Spring Break Camp Registration Opens January 6

Apr 7-11 • 8 AM - 5:30 pm • Hager Park

Join us for an adventure at Ottawa County Parks' Spring Break Camp! Perfect for young explorers aged 6-14, this camp offers a week packed with exciting outdoor activities and hands-on learning that will spark curiosity and foster a love for nature. 

This year's Spring Break Camp will take place at Hager Park [ [link removed] ], a popular 104-acre destination. 

*Camp Pricing: *


* $200/$225 resident vs non-resident 
* Sibling discounts available 
* 5:30-6 pm aftercare available for $15

Registration opens on January 6 at bit.ly/OCPcamps [ [link removed] ]

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Register Now for the Grand Explorers' Trail Race [ [link removed] ]

June 21, 2025 @ 8:00 AM - Grand River Park to Grand Ravines

The 3rd Annual Grand Explorers’ Trail Race [ [link removed] ] is now open for registration! 

*Run through two beautiful Ottawa County Parks in one race #2parks1race*

The "*Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ]*" and "*Ottawa County Parks [ [link removed] ]*" are excited to host this fun, family-friendly run/walk and celebrate the recently completed Idema Explorers Trail that connects Grand River Park to Grand Ravines Park. Come and enjoy nature, community, and some post-race treats. 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Winter Operations at Pigeon Creek

Pigeon Creek Park [ [link removed] ] offers groomed cross-country ski trails, a lit sledding hill, ski and snowshoe rentals for adults and children, and both cross-country and skate ski lessons ("keep scrolling for a full schedule"). 

Pigeon Creek Lodge will be open throughout the season during good ski conditions offering equipment rental, concessions, and a warm fire. *Reminder: *Hiking and dogs are *not allowed* at Pigeon Creek Park once winter operations begin. Horses are *not allowed* starting December 1. 

Helpful Links to Bookmark: 

* Check trail conditions & equipment rental hours: miottawa.org/trails [ [link removed] ]
* For detailed info about winter operations: miottawa.org-winter/rec [ [link removed] ]
* View a livestream of the sledding hill: miottawa.info/hillcam [ [link removed] ]

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Winter Parking Lot Closures

During the winter season, several parking areas are closed. While parks remain open to the public, visitors will need to walk in for access. Here’s a breakdown of the closures and openings:


*

*Grand Ravines North*


*

Lower parking area and Lodge parking area: closes January 1


*

Reopens March 1


*

*Tunnel Park*


*

Closes with the first significant snowfall of the season (4 inches or more)


*

Reopens April 1


*

*Olive Shores*


*

Closes with the first significant snowfall of the season (4 inches or more)


*

Reopens April 1


*

*Spring Grove*


*

Closes with the first significant snowfall of the season (4 inches or more)


*

Reopens April 1


*

*Grose Park*


*

Closes with the first significant snowfall of the season (4 inches or more)


*

Reopens April 1

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OCP-Stewardship-Banner
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Service Saturday: Nature Center Seed Processing

December 21 • 10 AM - 12 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Native plants are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem! Join us for a morning of seed processing, where we will work to prepare seeds to be distributed back into our parks to help improve biodiversity and restore habitats. All equipment and training will be provided. Registration is required.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Volunteer with us Every 3rd Saturday of the Month

* 1/18 - Non-native Pine Removal at Van Buren Street Dunes  [ [link removed] ]
* 2/15 - Native Seed Processing at Hager Park [ [link removed] ]
* 3/15 - Invasive Plant Removal at Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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OCP-Fall-Programs-2024
December

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

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Recreation & Health

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!


* Dec 13, 7-9 pm - Pigeon Creek  [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club: Changing Light

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

As winter arrives and light drifts, we'll tune into ways the natural world navigates this season of shorter days and longer nights."*Journals are not provided."


* Dec 14, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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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.


* Dec 11, 9:30-10:30 am - 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! 


* Dec 1-14, Owl Moon by Jane Yolen - Pigeon Creek 

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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. 

*Before heading to the park, m**ake sure to check the calendar for cancellations on this page: holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ]*

* December 6, 7 pm - Public Observing
* December 13, 7 pm - Public Observing
* December 20, 7 pm - Public Observing
* December 27, 7 pm - Public Observing

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Ski Lessons

These lessons are weather dependent and will be canceled if there is not enough snow. All lessons are offered at Pigeon Creek. There are three options:

*Beginner: *Learn about equipment and basic cross-country ski techniques. ages 10+; one adult must accompany every two children. 

*Intermediate: *For experienced adult skiers wishing to refine their technique and ski more efficiently. 

*Skate Ski: *For experienced adult skiers who want to learn the basics of several techniques. Skate skis required; limited rental available. 


* Beginner - Dec 28, 10-11:30 am
* Beginner - Jan 4, 10-11:30 am 
* Skate - Jan 9, 6-7:30 pm 
* Beginner - Jan 11, 10-11:30 am
* Skate - Jan 14, 6-7:30 pm
* Beginner - Jan 18, 10-11:30 am
* Intermediate - Jan 23, 6-7:30 pm 
* Skate - Jan 25, 10-11:30 am
* Beginner - Jan 28, 6-7:30 pm 
* Intermediate - Feb 1, 10-11:30 am
* Beginner - Feb 6, 6-7:30 pm
* Intermediate - Feb 11, 6-7:30 pm 
* Beginner - Feb 15, 10-11:30 am
* Intermediate - Feb 18, 6-7:30 pm
* Skate - Feb 22, 10-11:30 am

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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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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].

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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Linked In [ [link removed] ]



*
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] ]