 January
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!
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The Michigan DNR will be closing the Ottawa County portion of the trail for a period of approximately 12 months beginning on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The trail will be closed starting at the Marne (8th Avenue) trailhead heading west and ending at Squires Road. Both the Marne and Conklin trailheads will also be closed during this time frame. This work includes 11 culvert replacements, one bridge replacement, trail repaving, and extensive tree clearing work. Follow Friends of the Musketawa Trail for updates!
Spring Break Camp Registration is NOW OPEN
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.
Camp Pricing:
- $200/$225 resident vs non-resident
- 10% discount for each additional sibling
- 5:30-6 pm aftercare available for $15
Discover the stunning landscapes of Ottawa County by taking on the challenge to visit each of the county’s parks and open spaces throughout the year. With over 40 unique parks, more than 7,400 acres of natural beauty, and 150+ miles of trails waiting to be explored, the “Visit Every Park Challenge” is the perfect way to embrace the great outdoors while working towards your New Year goals. #OttawaParksExplorer
Keep scrolling to discover our featured park for this month!
LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL GREENWAY
Rosy Mound Natural Area Acquisition - A significant milestone has been reached with the acquisition of the Rosy Mound Expansion property, finalized on December 20, 2024. This 127-acre acquisition nearly doubles the size of Rosy Mound Natural Area to 291 acres, completing a vision that has been in place since 1989. This acquisition was funded with $3.29 million in grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, a significant donation of value by the landowner, funding from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, and the Ottawa County Parks millage. This expansion is a critical step in achieving our vision of creating a connected system of natural communities for public enjoyment.
Learn more at news.miottawa.org/rosy-mound-expansion
 The Rosy Mound Expansion acquisition is a critical step in achieving our vision of creating a connected system of natural communities for public enjoyment. "This would not be possible without the MNRTF, the generosity of the landowner, donors to the OCPF, and the residents of Ottawa County." - OCPRC Director, Jason Shamblin
GRAND RIVER GREENWAY
Bass River Segment - The first three miles of the Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail are planned for construction next year, connecting Riverside Park and the Bass River State Recreation Area in Robinson and Allendale townships. This project is being done in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) through a management agreement that allows for the construction of the Idema Explorers Trail in the 1,665-acre property. Eventually, the Bass River Segment will be over 7.4 miles from Riverside Park to Eastmanville Bayou Open Space.
Eastmanville Connector - Another portion of the Idema Explorers Trail is also in line for grant funding. In December, a $400,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant for the Eastmanville Connector in Allendale Township was recommended for funding. Once proposed funding is approved by the state legislature, construction can begin (anticipated for late fall 2025). This 2.3-mile project will connect neighborhoods in Allendale Township to Eastmanville Bayou Open Space and includes nearly 0.7 miles directly along the Grand River, further enhancing our trail network.
For more on the 2024 MNRTF recommendations, see this MDNR press release.
Upper Macatawa Natural Area - In December, a $347,500 LWCF grant from the MDNR was recommended for funding that will assist with the construction of a modern, year-round restroom facility at the 84th Avenue access site at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. This facility will include showers for mountain bikers and a water collection system, with design and permitting currently underway. This project is expected to go to bid in mid-2025. For more on the 2024 LWCF recommendations, see this MDNR press release.
This initiative is part of the larger Middle Macatawa project which would further develop and connect the Macatawa Greenway. For more information, see this blog page.
June 21, 2025 @ 8:00 AM - Grand River Park to Grand Ravines
The 3rd Annual Grand Explorers’ Trail Race is now open for registration!
Run through two beautiful Ottawa County Parks in one race #2parks1race
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation and Ottawa County Parks 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.
Pigeon Creek Park 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:
January 11 • 9:30 am - 12 pm • Hemlock Crossing
Enjoy coffee and baked goodies as you watch and learn about the birds at the feeders with Curtis Dykstra. Bring your bird questions, curiosities, and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug! These programs are FREE and everyone is welcome to attend.
Choose from two sessions: 9:30 AM or 11:10 AM. Plus, catch a quick presentation on birding in the Great Room at 10:30 AM!
- 9:30 - 10:20: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 1
- 10:30 - 11:00: Birding Tidbits Presentation*
- 11:10 - 12:00: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 2
Can’t make it in person? The first feeder watching session and birding tidbits presentation will be livestreamed to our YouTube channel here: . A big shoutout to Rick Veldman of Kestrel Imagery for the awesome live streaming services!
Mug Club Membership
Membership supports the Coffee with the Birds programs and feeding the birds at the Nature Center. Perks for members include the exclusive, limited edition mug with photo contest winner on it, event reminder magnets, and more! Click here to purchase your membership online.
January 18 • 10 am - 4 pm • Hemlock Crossing
Got "Cabin Fever"? Get out to the park to get some fresh air and have some fun with the family! You'll be challenged with various simple and entertaining winter activities designed to tune your senses toward nature and give you ideas that you can do at your own home in the snow! Family Nature Day activities are available for your family anytime between 10am and 4pm. Come when it's convenient for you!
February 22 at 6:30 pm • Hemlock Crossing
Join us for the Ottawa Sands Documentary Premiere on February 22 at 6:30 pm. This short film, directed by Scott Vandenberg, tells the story of the unique and complex acquisition, conservation efforts, accessibility improvements, and more. There is no cost to attend but a donation is welcomed. This premiere is supported by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.
Following the film there will be time for Q & A with the director of the documentary and interviewees.
January 29 • 5-7 pm • Hemlock Crossing
The Ottawa Conservation District and Ottawa County Parks will be hosting a Native Seed-Sowing Workshop on Wednesday, January 29th at 5pm. This workshop will focus on germinating native seeds for use in restoration projects and landscaping. Attendees will learn how to winter stratify native seeds using milk jugs and about sustainable seed collection. Materials will be provided and the event will be capped at 15 participants. Registration is required.
We want your jugs!
In collaboration with the Ottawa Conservation District, we need milk jugs, orange juice jugs, or other similar containers for a native seed sowing workshop on January 29th. These containers will be used to mimic winter conditions and help seeds germinate.
Jugs need to be clean, plastic, and transparent. No opaque containers, please! Jugs can be dropped off at the Ottawa Conservation District office (16731 Ferris St., Grand Haven) Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. If you have any questions please contact the District at 616-842-5852 x 5.
Pine Bend offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River. Over six miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing meander through bottomland and upland forest, old pine plantations and along the river. Trails connect to Hemlock Crossing on the east end of this property. Pine Bend is also the site of beautiful ceremonial trellis and the Weaver House, a restored 1901 home that is available to reserve for business meetings, weddings and other activities.
 January
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
Into Nature
Naturally Speaking: A Beaver's Role
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Beavers are an iconic wetland creature that the mention of can evoke a variety of responses. So, what is their role in the ecosystem? How do they function in that role and how can humans live alongside this important "keystone" species? Join us to uncover the fascinating world of beavers!
Coffee with the Birds
Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages
Enjoy coffee and baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders. Bring your bird questions, curiosities, and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug!
Winter Walk
Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages
Join us for a walk to explore the winter scenery while enjoying community connection with fellow walkers.
Yoga at the Parks
Registration required • Resident-$12 / Non-Resident-$17 • Ages 18+
Gentle Yoga: Ease tension and lessen stress with Chrystal Drewitt of Metta & Shanti Wellness. Participants need to bring yoga mat. A water bottle and journal are encouraged.
Flow Yoga: Link breath to movement with Chrystal Drewitt of Metta & Shanti Wellness. Participants need to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and journal.
Moonlight Night Hike
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 12+
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore by moonlight! There is an option to use snowshoes when conditions are favorable. Please be sure to complete the snowshoe questionnaire when registering. Meet at the Grand Ravines - South Dog Park kiosk.
Vision Boards
Registration required • Resident-$60 / Non-Resident-$75 • Ages 18+
Plan your wellness journey by crafting a beautiful vision board to take home. Bring a journal and pen; all other materials provided. Meet in the Great Room of the Nature Center. In collaboration with Meg Laidlaw of Profound Wellness.
Wild Herbal Wellness
Registration required • Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30 • Ages 18+
Learn about wild plants and herbs that have improved health & wellness throughout history. Adult class but caregivers welcome to bring children as long as they won’t distract from class. By Mel Deboer RN, ND Herbalist, of Rooted in the Wild.
Nature Journal Club: Nesting
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+
Winter is a great time to observe and explore a variety of nests. We’ll look at different types of nests we might see, the architect and builder of each, who may be in there now, and how to draw different nests simply and quickly in our journals. *Journals are not provided.
Introduction to Nature Journaling
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+
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.
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: Winter Fun!
Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages
Got "Cabin Fever"? Get out to the park to get some fresh air and have some fun with the family! You'll be challenged with various simple and entertaining winter activities designed to tune your senses toward nature and give you ideas that you can do at your own home in the snow! Family Nature Day activities are available for your family anytime between 10am and 4pm. Come when it's convenient for you!
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!
- January 6-26 at Hemlock Crossing: Thank You, Omu!/ Gracias, Omu! by Oge Mora
- January 6-26 at Paw Paw East: Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle: How Animals Get Ready for Winter by Laura Purdie Salas
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, make sure to check the calendar for cancellations on this page: holland-saaa.org
- January 10, 7 pm - Public Observing
- January 17, 7 pm - Public Observing
- January 24, 7 pm - Public Observing
- January 31, 7 pm - Public Observing
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.
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