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

________________________________________________________________________


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] ]

________________________________________________________________________







Winter Announcements
February

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] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Spring Break Camp is Filling Up – Register Now! [ [link removed] ]

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

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

>> Secure your spot at bit.ly/OCPcamps [ [link removed] ] <<

________________________________________________________________________



Visit Every Park Challenge #OttawaParksExplorer

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 [ [link removed] ]” is the perfect way to embrace the great outdoors while working towards your personal goals. "Prizes coming soon! "

Make sure to use *#OttawaParksExplorer* or tag us in your photos *@ottawacountyparks*! Follow the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ] on Facebook for featured park updates. 

*Get Started* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Mark your Calendars for the Ottawa Conservation District Spring Native Plant Sale

May 17 **• 9 AM - 12 PM** **•** Hemlock Crossing 

Pre-orders [ [link removed] ] are now open until March 28th, 2025!

The native plant sale offers a wide assortment of Michigan-grown native flowering plants, shrubs, garden kits, and grasses. The funds from the native plant sale provide important operational funding for the district. For questions, please reach out to [email protected] or call the office at 616-842-5852 Ext. 5.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Velo Kids Summer Bike Camps

Get ready for an unforgettable summer of biking, exploration, and adventure! Velo Kids Summer Bike Camps are designed to inspire and empower riders of all ages, from 4-year-old beginners to teens tackling full-day trail adventures. With over 25 camps to choose from, there’s something for everyone, no matter their skill level or biking goals.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________


Upcoming Events
Coffee with the Birds [ [link removed] ]

February 8  **• **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. [ [link removed] ] Thank you to Rick Veldman of Kestrel Imagery for the awesome live streaming services!

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


*Mug Club Membership*

Membership supports birding 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 [ [link removed] ] to purchase your membership online. 

________________________________________________________________________



Family Nature Day: Whose Track is That?! [ [link removed] ]

February 15 **• 10 am **- 4 pm **•** Hemlock Crossing 

We don't always SEE wildlife when visiting parks, but they often leave clues behind that we CAN find. You'll gain some tracking skills as your family works together to learn about and find wildlife tracks at the park! Family Nature Day activities are available for your family anytime between 10am and 4pm. Come when it's convenient for you!

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



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] ]


________________________________________________________________________


Stewardship
Volunteer with us every third Saturday of the month!

Service Saturday: Native Seed Processing [ [link removed] ]

*February 15 • 10 am-12 pm • Hager Park*

Native plants are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem! Join us for a morning of seed processing, where we will work to prepare seeds (collected in our parks) to be distributed back into our parks in order to help improve biodiversity and restore habitats. All equipment and training will be provided. This activity will take place indoors.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


Upcoming Service Saturdays:

*

March 15 - Invasive Plant Removal at Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]


*

[ [link removed] ]April 19 - Service Saturday: Earth Day Edition


* Tunnel Park [ [link removed] ]
* Hager Park [ [link removed] ]
* Riverside Park [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Michigan Vernal Pool Training Series 2025

Learn more about vernal pools and how you can help monitor and protect these fascinating and important wetlands across Michigan. This virtual training will provide information and resources to those interested in participating in the Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol monitoring program. Three sessions will be presented on Tuesday evenings, March 4th, 11th, and 18th from 6:00-8:00 pm EST.

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Ottawa Conservation District Tree Seedling Sale [ [link removed] ]

2025 Tree Sale pre-orders are open and will close Friday, March 28th, 2025 at 3 PM.

Each Spring, Ottawa Conservation District holds a tree seedling sale fundraiser that generates operating funds for the important work of the District. This tree sale offers a variety of primarily native and some naturalized tree & shrub seedlings. The tree seedlings offered are bareroot seedlings that are typically 6-18 inches in length, and are sold in quantity bundles of  10, 25, 50, and 100 seedlings.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________


Winter Programs
February

*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!


* Feb 6, 7-8:30 pm - Hager Park [ [link removed] ]

Winter Walk

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

Join us for a walk to explore the winter scenery while enjoying community connection with fellow walkers. 


* Feb 16, 1-2:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Mushrooms of Michigan

**Registration required • **Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30** **• *18+*

Join Tabitha RN, a certified Wild Mushroom Forager, to learn what native mushrooms we have in Michigan, why they are important, how to use them, and how to forage ethically.


* Feb 20, 6:30-8:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 22, 10 am-12 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Winter Birding Field Trip

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

Wintertime birding in Ottawa County is an adventure worth the effort! Come along and see why as we venture to various local birding hotspots of winter. Choose one or both segments of this all day event.


* Part 1 - Feb 22, 10 am-1 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Part 2 - Feb 22, 2-5 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Recreation & Health

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 [ [link removed] ]. Participants need to bring yoga mat. A water bottle and journal are encouraged. 


* Feb 5, 6-6:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 12, 6-6:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 19, 6-6:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 26, 6-6:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

*Flow Yoga:* Link breath to movement with Chrystal Drewitt of Metta & Shanti Wellness [ [link removed] ]. Participants need to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and journal.


* Feb 5, 7-7:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 12, 7-7:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 19, 7-7:45 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 26, 7-7:45 pm - 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 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. 


* Feb 14, 7-9 pm - Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club: Snow Fleas & Chickadees

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

How do these small, unlikely creatures survive winter in the cold? We’ll look at each and learn to draw them as we go. "*Journals are not provided."


* Feb 15, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



Kids & Families

Fireside Reading Time

*Registration appreciated *• **FREE** **• *Ages 3-9*

Enjoy a cozy, self-guided storytime by the fire with your family, featuring seasonally themed books to read at your own pace. Make sure to warm up with a mug of hot chocolate or cider, and don’t forget a comfy pillow and blanket. While visiting the Nature Center, make sure to watch the bird feeders and go for a walk outside!


* Feb 9, 1-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Family Nature Day: Whose Track is That?!

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

We don't always SEE wildlife when visiting parks, but they often leave clues behind that we CAN find. You'll gain some tracking skills as your family works together to learn about and find wildlife tracks at the park! Family Nature Day activities are available for your family anytime between 10am and 4pm. Come when it's convenient for you!


* Feb 15, 10 am- 4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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.


* Feb 19, 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! 


* *February 3-23 at Hemlock Crossing: *"Winter is Here" by Kevin Henkes
* *February 3-23 at Paw Paw East: *"The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats"

________________________________________________________________________



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. 


* Intermediate - Feb 11, 6-7:30 pm [ [link removed] ] 
* Beginner - Feb 15, 10-11:30 am [ [link removed] ]
* Intermediate - Feb 18, 6-7:30 pm [ [link removed] ] 
* Skate Ski - Feb 22, 10-11:30 am  [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



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] ]*

* February 7, 7 pm - Public Observing
* February 14, 7 pm - Public Observing
* February 21, 7 pm - Public Observing
* February 28, 7 pm - Public Observing

________________________________________________________________________


Park Spotlight
Riley Trails [ [link removed] ]

Riley Trails is 300 acres of rolling terrain, beech-maple forest, pine plantations, a small lake, and an extensive trail system located in Park Township. The property is enjoyed by hikers, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]

Riley Trails

Plan a fat tire bike ride at RIley Trails! Photo by Andrea Pratt






winter get connected

*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] ]*

________________________________________________________________________









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] ]

[ [link removed] ] 



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 John Teeples | Vice-Chairperson Josh Brugger | Jordan Jorritsma | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Phil Kuyers | Doug Zylstra | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel 

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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

________________________________________________________________________

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] ]