 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!
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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
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 personal goals. Prizes coming soon!
Make sure to use #OttawaParksExplorer or tag us in your photos @ottawacountyparks! Follow the Ottawa County Parks Foundation on Facebook for featured park updates.
May 17 • 9 AM - 12 PM • Hemlock Crossing
Pre-orders 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.
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.
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. Thank you to Rick Veldman of Kestrel Imagery for the awesome live streaming services!
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 to purchase your membership online.
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!
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.
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.
Upcoming Service Saturdays:
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.
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.
 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!
Winter Walk
Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages
Join us for a walk to explore the winter scenery while enjoying community connection with fellow walkers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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February 3-23 at Hemlock Crossing: Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes
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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.
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
- February 7, 7 pm - Public Observing
- February 14, 7 pm - Public Observing
- February 21, 7 pm - Public Observing
- February 28, 7 pm - Public Observing
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.
 Plan a fat tire bike ride at RIley Trails! Photo by Andrea Pratt
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