Spring is right around the corner!





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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.*

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Announcements
March

Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this spring, 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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Summer Camp Registration is Open! Don’t Miss Out!

Weekly sessions available from June 9 to August 22
Summer Camps [ [link removed] ]

Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure at Ottawa County Parks’ full-day, week-long Summer Camps [ [link removed] ]! 

*Age Groups*


* *Greenway Explorers (Ages 6-8) – *Designed for young adventurers, this full-day camp offers exciting activities and interactive learning to spark curiosity and a love for nature. Campers will explore *Hager Park*, a 104-acre family park known for its scenic nature trails and multiple playgrounds, providing the perfect setting for outdoor exploration and adventure
* *Greenway Voyageurs (Ages 9-13)- *Older campers will embark on an immersive journey through *Grand River Park*, 162-acre gem featuring five distinct ecosystems and scenic views along the Grand River. This full-day camp is packed with engaging activities that encourage curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors.

If your child falls outside this age range and you need assistance with registration, please call the Camp Director at (616)-994-4773 or the Nature Education Center at (616)-786-4847.

Secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable summer!

*Sign up Today* [ [link removed] ]


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Mark your Calendars for Art for the Parks 2025

Apr 26 **• 5-8 PM** **•** Hemlock Crossing 

Join the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ] at Hemlock Crossing County Park as the Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective transforms the Nature Education Center into a pop-up art venue for one night. The event brings regional artists, art patrons, and nature lovers together in a collaboration that benefits both nature and the arts.

Find work in a wide range of media—painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and more. Much of it inspired by nature and natural spaces that are familiar to the area’s parks’ lovers.

Live music by Jack Leaver, cash bar, and Parliament Pizza food truck add to the fun.

A $10 suggested donation at the door and 10% of all art sold benefit the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Register early [ [link removed] ] and skip the line! 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Visit Every Park Challenge

Have you taken on the challenge to visit each of the county's parks and open spaces? With over 40 unique properties, 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. 

How do I participate?

* *Get your Guide* – Download and print the Park Challenge 2025 guide [ [link removed] ] ("Physical copies can be printed at the Nature Center) "
* *Explore the Parks* –  Use our Parks Bucket List [ [link removed] ] to help you plan your visits.
* *Track your Progress *– Mark off each park you explore using the checklist in your guide.
* *Claim your Prize *– Stop by the Nature Center [ [link removed] ] to pick up your 2025 Parks Challenge Prizes [ [link removed] ]! "(Prize pickup is available April 1 through December 31, 2025)"

Make sure to use *#OttawaParksExplorer* or tag us in your photos *@ottawacountyparks*!

This challenge is supported by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ]. 

*Get Started* [ [link removed] ]


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Velo Kids Summer Bike Camps

Camps are almost full!

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.

Mountain Bike Camps

In partnership with Ottawa County Parks, these camps are perfect for adventure-seekers looking to build confidence on the trails while discovering the beauty of nature.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Events
Coffee with the Birds

March 8  **• **9:30 am - 12 pm **•** Hemlock Crossing 

Last Coffee with the Birds of the season!

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!

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Family Nature Day: Bye Bye Winter!

March 22 **• 10 am **- 4 pm **•** Hager Park

The calendar now says winter is OFFICIALLY OVER! Your family will venture together to find the last signs of winter and the first signs of spring. Family Nature Day activities are available for your family anytime between 10am and 4pm. Come when it's convenient for you!

Be sure to register for the "Making Acorn Pancakes" program [ [link removed] ] from 10am-12pm to add to your fun family outing. 

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Astronomy Day with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association

May 3 @ 12 PM **•** Hemlock Crossing 

Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association [ [link removed] ] for Astronomy Day at Hemlock Crossing! Enjoy a day filled with engaging activities for all ages. In case of poor weather, events will be held indoors at the Nature Center.

*S**CHEDULE*


* *12:00 – 5:00 PM *
* Solar observing with the Coronado and Meade LX-600 telescopes
* “Planet Walk” along the path by the observatory showing the spacing between planets and information about the planets

* *7:00 – **8:15 PM*__
* “The Solar System” lecture at Nature Education Center

* *8:15 PM – midnight*
* General observing with the 16” LX-600 and smaller telescopes at the observatory
* Constellation identification and mythological stories

*RAFFLE*


* All children will receive one raffle ticket and three telescopes will be awarded at the end of the lecture. No need to be present to win. Winning numbers will be posted at www.holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ]

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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] ]


Want to learn more about native plants? 

Join us for an upcoming session of "Naturally Speaking: "Growing Native"" at Ottawa County Parks! The processes of habitat restoration and enhancement is a lot of work, but the outcome is worth the effort for generations to come. Learn about the techniques used and the effort involved in planting and maintaining native plant species in our parks.


* 4/3, 7-8:30 pm at Grand Ravines North  [ [link removed] ]
* 5/1, 7-8:30 pm at Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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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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Stew
Volunteer with us every third Saturday of the month!

Service Saturday: Invasive Plant Removal at Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]

*March 15 • 10 am-12 pm • Hager Park*

Invasive plant species are one of the leading causes of habitat loss. Volunteer with us to help protect wildlife habitats and native plant communities! We will work together to remove woody invasive species such as honeysuckle, autumn olive, and bittersweet. All equipment and training will be provided.

Service Saturday: Earth Day Edition [ [link removed] ]

*April 19 • 10 am-12 pm • Various Locations*

Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering in our parks! Bring your friends and family, and join us to remove litter and invasive species. Participants are welcome to come and go any time during the event. Please bring work gloves if you have them (there will be a limited number of gloves for participants to borrow). Trash bags and instructions will be provided!

Workdays will be held at Tunnel Park, Hager Park, and Riverside Park.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Vernal Pool Opportunities

We have several opportunities to learn more about vernal pools this spring! 

**Vernal Pool Patrol In-person Training - **The Vernal Pool Patrol is a community science project, managed by Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MSU Extension) that contributes information to help understand and protect these ecosystems. This Vernal Pool Patrol field training will provide hands-on experience at a vernal pool to learn how to identify plants and animals and collect and submit data for the Michigan Vernal Pool Database.

"This field training is for volunteers who have participated in or watched the recording of a Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series (March 4th, 11th, 18th 6-8pm EST or past years). In addition, participants should be registered with an MNFI Community account to gain access to the Vernal Pool Field Survey (Survey123 app) to submit data."


* April 12, 10 am-1 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

*Awareness, Art & Action: Vernal Pools - *Explore the world of ephemeral wetlands and the host of creatures that take advantage of these temporary vernal pools. We’ll learn about these habitats, specific creatures and how they inform us on the quality of those places while creating nature journal entries based on what we see. Then take part in a survey of one of the many vernal pools found in our parks. "Registration is required. "


* April 12, 1-3 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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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] ]


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Programs
March

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

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Into Nature

Nature Hike: Busy Beavers

*Registration encouraged *• FREE **• *Ages 8+*

Beavers are the key to great wetland habitat. You'll hike along the Pigeon River to find signs of this iconic wetland creature and along the way you'll learn about the importance of its role in the ecosystem.


* March 8, 2-3:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Creative Composition Photography Seminar with John Dykstra

**Registration required • ****Resident-$20 / Non-Resident-$25**** **• Ages 16+**

Spring is a great time to dust off your camera or phone and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons through the lens of a camera. Join professional photographer John Dykstra as he teaches methods that will make your photos more pleasing to the eye by composing your shots using small natural elements.

John has been a professional photographer for nearly 40 years. His images have been used in publications, museums and National Wildlife Refuges. His love for photography and nature combine for a night of knowledge and nature that you will not want to miss.


* Mar 18, 7-9 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Equinox Expedition Hike

**Registration required • ****Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6**** **• Ages 10+**

The days are getting longer, and SPRING OFFICIALLY ARRIVED YESTERDAY! Help celebrate the "Vernal Equinox" by joining this evening expedition to find signs of spring along the Pigeon River. Meet inside the Nature Center.


* Mar 21, 7-8:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Gardening for Butterflies

**Registration required • **Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15** **• Ages *18+*

Butterflies add color and joy to nature, and you can attract them to your own garden! Learn about some common Michigan butterflies and the host plants necessary for the caterpillars to grow and thrive. After a short presentation, plant seeds in containers to start your butterfly garden, and learn about ways to attract butterflies to your yard.


* March 25, 7-8:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Woodcock Walk

**Registration required • **Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6** **• Ages *12+*

Be introduced to the odd looking and behaving Woodcock! After a short presentation, enjoy a short walk to watch the sun set to the twitter of displaying Woodcocks! 


* March 28, 7:30-9 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]
* March 29, 7:30-9 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Recreation & Health

Wild Food Pantry & Kiddo Nature Crafting

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

Learn how to prep and stock ethically foraged food for your kitchen with Jess Rossell & Suzanne Winterhalter of Cedar Marsh Farm. Optional $5 add-on ticket for children ages 4+ to participate in a nature craft activity while adults are in class.


* March 13, 6:30-8:30 pm - Hager Park [ [link removed] ]
* March 15, 10:30 am-12:30 pm - Hager Park [ [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. 


* Mar 14, 7-9 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club: Ever Green

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

Why do evergreen trees keep their leaves while deciduous trees shed theirs? What do they gain? Is there a tradeoff? We’ll dive into these questions while learning to draw needles and different evergreen tree shapes. "*Journals are not provided."


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

Making Acorn Pancakes

*Registration required *• ******Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30** ******• *Ages 12+*

Learn how to use acorns, foraged from the forest, to make pancakes! Bring a water bottle, journal, and pen. Ages 12 and under require adult supervision. In collaboration with Clay Bowers. Meet at the Hager Park DeVries Room. Afterwards, stay for free family nature day activities with the parks.


* March 22, 10 am-12 pm - Hager Park [ [link removed] ]

Yoga at the Parks

*NOTICE:* Due to unexpected instructor circumstances, all remaining yoga sessions have been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding.

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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!


* Mar 9, 1-4 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.


* Mar 19, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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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] ]*

* March 7, 8 pm - Public Observing
* March 14, 8 pm - Public Observing
* March 21, 8 pm - Public Observing
* March 28, 8 pm - Public Observing

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get connect

*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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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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*
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 ]

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