Get outside with us this spring!





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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
April

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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We are hiring!

Join our team! We’re hiring for seasonal positions, including:


* Parks Maintenance Technician [ [link removed] ] – $19.24/hr
* Park Caretaker [ [link removed] ] – $16.12/hr
* Park Caretaker- Idema Explorer's Camp at Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ] – $16.12/hr
* Outdoor Educator (Seasonal/Limited-Benefit [ [link removed] ]) – $16.12/hr [ [link removed] ]

*Apply Online* [ [link removed] ]


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Register for Summer Camp Now

Weekly sessions available from June 9 to August 22

Registration is now open for our full-day, week-long summer camps [ [link removed] ]! Don’t miss out on a summer of fun and adventure. Secure your spot today! 

There are two groups to choose from: 


* *Greenway Explorers (Ages 6-8) – *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)- *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. 

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Step it Up with us this Spring!

The Step it Up [ [link removed] ]! program is a free, 8-week initiative designed to help participants of all fitness levels stay active while exploring Ottawa County Parks. Open to individuals and families alike, this program offers easy-to-use tools for goal setting and activity tracking. Whether you're beginning your fitness journey or simply looking to stay motivated, Step It Up! is the perfect way to get moving—one step at a time.

This program is supported by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ] and made possible by Health & Wellness Sponsor AAA Storage.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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West Michigan City Nature Challenge

April 25-April 28, 2025

Join the City Nature Challenge! We’re partnering with John Ball Zoo [ [link removed] ] for this exciting global bio-blitz, created by iNaturalist [ [link removed] ]. With over 500 cities participating worldwide, it’s one of the largest community science events. You don’t need to be an expert! The app connects you with naturalists who can help identify the organisms you discover.

*How do I get involved? *

* Download the iNaturalist app. [ [link removed] ] Not sure how to use iNaturalist? Click here to learn more. [ [link removed] ]
* Using iNaturalist, take and submit photos of plants, animals, and fungi in Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties *from April 25-April 28, 2025. *
* Tell 3 people in your life about the City Nature Challenge and invite them to participate!
* Join us for a program! Keep scrolling to find opportunities to get involved.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Visit Every Park Challenge

Prizes are now available for pickup!

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. 

[ [link removed] ]Make sure to use *#ottawacountyparks* 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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Events
Mushroom Blitz! 

April 11 **• 2-5 PM** **•** Hemlock Crossing 

CALLING ALL MYCOPHILES (aka Mushroom lovers)! Join Midwestern American Mycological Information (MAMI) for a Mushroom Blitz at Hemlock Crossing County Park. We will explore what fungi are present in the park and submit samples for DNA testing as part of the state's natural resource inventory. The event is free to the public and no registration is required.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Family Nature Day: Earth Day!

April 26 **• 10 am **- 4 pm **•** Pigeon Creek

Come celebrate Earth Day at Pigeon Creek Park. There will be activities related to doing positive things for the Earth along with opportunities for your family to do so!

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Art for the Parks 

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 [ [link removed] ] transforms the Nature Education Center into a pop-up art venue for one night only! The event brings regional artists, art patrons, and nature lovers together in a collaboration that benefits both nature and the arts.

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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National 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.

*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] ]

*Learn More*


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Ottawa Conservation District Spring Native Plant Sale

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

The browse-and-buy 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 Ottawa Conservation District [ [link removed] ]. "For questions, please reach out to [email protected] or call the office at 616-842-5852 Ext. 5."

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Grand Explorers' Trail Race

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

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. *#2parks1race*

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Stew
Volunteer with us every third Saturday of the month!

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.

Service Saturday: Drop-in Garlic Mustard Workshop

*April 26 • 10 am-4 pm • Various Locations*

It's Family Nature Day at Pigeon Creek Park! While you're enjoying all that Pigeon has to offer, check out this drop-in volunteer opportunity. No registration required. 

Visit the table in the main parking lot to learn about invasive garlic mustard identification tips and removal techniques. Then, put that knowledge to work! Garlic mustard removal supplies (gloves and bags) will be available to anyone who would like to help. Feel free to stay and volunteer as long as you'd like.

*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 - **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: Blue-spotted Salamander - *Gain a deeper appreciation for ephemeral wetlands as we examine the life cycle of a native salamander. We’ll be hiking, nature journaling and taking a survey of one of the vernal pools found in our park. "Registration is required. "


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

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To keep oak trees healthy, delay pruning until mid-July

To stop the spread of oak wilt, a fungal disease that can kill red oak trees within weeks, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging homeowners not to prune any oak trees from April 15 to July 15

What is Oak Wilt?

Oak wilt is a fungal disease that can kill oak trees, particularly red oak species. The fungus spores are carried by small beetles that feed on sap from fresh tree wounds resulting from storm damage, pruning cuts, or other injuries. After the beetles feed and introduce the fungus into the tree’s water-carrying tissues, the tree responds by attempting to contain the disease. This response leads to the rapid wilting of branches. The infection can also spread through root connections between similar tree species or through the movement of infected logs and firewood.

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*Enroll and train for the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program*

The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps [ [link removed] ]), a network of volunteer monitoring programs that collect and share surface water quality data statewide, is accepting enrollments for the 2025 Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program [ [link removed] ] (CLMP) season. Trainings in 2025 will be offered in‑person in Muskegon and online via Zoom.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to enroll early, as some program options have early spring enrollment deadlines. Other options allow enrollment into May and into the summer. Details can be found on the CLMP Enrollment webpage [ [link removed] ].


* In person in Muskegon on April 25-26, 2025.
* Online on April 30, 2025.

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Programs
April

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

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Into Nature

Bird Walks

**Registration appreciated • **FREE** **• Ages *12+*

Whether you are an avid birder or just desire to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of bird migration. Trail conditions vary depending on the park. Be prepared for muddy and wet trails.


* Apr 2, 8-10 am - Crockery Creek Natural Area [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 9, 8-10 am - Upper Macatawa Natural Area West [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 10, 6-8 pm - Upper Macatawa Natural Area West [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 16, 8-10 am - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 23, 8-10 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 24, 6-8 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 26, 8-10 am - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 30, 8-10 am - Riley Trails [ [link removed] ]

Naturally Speaking: "Growing Native" in County Parks

*Registration encouraged *• FREE **• *Ages 12+*

 Learn how Ottawa County Parks is "growing native" in our 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.


* Apr 3, 7-8:30 pm - Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy: Spring & Summer Sky

*Registration encouraged *• FREE **• *Ages 12+*

This presentation will cover the major constellations available for viewing in the nighttime sky during the Spring and Summer months, along with additional objects such as the visible planets, the Moon and other deep space objects.


* Apr 5, 7-8 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Sunday Stroll

*Registration required *• ******FREE** ******• *All Ages*

Take a guided stroll every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing!


* Apr 6, 2-3:30 pm [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 13, 2-3:30 pm [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 27, 2-3:30 pm [ [link removed] ]

Nature Saturday: Frogs & Salamanders

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

Interested in "herpetology"? Come join others to search for frogs and salamanders and learn about which ones are found locally in our parks.

Nature Saturday is scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Each date will feature a different nature-focused topic/activity you can engage in at Ottawa County Parks. This is an opportunity to either introduce yourself to a new activity or gather with others who enjoy an activity you already engage in, all in an effort to build community!


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

Awareness, Art, & Action: Blue-spotted Salamander

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

Gain a deeper appreciation for ephemeral wetlands as we examine the life cycle of a native salamander. We’ll be hiking, nature journaling and taking a survey of one of the vernal pools found in our park.


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

Spring Wildflower Walk

**Registration encouraged • ****FREE ******• Ages 12+**

Woodland flowers, called spring ephemerals, bloom before the trees leaf out. Join a parks naturalist to look for these spring beauties blooming in our parks.


* Apr 17, 6-7:30 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

Nature Photography Hike: Spring Flowers

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

Grab your phone or favorite camera and join a group at the park to explore seasonal plants, animals, and insects, capturing nature’s beauty through an artistic lens.


* Apr 19, 3-4:30 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

Bald Eagle Walk

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

Bald Eagles frequent areas along the Grand River and have nested at Grand Ravines for many years. Join us on this hike to learn the story of the park's resident eagles and get a special private view into their nesting activities.


* Apr 26, 1-2:30 pm - Grand Ravines [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 26, 2-3:30 pm - Grand Ravines [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 26, 3-4:30 pm - Grand Ravines [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 26, 4-5:30 pm - Grand Ravines [ [link removed] ]

Recreation & Health

Recreation Saturday: Trail Hiking

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

We’ll be hiking for 2 hours and will go to Pine Bend and back. This should be 3-4 miles total on dirt trails, boardwalk and some paved trails. Bring water, snack, hiking stick, and a sense of adventure!


* Apr 5, 10 am-12 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Trailside First Aid

*Registration required *• Resident-$17 / Non-Resident-$22 **• *Ages 18+*

Join Parks Recreation and Wellness Lead, Tabitha, RN, for wilderness medicine response tips. Learn how to handle unexpected trail emergencies while awaiting professional help. Please bring your usual trail pack, water, a journal, and a pen. Weather permitting, the session will be held outdoors.


* Apr 15, 6:30-8:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club

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

Gather each month to explore our natural neighbors using drawing, writing, and other journaling techniques to record what you learn while enjoying community connection with other nature journalers. 


* Apr 19, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Introduction to Nature Journaling

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

Many of us seek ways to better connect with nature. We want to learn its patterns and secrets, help protect its inhabitants, and gain an understanding of our place within it. 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.


* Apr 19, 1-2:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Sauna at the Parks

*Registration required *• ****Resident-$45 / Non-Resident-$50** ****• *Ages 18+*

Enjoy a unique and rejuvenating mobile wood-burning Finnish sauna with Alisa Cardenas of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. [ [link removed] ] and Mike Jensen with Saunaty [ [link removed] ]. Bring with you a bottle of water, a bathrobe, slip on shoes, a towel, and an extra set of clothing. Ensure you are well hydrated and dressed appropriately in a swimsuit or light cotton clothing if desired. 


* Apr 24, 3:30-5 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 24, 5:30-7 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]
* Apr 24, 7:30-9 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]

Twilight Hike

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

In spring, as light of day turns to dark of night, wildlife springs to life! Come experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore them by the light of fading day. 


* Apr 25, 8:30-10 pm - Upper Macatawa Natural Area West [ [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.


* Apr 16, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Family Nature Day: Earth Day! 

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

Come celebrate Earth Day at Pigeon Creek Park. There will be activities related to doing positive things for the Earth along with opportunities for your family to do so!


* Apr 26, 10 am-4 pm - Pigeon Creek Park South [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalks

*Registration appreciated *• **FREE** **• *All Ages*

Take a StoryWalk®! Pages from a featured book will be posted on signs along the path for your family to read together. Stories are available to read during park hours. Thank you to our local libraries, Loutit District Library and Herrick District Library, for making StoryWalks possible!


* *April 7-27 at Tunnel Park:*" If You Plant a Seed" by Kadir Nelson
* *April 7-27 at Paw Paw Park East:* "What’s New, Daniel? "by Micha Archer

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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 cancelled if overcast. 

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

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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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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] ]