Participate in the West Michigan City Nature Challenge this weekend





City Nature Challenge Banner [ [link removed] ]

Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________







Join us for the West Michigan City Nature Challenge this weekend! 

April 25-April 28, 2025

Do you have time to get outside this weekend? The *City Nature Challenge* (CNC) is just around the corner, *April 25-28*.* *

From April 25-28, 2025, Ottawa County Parks will join forces with John Ball Zoo [ [link removed] ] and other local partners to participate in the West Michigan City Nature Challenge —a global bio-blitz created in iNaturalist [ [link removed] ]. This event invites individuals from around the world to document nature and contribute to scientific research by identifying local wildlife.

This year marks the 10th year of the CNC, and you can help make it the biggest one yet!

*What is a BioBlitz? *

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.

*How to get involved:*


*

Download the iNaturalist app [ [link removed] ]. Not sure how to use iNaturalist? Learn more here [ [link removed] ].


*

From April 25 to April 28, 2025, take photos of plants, animals, and fungi and upload them to iNaturalist within Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties.


*

Spread the word! Tell three people in your life about the City Nature Challenge and invite them to join.

*Where can I participate?*
For the West Michigan City Nature Challenge, you can participate anywhere in the counties of Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa. Whether you’re in your own backyard or exploring a local park, your observations will count! Ottawa County Parks is also hosting a several programs during the event, so don’t miss your chance to get outdoors and make a difference. "Keep reading to find opportunities to get involved."

*Why it Matters: *
Every photo helps scientists better understand local biodiversity and protect wildlife in West Michigan — and beyond. By participating, you're joining a global movement of community science. Plus, it’s just plain fun.

*Ottawa County Park program schedule from April 25-April 28:*


*

*April 26 – Bird Walk (8-10 am)* at Grand River Park: Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration. Click here to register. [ [link removed] ]


*

*April 26 – Family Nature Day & Drop-in Garlic Mustard Workshop (10 am – 4 pm)* at Pigeon Creek Park: Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities and volunteer to help remove invasive garlic mustard. Plus, participate in the City Nature Challenge! No registration required!


*

*April 26 – Bald Eagle Walk* at Grand Ravines: Take a guided hike to learn about the Grand Ravine’s resident bald eagles and view their nesting activities.


*

1:00-2:30 pm [ [link removed] ], 2:00-3:30 pm [ [link removed] ], 3:00-4:30 pm [ [link removed] ] sessions available.


*

*April 27 – Sunday Stroll (2-3:30 pm)* at Hemlock Crossing: Take a guided stroll at Hemlock Crossing and participate in the City Nature Challenge! Click here to register [ [link removed] ].

Learn more: news.miottawa.org/citynaturechallenge [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



CNC Logo

*About the City Nature Challenge:*
"Started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge [ [link removed] ] (CNC) has grown into an international event, motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. The CNC is organized by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California Academy of Sciences. "



________________________________________________________________________







*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] ]