The Grand Crossings Loop is officially complete — connecting parks, communities, and stunning natural spaces along the way.





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*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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Summer Announcements OCP Banner
June

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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The Grand Crossings Loop is officially complete

Thanks to the newly completed six-mile Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail, you can now explore a 24-mile continuous loop around the Grand River between US-31 and M-231 — connecting parks, communities, and stunning natural spaces along the way.

This major milestone was made possible by:


* The expansion of the Green Street Bridge over Stearns Bayou, improving safety and creating scenic spots for fishing and wildlife viewing
* New wayfinding signage throughout Grand Haven

“This project opens up access to a beautiful and meaningful part of the Grand River,” said Monica and Samantha Verplank, co-chairs of the Grand River Greenway Capital Campaign, along with Ambassador Peter Secchia (who passed away in 2020). “This area was special to our father-in-law, Gary Verplank, and we’re proud to see this vision come to life.”

***

You're Invited to Celebrate the Completion of the Bayou Segment

*Jun 26 @ 3 PM • 14023 Green St, Grand Haven, MI*

Join us to celebrate the most recent addition to the Idema Explorers Trail! The six-mile Bayou Segment in Robinson Township includes an upgraded pedestrian bridge over Stearns Bayou and newly installed wayfinding signage in Grand Haven. This crucial connection links 1,000 acres of parkland and completes the 24-mile Grand Crossings Loop.

*Read the Full Story* [ [link removed] ]

Grand Crossings Loop

The Grand Crossings Loop is a 24-mile continuous trail made up of segments from the Idema Explorers Trail, Spoonville Trail, and North Bank Trail, connecting communities from Grand Haven to Nunica. Key access points include trailheads at 144th Avenue, M-231, and Connor Bayou County Park.

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The Zee Bus Returns!

The Zee Bus, a rolling library in the Zeeland area, will return this summer from June-August! Join us every Thursday from 9:30-11:30 AM for exciting nature activities led by an Outdoor Educator. Follow Zee Bus on Facebook [ [link removed] ] for more frequent updates. 

Zee Bus Schedule
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The Idema Explorers Camp is NOW OPEN

The Idema Explorers Camp (IEC) is officially open, offering a unique overnight experience in nature at Ottawa Sands County Park [ [link removed] ]. Located at intersection of Lake Michigan and the Grand River, the IEC features three treehouses, five yurts, and 10 tent sites. 

Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend retreat or a fun group camping experience, IEC offers the perfect setting to connect with nature.

Plan your stay or learn more at miottawa.org/IEC [ [link removed] ].

*Book Now* [ [link removed] ]

IEC at Night [ [link removed] ]

Yurt Village at night in the Idema Explorers Camp. Photo by Anita Yoder.

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Summer Camps Start Next Week!

Weekly sessions available from June-August

Don’t miss out on a summer of fun and adventure. Register now for our full-day, week-long summer camps [ [link removed] ]. Campers will explore *Hager Park*, a 104-acre family park known for its scenic nature trails and multiple playgrounds. Plus, NEW this year… archery every week!

There are two groups to choose from: 


* *Greenway Explorers (Ages 6-8) *
* *Greenway Voyageurs (Ages 9-13)*

Looking for summer fun without the full-week commitment? Our half-day summer camps are the perfect way for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and make friends.


* *Early Sprouts (Ages 4-5 w/ Caregiver) – *Each week, we will explore a different natural theme at Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ] through music, games, books, outdoor exploration and crafts. A caregiver must remain with the child for the duration of the program.
* *Nature Buds (Ages 6-9)- *Explore and engage with nature at Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ] through activities that may include using dip nets in the wetland, catching insects, and searching for salamanders! Caregivers drop off children.

*Register for Camp* [ [link removed] ]


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Reminder: Motor Vehicle Permits Required at County Lakeshore Parks 

Ottawa County Motor Vehicle Permits are required at lakeshore parks and the Riverside Park Boat Launch from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Annual permits are $25; daily permits are $8. Discounted permits are available for residents, senior residents (60+), and resident United States military members, including active duty and veterans, when purchased online. The on-site fee stations cannot verify residency, so no discounted permits will be sold at these stations.

*Purchase your Permit* [ [link removed] ]


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Visit Every Park Challenge

Prizes are available for pickup at the Nature Center!

Looking for a fun and rewarding way to explore Ottawa County's natural spaces? Take on the Visit Every Park Challenge and discover the beauty of over 40 unique parks and open spaces, featuring more than 7,400 acres of land and 150+ miles of trails just waiting to be explored.

*How it works:*


* *Visit 20+ parks* – Receive a patch or decal
* *Visit 30+ parks* – Patch or decal *+ 1 entry* for the grand prize
* *Visit 40+ parks* – Patch or decal *+ 2 entries* for the grand prize

*Grand Prize:*
Choose your own exclusive park adventure! Options may include a guided kayak trip, private night sky viewing, or other memorable experiences.

[ [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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OCP Upcoming Events Summer Banner
Naturally Speaking: Ottawa County Parks Update

June 5 **• **7-8:30 PM **•** Hemlock Crossing 

Be the first to know about what's happening in Ottawa County Parks! Join various parks staff as they update the public on various current and upcoming parks projects, including park development, natural resource management, and more.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Recreation Saturday: Geocaching

June 7• 10 AM-12 PM • Hemlock Crossing

We will be learning about geocaching and exploring the geocaches here at Hemlock Crossing Park. This event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events offered by Geocache HQ to celebrate 25 years of geocaching. Click here to learn more. [ [link removed] ]

If you would like to download and install the official geocaching app, go *here [ [link removed] ]*.

"Recreation Saturday is scheduled on the 1st Saturday of each month. "

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Nature Saturday: Birding

June 14 • 10 AM-12 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Interested in birding? Come join others to search a variety of birds and learn about which ones are found locally in our parks and how to identify them.

"Nature Saturday is scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month. "

*Sign Up* [ [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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Family Nature Day: Myths & Mysteries!

June 28 • 10 am - 4 pm • Hemlock Crossing

What myths of strange creatures and mysteries of the natural world do you know of? Come learn about some of the mythical creatures that exist in our human cultures and also engage with some mysteries of how REAL creatures do the odd and seemingly impossible things they do!

In partnership with Herrick District Library and their “The truth is out there” Summer Reading Program theme. More information can be found at their website: herrickdl.org/summer-challenge [ [link removed] ].

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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OCP Stewardship Summer Banner
Volunteer with us every third Saturday of the month!

Service Saturday: Dame's Rocket Removal
June 21 • 10 AM-12 PM • Paw Paw Park West

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 invasive dame's rocket by hand pulling. All equipment and training will be provided.

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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Prescribed Fire at Stearns Creek Update

Ottawa County Parks recently completed a 3-acre prescribed burn at Stearns Creek Helstrom Family Natural Area. 

Why this location?

Native plants like wild lupine, frostweed, and bastard toadflax suggest this area was historically a savanna-type ecosystem, which depends on periodic fire to maintain its structure and biodiversity. 

Why burn?

Prescribed burns help reduce invasive species, limit encroachment by woody plants, and stimulate the native seed bank. One of the major ecological objectives of the burn was to reduce spotted knapweed, a pervasive, allelopathic invasive species which is in its most vulnerable stage right now. 

We’ll continue monitoring the site in the months and years ahead to track progress. Stay tuned for updates!

Prescribed Burn

Fire will further benefit the natural communities within Stearns Creek Park by mimicking a more natural fire regime.

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Summer Banner OCP Programs
June

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

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Into Nature

Astronomy: Public Observing

*No registration necessary • FREE • All Ages*

Observe the night sky with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association. They will have the observatory open and telescopes available to view from (weather/cloud cover permitting). When viewing conditions call for overcast skies, chance of rain or snow, the viewing session will be canceled.

Before heading to the park, check holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ] for updated information. Please note the gate closes automatically at 10 pm, so you will need to arrive before then to enter the park. 


* Jun 7, 9-11 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Friday Public Viewing Nights: 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 [ [link removed] ]

Sunday Stroll

*Registration required • FREE • All Ages*

Take a guided stroll at 2 pm every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing! Topics vary. 


* Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 22, Jun 29 [ [link removed] ]

Summer Wildflower Walk

*Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+*

On this casual hike, you'll experience the variety of prairie wildflowers blooming in our parks through the summer.


* Jun 12, 6-7:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Jun 26, 6-7:30 pm - Upper Macatawa NA [ [link removed] ]

Nature Saturday: Birding

*Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages*

Interested in birding? Come join others to search a variety of birds and learn about which ones are found locally in our parks and how to identify them.

"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."


* Jun 14, 10 am-12 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Wildflower Identification Workshop

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

Learn to identify native flowering plants using Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. We’ll learn different leaf and flower types, how to count floral parts and more. Using the guide in both the lab and field will help you gain added expertise and knowledge in plant identification.


* Jun 14, 2-3:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Butterfly Walk

*Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+*

Late spring and summer are the best times to observe butterflies flying and foraging on flowers in the parks! Join us in a guided nature walk focused on observing and identifying different species of butterflies in a natural setting to learn about different species common in Michigan. You will learn about the butterfly life cycles, caterpillars, and plants they depend on for survival. Bring a camera, if you’d like!


* Jun 21, 10-11:30 am - Paw Paw Park East [ [link removed] ]

Earth Encounters: Lake Michigan Dunes

*Registration encouraged • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 8+*

Does “Lake Michigan Dune Complex” sound complicated? Through a combination of presentation, activities, and dune-topping hike, we’ll simplify things a bit and help you understand how dune complexes are formed and where can they be found in our county parks. We'll meet at the Kirk Park lodge for a presentation, followed by a hike.


* Jun 22, 4-6 pm - Kirk Park [ [link removed] ]

Awareness, Art, and Action: Native Bees

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

The importance of bees has become a hot topic in the conservation and preservation of natural landscapes. We’ll help you gain an understanding of why that is while learning to recognize several types of bees, making nature journal entries, and taking a survey of the bees we see in our meadow.


* Jun 28, 1-3 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Recreation & Health

Recreation Saturday: Geocaching

*Registration encouraged • FREE • All Ages*

We will be learning about geocaching and exploring the geocaches here at Hemlock Crossing Park. This event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events offered by Geocaching HQ to celebrate 25 years of geocaching. Click here to learn more. [ [link removed] ]


* Jun 7, 10 am-12 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club: Swamped! 

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

Swamps are sometimes avoided, sometimes despised, and often misunderstood. What makes swamps special? Are they important? How do they differ from other wetland types? This month, we'll let ourselves get swamped by these questions and go mucking around for some answers.


* Jun 7, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Kayak Ottawa Sands

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

Bask in the glory of nature on this leisurely guided kayak trip along the shores of the Grand River. You’ll explore the Ottawa Sands "Sag", an area with minimal current and maximum beauty. The area was identified as a globally critical migratory bird area! Kayaks, paddles, pfd's included.


* Jun 8, 12-2 pm - Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ]
* Jun 8, 3-5 pm - Ottawa Sands [ [link removed] ]

Forest Bathing

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

Join us for a guided forest bathing session designed to help you disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with nature. Our guide, Chrystal Drewhitt of Metta and Shanti [ [link removed] ], will lead you through a serene woodland path, encouraging you to engage all five senses. Please bring a journal, pen, and bottled water. 


* Jun 11, 6:30-8:30 pm - Connor Bayou [ [link removed] ]

Paddle the Pigeon

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

Join us on a leisurely guided kayak trip down the Pigeon River, enjoying the sights and sounds as you paddle through Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend Parks. Kayaks, Paddles, and PFD's included in fee.


* Jun 28, 9-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Jun 28, 12:30-3 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

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Kids & Families

Family Nature Day: Myths and Mysteries! 

*Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 2-4*

What myths of strange creatures and mysteries of the natural world do you know of? Come learn about some of the mythical creatures that exist in our human cultures and also engage with some mysteries of how REAL creatures do the odd and seemingly impossible things they do!

"In partnership with Herrick District Library and their “The truth is out there” Summer Reading Program theme. More information can be found at their website [ [link removed] ]."


* Jun 28, 10 am-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalks

*No registration required • 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!


* *June 2 – 22 at Riley Trails:*" In the Tall, Tall Grass" by Denise Fleming
* **June 16 – July 6 at Paw Paw Park East:* "Milo Walking" by James Howe
* **June 30 – July 20 at Pine Bend:*" Now" by Antoinette Portis

"* This StoryWalk is presented in collaboration with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health’s 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! initiative!"

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Get Connected Summer OCP Banner

*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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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 ]

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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] ]