 Hunting Lotteries are Now Open!
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting on over 4,500 acres of selected properties. Six of the properties require a special permit, which are available via lottery. These lotteries are now open, see below for more information on how to apply.
Applications close on August 31, 2025.
Not sure why hunting is important to managing natural areas? Click here to learn more.
Expanding Horizons Along the Macatawa Greenway
In partnership with Holland Township and the ODC Network, construction began in May on a new 2.1-mile natural surface trail connection along the Macatawa Greenway. The project will also deliver key infrastructure improvements, including a trailhead, modern restroom facility, and parking area at Hawthorn Pond.
This effort is part of a larger initiative to enhance the Macatawa Greenway, a long-term vision aimed at improving regional connectivity and access to outdoor recreation.
In addition to the trail connection, a $347,500 grant has been recommended to support the construction of a year-round, modern restroom facility at the 84th Avenue access site at Upper Macatawa Natural Area. This facility will include showers and a water collection system. Design is currently underway and required floodplain permits have been secured. Final plans and specifications are in development, with bidding scheduled to begin once the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant agreement is finalized.
 New cleared trail near Macatawa River.
NEW! Eco-immersion Explorers: Homeschool Program
Are you a homeschool family? Join us for a new program offering! Designed for homeschool students ages 9–12, this hands-on, nature-based program seeks to develop an understanding of ecological principles and the interconnectedness of ecosystems while fostering an understanding of the role we play in the natural world. The Eco-Immersion Explorers Homeschool Program is hosted by the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park.
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (includes time for lunch/snack break)
Frequency: Three Mondays per month
Pricing: $45 Resident/ $55 Non-resident per month
Find the 2025 Fall Schedule, program descriptions, and more at miottawa.org/homeschool-programs.
We are hiring a Reservation Specialist!
Under the supervision of the Guest Services Supervisor, this position offers a high standard of customer service for renters of Premium Park facilities. This position will be mainly at Weaver House at Pine Bend Park and could offer backup support for reservations at the Nature Education Center and other area parks on occasion.
This is a part-time, limited benefit position, scheduled for limited hours that vary each week and throughout the year.
Pre-orders are Open for Ottawa Conservation District's Fall Native Plant Sale
The Ottawa Conservation District has opened pre-orders for their Fall Native Plant Sale! There are many different garden kit habitat types and beach grass available. Pre-orders will be open until Friday, August 29th. Get yours today at https://ottawacd.org/store/
Learn more about the garden kits and beach grass at https://ottawacd.org/pre-orders/ and about their in-person browse-n-buy Fall Native Plant Sale at https://ottawacd.org/browse-n-buy-sale/
Mark your calendars for the browse-n-buy sale on Saturday, September 27th from 9am-12pm!
 Cops and Bobbers is Back!
August 7 • 5:30-8:30 PM • Ottawa Sands County Park
Join Ottawa County Sheriffs and Parks staff for an event dedicated to introducing kids to fishing, conservation, and water safety! This program is free. Registration is appreciated but not required.
Pedal the Pigeon with Velo Kids
August 9 • 9:30-11:30 AM • Pigeon Creek Park
Calling all little mountain bikers….join us for a KIDS ONLY mountain bike race!
Register now for Pedal the Pigeon with Velo Kids! It is not only a race for kids, it’s a celebration of accomplishment and a bike party for friends and family. We hope to see you and all your little rippers out there! Yes, this is a race…but we are biking in the woods with our friends, let’s HAVE FUN no matter how fast we are going.
Spokes Fighting Strokes
August 16 • 9 AM • Connor Bayou County Park
Spokes Fighting Strokes invites you to experience the freedom of adaptive cycling. This free clinic is designed to support stroke survivors and people with disabilities get back out there -- one pedal at a time.
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Group Ride @ 9 AM: Join us for a 15-mile round trip ride starting and ending at Connor Bayou County Park. Bring your trike, bike, or e-assist.
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Clinics @ 1 PM & 3 PM: Meet founder Dan Zimmerman, a stroke survivor who has cycles across the country, to show what's possible after a stroke.
No cost and all are welcome to learn and ride!
 Volunteer with us every third Saturday of the month!
Service Saturday: Spotted Knapweed Removal
August 16 • 10 AM-12 PM • Riley Trails
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 spotted knapweed by hand pulling. All equipment and training will be provided. Registration is required.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Update
The hemlock woolly adelgid, a tiny invasive insect, is putting severe pressure on the region’s hemlock population.
These iconic trees cool surrounding air and water, stabilize sand dunes, and enhance the natural beauty of the parks. Hot, droughty conditions this summer and last have likely accelerated their decline.
Our Coordinator of Natural Resources Management recently told mLive, “We had populations of hemlocks that we thought would be fine until the next year when we were able to treat them. And then this year we’re looking at them, and they might not be healthy enough to make it even with treatment.”
So far, insecticide treatments have helped preserve many affected trees in Ottawa County Parks. Since 2019, our NRM staff have treated and protected over 4,000 hemlocks, primarily along the lakeshore. Additionally, staff have created plans to ensure efficient and prioritized HWA treatments at several parks in the coming season.
“Even though there are a lot of declining hemlocks, at least on our properties, there are not a lot of dead hemlocks,” she said. “I might give you a different answer next year.”
Join OCPRC staff for a presentation about HWA!
Come learn about how OCPR is handling infestations of the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) throughout Ottawa County! Natural Resources Management staff will discuss HWA history and biology, how we are managing to mitigate its impacts, options for landowners with hemlocks on their properties, and will demonstrate how treatments are done to protect hemlocks into the future.
Agenda:
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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Presentation in Great Room
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7:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Tour infected trees along Pigeon River and discuss HWA identification and tree health assessment (outdoor portion)
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7:30 pm - 7:45 pm: Q & A in Great Room
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7:45 pm - 8:00 pm: Optional treatment demonstration (outdoor portion)
Fighting Back Against Invasive European Frog-bit
Our Natural Resources Management (NRM) technicians have been hard at work to reverse an invasion of European Frog-bit from the Stearns Bayou through Stearns Creek Park. This free-floating aquatic plant may look harmless, but it can seriously disrupt aquatic ecosystems by reducing oxygen and sunlight levels, ultimately diminishing habitat and food sources for fish and waterfowl ().
So far this year, our team has cleared about half an acre of this invasive species. To ensure lasting progress, we’ve also launched a new monitoring system to study the long-term effectiveness of our management throughout the watershed.
 August
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
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 for updated information. Please note the gate closes automatically at 10 pm, so you will need to arrive before then to enter the park.
Naturally Speaking: Monarchs Reign
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Monarchs reign over the kingdom of butterflies. They’ve got a lot to do to perpetuate their species, including a migratory journey that defies logic. Discover how these dainty insects strive to thrive in such a big world with so many challenges to face.
Nature Saturday: Dune Discovery
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
Interested in our beautiful and unique freshwater dune ecosystems? Come join others to explore this environment and learn about how they formed and what can be found in our local lakeshore dune parks.
Nature Saturday is scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Each date features a different nature-focused topic/activity you can engage in at Ottawa County Parks.
Sunday Stroll
Registration required • FREE • All ages
Take a guided stroll at 2 pm every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing! Topics vary.
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.
Butterfly Walk
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Explore a meadow habitat and the butterflies and wildflowers that grow there. We will attempt to identify them through various means and discuss host plants for different butterfly species.
Earth Encounters: The Tale of the Petoskey Stone
Registration encouraged • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 8+
Petoskey stones are a familiar rock to most of us. Come and learn the natural and cultural history of our State Stone. Bring your own stone to polish or we'll have some for you to try.
Kayak at 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.
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, will lead you through a serene woodland path, encouraging you to engage all five senses. Please bring a journal, pen, and bottled water.
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.
Kids & Families
Family Nature Day: Beach Fun!
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
Summertime is for visiting the beach! We’ll be visiting as well! Join us to engage in some fun beach activities to enhance your day of fun at the beaches of Ottawa County Parks.
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!
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July 28 – August 17 at Hemlock Crossing: Boy Here, Boy There by Chuck Groenink
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*Aug 4-August 24 at Stearns Creek: Blueberries for Sal
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August 11 – 31 at Paw Paw Park East:The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya
* 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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