 OctoberClick on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!Into NatureNaturally Speaking: Invasive Forest ThreatsRegistration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+ An ever-increasing number of tree species are under threat from invasive species. Learn more about the most serious threats and how you can help prevent their spread and protect the health of our forests. Astronomy: Friday Public Observing NightsNo 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 cancelations. Awareness, Art, & Action: Mystery of MothsRegistration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 12+ Gain a deeper appreciation for moths as we shed light on their mysterious lives and the role you can play in their ability to survive and thrive. We’ll take an interpretive hike, create nature journal entries, and volunteer time to survey the moths found in our park. Astronomy Program: Comets, Asteroids & MeteorsNo registration necessary • FREE • Ages 12+ We’ll explore the origins, compositions, types of orbits, and exceptional examples of comets, asteroids and meteors. In addition, we’ll cover online sources of in-depth information about each and how to best observe them in the night sky. Sunday StrollRegistration required • FREE • All ages Take a guided stroll at 2 pm every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing! Topics vary. Bird WalkRegistration encouraged • 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. Nature Journal ClubRegistration required •Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+ Calling all nature lovers! Gather each month to learn new drawing and writing techniques specific to the theme and enjoy community connection with fellow journalers. Nature Saturday: Know Your Trees - Fall Leaves & FruitsRegistration encouraged • FREE • All ages Interested in having a fun time with fungi? Come join others to search for different mushroom species, learn about how they survive, and how you can enjoy eating them too! 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. Rendezvous! Fur Trade on the GrandRegistration encouraged • FREE • All Ages Get hands-on with Ottawa County’s rich history and experience what life was like during the fur trade era of the 1700s! Participate in fun, interactive activities and even take a ride in our replica fur trade Gabagouache canoe! Earth Encounters: Geology of Upper Macatawa Natural AreaRegistration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+ Did you know the Grand River didn’t always flow into Lake Michigan at modern-day Grand Haven? During this program, the location of the ancestral channel of the Grand River and how it formed will be revealed! This program includes a presentation, activities, and a walk on paved trail to the hilltop overlook. Nature PhotographyRegistration required •Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 16+ The changing seasons and fall colors provide special scenes in nature and opportunities for creative photography! Grab your favorite camera, whether it’s a phone or a professional model, and come along for a walk in the park. You’ll learn tips for photographing winter with an eye for the artistic shot. Waterfowl Birding Field TripRegistration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 12+ Witness the spectacle of fall waterfowl migration! Part 1 - Lakeshore Waterfowl will start at Holland State Park and explore hotspots in the Holland area. Be prepared for cool and wet weather. Bring your own food and water. Part 2 – Wastewater Waterfowl will visit one of Michigan’s premier waterfowl birding locations at the Muskegon Wastewater facility. Be prepared for cool and wet weather. Bring your own food and water. Recreation & HealthRecreation Saturday: Cops & Bobbers FishingRegistration encouraged • FREE • All ages Ottawa County Sheriffs and Park staff are hosting an event dedicated to introducing kids to fishing, conservation, and water safety! Ride Through Robinson HistoryRegistration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 18+ Come pedal through history with us on the Idema Explorers Trail. This slow roll bike ride of 7 miles that will take you from the M231 Trailhead Parking Area to Connor Bayou Park, and then on the newly opened Bayou Segment before returning to the trailhead. Along the way, we will stop to learn about interesting events and places from the past including the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad, Jac Jungle, Bass River, Construction Aggregates, Clark School, Felix's Place, a sea monster, and more. Then choose to join an optional 5 mile M231 Spoonville Trail extension! Moonlight Night HikeRegistration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 12+ Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore by moonlight! Foraging Plants & Mushrooms WalkRegistration required • Resident-$30 / Non-Resident-$40 • Ages 12+ Join certified forager Tabitha Corlett, RN for a plant and mushroom walk to discuss species that can be used for food and medicine right out of your backyard. Thru HikesRegistration encouraged • FREE • All ages Get outside and revel in the seasonal changes of fall. You’ll venture all the way THRU these amazing parks along various greenways. This guided experience allows you to soak in the beauty and uniqueness of each park while socializing with fellow walkers.
Beach MeditationsRegistration required • Resident-$15 / Non-Resident-$20 • Ages 15+ Feel the rhythm of the waves and the warmth of the sun as you settle into a peaceful guided meditation by the shore. Surrounded by the soothing sounds of Lake Michigan and fresh lakeshore breeze, you’ll focus on breath, presence, and inner stillness. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, the natural beauty of the beach will deepen your sense of relaxation and connection. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket or towel, and a water bottle. Archery ProgramsRegistration required • Resident-$20 / Non-Resident-$25 • Ages 6+ Ready to channel your inner Robin Hood? Join us for a lighthearted archery experience where fun takes center stage! Whether you’ve never held a bow or just want to try something new, this beginner-friendly class is all about hitting the target, and having a blast while doing it. Sauna at the ParksRegistration 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. and Mike Jensen with Saunaty. Bring 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.
Kids & FamiliesEco-Immersion Explorers: Homeschool ProgramRegistration required • Resident-$45 / Non-Resident-$50 • Ages 9-12 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. Tuned into NatureRegistration 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. Fall Fest Family CampfireRegistration encouraged • FREE • All ages Celebrate the fall season by spending an evening around the campfire. This special event will include fun games, activities, a campfire, and more. There will be hotdogs available and s'mores for dessert. If you'd like, you can dress up in your Halloween costume! Meet around the fire ring outside the Pigeon Creek Lodge. If weather is poor, we will move event inside. Family Nature Day: Finding FallRegistration encouraged • FREE • All ages Summer has ended but winter is not yet here. How does nature make the switch during Fall? Come engage in activities to search for and find signs of the changing seasons. StoryWalksNo 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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