Explore what’s happening in your Ottawa County Parks this September.





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Ottawa County Parks Banner

Monthly Newsletter | September 2026
Park News Banner
Millage Increase on November Ballot

On November 3, voters will consider a *0.20-mill increase to the Parks and Open Space Millage*, the first proposed increase above the 0.33-mill rate in 30 years.

Have questions? Join Parks staff at an upcoming program:

* *Sept. 17:* Millage Info Session at Park Township Hangar (Event details [ [link removed] ])
* *Oct. 1: *Millage Info Session at Hemlock Crossing (Event details [ [link removed] ])
* *Tuesdays, Sept.-Oct.: *Park Leadership Hikes at various parks (Event details [ [link removed] ])
What the millage would support

*Learn More About the Proposal* [ [link removed] ]


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Bass River Segment Construction [ [link removed] ]
Bass River Segment Under Construction

Construction is underway on the first 3 miles of the Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail. Once all phases are complete, the 7.4-mile segment will connect Riverside Park, Bass River State Recreation Area, and Eastmanville Bayou, feature extensive waterfront views, and be almost entirely separated from roadways.

*Read More* [ [link removed] ]


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Oak Wilt and Forest Health

Oak wilt is a fast-acting fungal disease threatening oak trees across Michigan. Learn how it spreads, how to recognize it and what’s being done to protect local forests at two upcoming programs.

*Oak Wilt: What You Need To Know*
Sept. 16, 6-8 pm at Hemlock Crossing
Learn about oak wilt and efforts underway to manage its spread.
Event details and registration [ [link removed] ]

*Oak Wilt in Action: Field Tour *
Sept. 23, 6-8 PM at Rosy Mound Natural Area*
*See firsthand how our team is managing oak wilt in the parks.
Event details and registration [ [link removed] ]

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Prescribed fire at park
Prescribed Fire in Ottawa County Parks

This spring, prescribed fire was used to manage 17.2 acres across Ottawa County Parks, with additional burns planned this fall. 

How did Michigan’s ecosystems evolve with and come to depend on fire? How do today’s burn crews conduct safe, well planned burns? Join us for a free Learn & Burn event and get answers to all your burning questions!

*Learn and Burn Prescribed Fire Demonstration
*Sept. 18, 12-3 PM at Hemlock Crossing
Registration is appreciated [ [link removed] ]
"In case of unfavorable weather, the event will move to Sept. 23."

*Learn about Prescribed Fire* [ [link removed] ]






Upcoming Events Banner
Monarch Butterfly Tagging

Sept. 12 & 19 • 11 am-1 pm • Paw Paw Park (East)

Join Natural Resource Management staff to tag monarchs and learn about their incredible fall migration and efforts to protect them.

*Registration is Appreciated* [ [link removed] ]


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Rush Creek Fall Cleanup Event flyer [ [link removed] ]

*Event details & registration* [ [link removed] ]


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Ottawa Conservation District Logo

Fall Native Plant Sale

Sept. 26 • 9 am-12 pm • 16731 Ferris St., Grand Haven

Shop local at the Ottawa Conservation District’s Fall Native Plant Sale, featuring Michigan-grown native flowers, shrubs, and grasses available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

*Event Details* [ [link removed] ]


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ODC Network Logo

Macatawa Water Festival 

Sept. 26 • 11 am-3 pm • Kollen Park

Over 20 community partners and sponsors will come together to offer water activities and educational experiences designed to engage all ages to learn about restoring and preserving our lake and watershed. 

*Event Details* [ [link removed] ]






Programs Banner
Join us for a program!

*Nature Photography Hike: Butterflies & Dragonflies
*Sept. 10, 6-7:30 pm at Paw Paw Park (East)*
"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Astronomy Program: Autumn and Winter Sky (FREE)
*Sept. 12, 7-8 pm at Hemlock Crossing*
**"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Leadership Perspectives Hike (FREE)
*Sept. 15, 5:30-7 pm at Ottawa Sands*
"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Trailside First Aid
*Sept. 19, 10 am-12 pm at Hemlock Crossing*
"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Ride Through History
*Sept. 19, 2-5 pm at Riverside Park*
"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Sunrise Wellness Walk (FREE)
*Sept. 19, 6:45-7:45 am at Black Lake Boardwalk (East)*
"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Moonlight Kayak Trip
*Sept. 26, 8-10 pm at Ottawa Sands*
"Click here to register [ [link removed] ]

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*Event Calendar & Online Registration* [ [link removed] ]


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Parks logo

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission | 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan 49460 | 616-738-4810

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Visit miottawa.org/parks [ [link removed] ] to explore more than 7,700 acres of parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements, and programs are funded through grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], and the voter-approved parks millage. Learn more about the November 3, 2026 Parks and Open Space Millage proposal at miOttawa.org/parks-millage [ [link removed] ]

*All programs & events are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
Chairperson Josh Brugger | Vice-Chairperson Phil Kuyers | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Jordan Jorritsma | Allison Miedema | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | John Teeples | Kendra Wenzel | Doug Zylstra

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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