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*Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers programming and volunteer opportunities year-round!?**Visit the Program and Events Calendar [ [link removed] ] for details and registration.?Call our Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park for more information: 616-786-4847.*

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announcements
October

Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this fall, 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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Hemlock Crossing Observatory Opening [ [link removed] ]

*October 8, 7-9 pm*
Observatory Opening [ [link removed] ]

After a long summer of hard work, the observatory is finally complete! You are invited to attend an Astronomy Open House. Rotate through stations to build a planisphere, explore tools used by astronomers, and walk a solar system model. Meet astronomers and find out how you can be more involved with out of this world explorations!


* Tour the Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory
* Build a planisphere
* Explore tools used by astronomers
* Walk a solar system model
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CraneFest Bus Trip on Sunday, October 9 [ [link removed] ]

Meet at 12 pm at Hemlock Crossing (return 10 pm)

$75/person or $125/couple?

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED [ [link removed] ] to secure a seat on the bus.?
cranefest [ [link removed] ]

*OTTAWA COUNTY, MI??* This fall experience something new with Ottawa County Parks! Each evening in early October thousands of Sandhill Cranes descend upon Big Marsh Lake near Bellevue, Michigan as they gather for their southward migration.?CraneFest is a celebration of this spectacle. In their 27th year hosting the event, the Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek plans to have an Artist Village, live animals, non-profit information tables, food truck, children?s activities, and guided nature hikes. The highlight is to witness the flight of the cranes as evening falls on Big Marsh Lake. With naturalist and birder Curtis Dykstra as your guide, you?ll experience this spectacle in a truly special way.

Bus
Share this event with others on? Facebook - Click here!? [ [link removed] ]


PUSH THE BUTTON? BELOW TO REGISTER!

Register Button [ [link removed] ]
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Meet the Artists & Sale [ [link removed] ]

October 15, 2-4 pm | Hemlock Crossing

Meet the Artists banner [ [link removed] ]

You are invited to Meet the Artists of Ottawa County Outdoor Art whose work will be displayed at Hemlock Crossing, October 11 through December 31, 2022. Over one dozen artists will offer work depicting the beauty found in Ottawa County in their own style. Attendance is free and open to the public. A percentage of all art sales will go to the Ottawa County Parks Fund. Through painting, drawing and photography, you will be able to view the world around you in a unique way as seen through the eyes of an artist.

Follow them on Facebook at Ottawa County Outdoor Art [ [link removed] ]to receive notifications about future events.

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Mug Club Photo Contest

Have you taken a bird photo in Ottawa County in 2022 that would look great on our 2023 Mug Club limited edition mug? We want to see it! The winning photo and 2023 mug will? be revealed in December.

Submission deadline is October 31, 2022.

Mug Club registration button [ [link removed] ]

*How to Enter:*
Submit original image files (up to 3/person) online:
"*news.miottawa.org/mugclubcontest/ [ [link removed] ]*"

*Mug Club M**embership*"*
*"2023 Mug Club Memberships will be available for sale for $25. Members receive a limited edition mug and fun birding perks throughout the year. Funds raised through the mug club support birding programs.?

Sign up for birding updates for more information about mug club: "*miottawa.org/birding [ [link removed] ]*"


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Open House Tours on Oct 16

On Oct 16, the Friends of Ottawa County Parks will be hosting open house tours at the Weaver House from 1-4 pm [ [link removed] ] and at the Grand Ravines Lodge from 1-3 pm.? [ [link removed] ]
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stewardship banner
Volunteer Workdays

Do you want to get involved volunteering? Register online:?miOttawa.org/ocpevents [ [link removed] ]

*Beach Clean Up:??*Oct 6? |? 5:30-7 pm? | Kirk Park [ [link removed] ]

*Invasive Species Removal:??*Oct 15? ?|? 10 am-12 pm? ?|? Pigeon Creek Park [ [link removed] ]

*Invasive Species Removal:? ?*Oct 15? |? 1-3 pm? ?|? Hiawatha Forest [ [link removed] ]

*Invasive Species Removal:? ?*Oct 20? ?|? 5:30-7 pm |? Eastmanville Bayou [ [link removed] ]

*Beach Clean Up:?*? ?Oct 22? |? 1:30-3:30 pm? |? Historical Ottawa Beach? [ [link removed] ]

"Bring work gloves, insect repellant, and appropriate attire for the outdoors. All tools, drinking water, and snacks will be provided. All ages welcome; 16 and under must be with an adult. Work days are cancelled if raining (or snowing)."

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Dark Sky Initiative
Dark Sky Banner

An ongoing partnership between the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) and Ottawa County Parks is on the verge of providing the first public observatory in West Michigan. Both groups will join with the public to celebrate the observatory?s Grand Opening on October 8. Once open, it will provide an opportunity for people to
enjoy the night sky and have close-up views of planets, star clusters, galaxies, and more through its high-powered telescope. We invite you to come and enjoy the festivities. While you?re there, stop by the information table to learn more about what you can do to help preserve (and improve) the night sky experience in Ottawa County.

Observatory

A major threat to observatories around the world is light pollution. According to the 2016 ?World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, ?80 percent of the world?s population lives under skyglow. In the United States and Europe, 99 percent of the public can no longer experience a natural night. Light pollution is
harming our environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. The good news is that there are things everyone can do to help erase light pollution in the backyards, parks, and communities we call home.

To ensure skies in West Michigan stay dark, we can all take steps to make a difference. The first is to recognize the power each of us has to collectively reduce light pollution in our communities. The second is to put that personal power into action. The
International Dark Sky Association lists six actions to help Save the Night. Some of the solutions are as easy as screwing in warm-colored LED lightbulbs or installing motion sensors to reduce the average illumination levels.

Visit this link to find more actions: darksky.org/light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions [ [link removed] ]



Ottawa County Parks, too, recognizes the importance of dark skies and is taking steps to reduce excessive lighting. Although there are places such as parking lots that need to be lit, there are environmentally responsible lighting options. We are replacing the parking lot lights to soft white ?yellowish color? of 3000K or less, as well as lowering the height of the fixtures to ensure they only point down to a specific area and not up. To ensure optimal dark sky conditions at the observatory, Ottawa County Parks installed new light fixtures providing both red and white light
options and the ability to turn off either or both light sources.

"These changes in lighting will certainly help when trying to observe and photograph faint galaxies, star clusters and nebulae,? says SAAA?s President Frank Roldan.

Ottawa County Parks and SAAA look forward to offering more programming and opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Check out holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ] to view the SAAA?s full schedule of events for 2022.

For the full article, visit: news.miottawa.org/dark-sky-initiative [ [link removed] ]

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spacerspacerspacerprograms and eventsspacer

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

October Programs
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Kids & Family

Tuned into Nature

"Registration required, $5/child; ages 2-4, with a caregiver"
Sing songs, dance, and learn about nature together. We?ll make and move to music and go for a walk to explore it outdoors.


* Oct 5, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Wildlife Encounters - FOR KIDS!

"Registration required, ages 5-12, with a caregiver"
Learn about wildlife found in your backyard and parks.


* *Michigan's Marsupial: The Virginia Opossum*?
* Oct 9, 3-4:30 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 23, 3-4:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing? [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalks

Pages from a featured book will be posted along a path at one of the parks listed below for your family to read together. Stories are available during park hours. Registration is not required.


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*Lawrence in the Fall |?* Oct 3 - Oct 16? *|?* Hawthorn Pond? [ [link removed] ]


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*Sophie's Squash |??*Oct 10- Oct 16*? |*? Stearn's Creek? [ [link removed] ]


* *Full of Fall |??*Oct 24 - Nov 6?* |* Riley Trails? [ [link removed] ]

Celebrating Fall Changes Through Art?

"Registration appreciated, ages 5+."

Invite your inner child and bring your family along to explore the colors, shapes and textures of trees through various art media. Materials and instruction provided.?


*

Oct 15, 1-3 pm - Spring Grove Park? [ [link removed] ]

Art & Writing?

Wonder Walk?

"Registration appreciated"

Practice your nature journaling skills as we slowly meander the trails and follow what catches our eyes.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? *Journals are not provided.


* Oct 13, 9:30-11 am - Rosy Mound NA? [ [link removed] ]

Introduction to Nature Journaling

"Registration required, $5/person; ages 8+"

Learn how to begin a nature journal, drawing basics, and some simple tricks. Then, join us on Wonder Walks to practice!


* Oct 15, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing? [ [link removed] ]

Marvelous Mushroom Abstract Art?

"Registration required, $5/person; ages 8+"

Create your own piece of abstract art based on fascinating fungi.


* Oct 22, 1-3:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Fantastic Flowers & Skulls?

"Registration required, $15/person; ages 8+"

Practice painting and composition techniques based on the art style of Georgia O?Keeffe while learning about the native plants and animals of Ottawa County.*" No previous experience required."*


* Oct 30, 1-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing? [ [link removed] ]

Walking & Well-being

Themed Walks

"Registration appreciated?"

Further explore our parks and learn about a variety of topics.?


* *History Walk:*
* *?*Oct 16, 1:30-2:30 pm - Pine Bend Park? [ [link removed] ]

* *Fall Color Walk*
* *?*Oct 16, 1:30-2:30 pm - Grand Ravines (North)? [ [link removed] ]

* *Big Teeth, Quakers, and Cottony Seeds:*

* Oct 12, 6-7 pm - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

* *Discover the Dunes*

* Oct 6, 10-11 am - Olive Shores [ [link removed] ]

* *The Farm in Fall-Time*
* Oct 20, 6-7 pm - Eastmanville Farm? [ [link removed] ]

* *Ravens & Ravenswood?*
* Oct 29, 6-7 pm - Hiawatha Forest? [ [link removed] ]

THRU Hikes

"Registration required, $5/half day or $10/full day"

Enjoy the changing seasons as you venture ALL THE WAY THRU these amazing parks with a naturalist guide.


* Oct 22, 9:30 am- 3:30 pm - North Ottawa Dunes [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 30, 3-4:30 pm - Grand River Park? [ [link removed] ]

Get to Know Your Parks?

"Registration appreciated?"

Get to know the natural & cultural history of each park. For more info: news.miottawa.org/get2knowyourparks [ [link removed] ]


*

Oct 15, 10 am-12 pm? - Jenison Mill Trail? [ [link removed] ]


* Oct 15, 2-4 pm? - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

Eat Green. Stay Active. Live Well.??

"Registration required, $35 class fee; ages 18+"
Rediscover healthy eating and the outdoors at its best. Get expert tips, recipes, latest nutrition news, and natural foodie finds!


* Oct 9, 3-4:30 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 23, 3-4:30 pm - Rosy Mound Natural Area? [ [link removed] ]

Empower Walk

"Registration appreciated, ages 18+"
Have you ever wanted to hike in a county park but don?t feel comfortable enough to go on your own? Come enjoy a brisk hike, meet new people, and build familiarity with our county parks!


* Oct 7, 10-11 am - Upper Macatawa (84th Ave)? [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 21, 10-11 am - Paw Paw East? [ [link removed] ]

Land, Water, & Sky

Colors by Kayak

"Registration required, $10/person (+20 for rental)?"

Bask in the glorious fall colors along the Pigeon River by kayak.


* Oct 8, 1-4 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 29, 10 am-1 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

History Bike Tour

"Registration required, ages 18+?"

Pedal through time with us on the Idema Explorers and Spoonville trails. *Participants will need to bring their own bikes for this program.


* Oct 23, 1-4 pm - Riverside Park? [ [link removed] ]

In the Parks...after dark

Moonlight Night Hike

"Registration required, $5/child; ages 10+"

See which nocturnal creatures lurk as you explore by moonlight!


* Oct 7, 7-8:30 pm - Grand Ravines North? [ [link removed] ]

Full Moon Kayak Trip?

"Registration required, $10/person (+$20 for rental); ages 18+?"

Experience the Pigeon River on a crisp autumn night under the light of the Hunter?s Moon. Kayak experience on the Pigeon River is required.


* Oct 9, 7:30-9:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing? [ [link removed] ]

Birding

Birding Outings

"Registration appreciated"
Whether you are an avid birder or desire to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us for a birding program! Trail conditions vary depending on the park.


* Oct 5, 9-11 am - Stearns Creek? [ [link removed] ]
* Oct 19, 9-11 am - Grand River Park? [ [link removed] ]

Waterfowl Birding Trip

"Registration required, $10/session"
Witness the spectacle of waterfowl migration! Part 1 will start at North Beach Park. Part 2 will visit one of Michigan?s premier waterfowl birding locations at the Muskegon Wastewater facility.


*

*Part 1*


* Oct 29, 8-11 am - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]

* *Part 2*
* Oct 29, 1-4 pm - Muskegon Wastewater [ [link removed] ]

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*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] ]*






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Parks logo

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

*Ottawa County | Where You Belong*

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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*
All programs & events are brought to you by the?Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
Chairman?Matt Fenske |?Vice-Chairman?Al Dannenberg | Philip Kuyers |?Jim Holtvluwer |?Doug Zylstra | Roger Bergman |?Joe Baumann | Frank Garcia | Kyle Terpstra | Randy Meppelink | Greg DeJong

Questions??Contact Us <[email protected]>

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: ?Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]??|??Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]??|??Help [ subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com ]

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