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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
February

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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Grand Ravines (North) Parking Lots Closed

REMINDER: The lower Grand Ravines (North) parking lots will be closed January-February. The parking lots before the hill will still be open.
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Get Summer Camp Ready! [ [link removed] ]

Summer Camp Picture

Our summer camps are LIVE and ready for sign up! Registration is?*required?*and camps are?*$7/child.*

Choose a program below to be taken to the registration page!??

*Details & sign up: **miottawa.org/OCPevents [ [link removed] ]*

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*Early Sprouts ? 9:30-11 am?*

Activities in this camp will engage caregiver and child interactions in the outdoors. Caregivers will play an active role during camp.

*Hemlock Crossing?*

June 28 - (Not so) Creepy Crawlies [ [link removed] ]

July 12 - Hooray for Herpetology? [ [link removed] ]

July 19 - Dealing with Decomposers [ [link removed] ]?

*Hager Park*

July 26 - Animals in Action [ [link removed] ]

August 2 - Things with Wings [ [link removed] ]

August 9 - Puzzling Plants [ [link removed] ]

*Nature Buds **? 9:30-11:30 am*

Explore and engage with nature! Activities may include using dip nets in our wetland, scooping up butterflies in insect nets, and searching for salamanders.

*Hemlock Crossing?*

June 28 - (Not so) Creepy Crawlies [ [link removed] ]

July 12 - Hooray for Herpetology [ [link removed] ]

July 19 - Dealing with Decomposers [ [link removed] ]

*Hager Park*

July 26 - Animals in Action [ [link removed] ]

August 2 - Things with Wings [ [link removed] ]

August 9 - Puzzling Plants [ [link removed] ]?

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Velo Kids Summer Bike Camps [ [link removed] ]

Velo Kids [ [link removed] ] and Ottawa County Parks [ [link removed] ] have partnered to provide adventure-based, week-long, half-day bike camps teaching youth mountain bike and urban bike safety, skills and confidence through education, fun and many adventures on bikes!

Velo Kids camps Banner [ [link removed] ]

2023 Summer Bike Camp Schedule

June 5-9 - Urban Bike Camp Grand Haven (ages 7-15) 9am-11:30am

June 12-16 - Urban Bike Camp Holland (ages 7-15)?9am-11:30am

June 12-16 - Bike Camp for Littles (ages 4-6) 9:30-11am

June 19-23 - Mountain Bike Camp Holland (ages 7-15)?9am-11:30am

June 26-30 - Advanced Mountain Bike Camp (ages 9-15)?9am-11:30am

July 17-21 - Mountain Bike Camp Grand Haven (ages 7-15)?9am-11:30am

July 17-21 - Urban Bike Camp Holland (ages 7-15)?9am-11:30am

July 17-21 - Bike Camp for Littles (ages 4-6)?9:30-11am

July 24-28 - Mountain Bike Camp Holland (ages 7-15)?9am-11:30am

July 31-August 4 - Mountain Bike Camp Holland (ages 7-15)?9am-11:30am

2023 Bike Camp registration [ [link removed] ] opens February 3, 2023 at noon.

Register Button [ [link removed] ]
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StoryWalk Snowshoe Event at Paw Paw East [ [link removed] ]

February 25, 10 am - 12 pm

StoryWalk Info [ [link removed] ]

*OTTAWA COUNTY, MI??*?Ottawa County Parks is collaborating with Herrick District Library to provide StoryWalks and snowshoeing opportunities! On Saturday, February 25, if?conditions are favorable for snowshoeing, Ottawa County Parks will provide snowshoes for families to try on from 10 am - 12 pm at Paw Paw East.?There is no cost, and it is for ages 5+.?

Check "*miOttawa.org/trails [ [link removed] ]*" on Friday evening for a snow report. Snowshoe events are *ONLY* happening if there is adequate snow. Families can still come walk and read the StoryWalk if the conditions aren't favorable.?

Click this button to check for a snow report!

Trails Button [ [link removed] ]
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2023 February Pigeon Creek Lodge Ski-Clinic Schedule [ [link removed] ]

*Head to miottawa.org/OCPevents [ [link removed] ] to register for a cross-country or skate ski lesson!?*

*1. Click Adult*

*2. Select Ski Class*

*3. Choose lesson to sign up for*

*Lessons will only take place if weather/conditions allow.?

click here for pdf [ [link removed] ]
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stewardship banner
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Update

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid [ [link removed] ]
"Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway"

Ottawa County Parks staff, volunteers, and interns started treatments for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in 2019. Between the beginning of 2019 and now, 2,814 of the most imperiled hemlock trees in the Parks system have been treated. Using a systemic insecticide that will protect each hemlock for 5-7 years, parks staff prioritized hemlock populations that were already infested or close to known infestations of HWA. Lakeshore parks are considered the next highest priority due to their proximity to the lake which is a major flyway for migratory birds. This migration of birds along the coast is a significant mode of transport for HWA.

Parks that have been treated include Historic Ottawa Beach Parks, North Ottawa Dunes, Ottawa Sands, Riley Trails, and Tunnel Park. Eight County properties have undergone preliminary surveys including all but two lakeshore parks. The two remaining lakeshore properties, Kirk Park and Olive Shores, will be surveyed this winter.


Learn More button [ [link removed] ]________________________________________________________________________

programs and eventsspacer
February Programs

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

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Kids & Family

*"NEW"* - Nature Buds Winter Camp: To Boldly Go

"Registration required, ages 6-9, $7/child"

Adventure is out there! We will look for animal tracks and make a few tracks of our own as we follow the trail maps for a hike through the woods and meadow. Hot chocolate or hot cider is sure to follow!


* Feb 4, 9:30-11:30 am | Nature Center - Classroom [ [link removed] ]

Fireside Story Hour

Snuggle up by the fire with your kids for a relaxing time of seasonally-themed stories and a mug of hot chocolate! Don?t forget a comfy pillow and blanket! An optional walk will be offered afterward. Recommended for ages 3 - 8, accompanied by an adult.


* Feb 5, 3-4 pm | Nature Center - Great Room [ [link removed] ]

Wildlife Encounters - KIDS! Whose Track is That??

"Registration required, $5/person"
Snow is the canvas upon which our resident animals write their stories. Follow along as we learn how different animals make tracks and then search for signs of life in the winter woods.


* Feb 12, 3-4:30 pm | Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 26, 3-4:30 pm | Hager Park [ [link removed] ]

Tuned into Nature

Registration required, $5/person?

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. Children must be accompanied with an adult.


* Feb 22, 9:30-10:30 am | Nature Center - Great Room [ [link removed] ]
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Recreation

Nature Journal Club: Pines & Cones

"Registration required, $5/person, ages 10+?"
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. The Nature Journal Club compliments an Introduction to Nature Journaling, however taking the class prior is not required. *Journals are not provided


* Feb 18, 10-11:30 am | Pine Bend [ [link removed] ]

Fireside Yoga

"Registration required, $5/person"

Come practice yoga fireside at the Nature Center! All levels of experience are welcome. *Yoga mats not provided.


* Feb 26, 3-4 pm | Nature Center - Great Room [ [link removed] ]
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Natural Resources?

Moonlight Night Hike

Registration required, $5/person?

Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore by moonlight! There is an option to use snowshoes when conditions are favorable. Please be sure to complete the snowshoe questionnaire when registering.


* Feb 3, 7:30-9 pm | Connor Bayou? [ [link removed] ]

Winter Walk?

Registration not required but appreciated

Join an outdoor educator for a winter walk on the trails. You never know what you will discover along the way. Snowshoeing may be an option if conditions allow!?


* Feb 11, 1-2 pm | Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 12, 1-2 pm | Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 25, 1-2 pm | Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy: Artemis I - Mission Update?

Registration not required but appreciated

The Artemis program purpose is a return trip to the moon. The latest developments will be covered along with NASA's plans. After the presentation, the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) will have the observatory open and telescopes available for night sky observing. (weather permitting).?


* Feb 11, 7-8 pm | Nature Center - Great Room [ [link removed] ]

Coffee with the Birds

Registration not required but appreciated?

Enjoy coffee and baked goodies as you watch the birds at the feeders. Bring your bird questions, curiosities, and stories, and don't forget your favorite mug! Pick a feeder session to come to, but don't forget the birding tidbits presentation!?

*The first feeder watching session will be livestreamed to our Youtube page @miOttawa [ [link removed] ]


* Feb 11, 9:30 am - 12 pm | Nature Center - Wildlife Den [ [link removed] ]?
* 9:30 - 10:20: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 1 (LIVESTREAMED)
* 10:30 - 11:00: Birding Tidbits
* 11:10 - 12:00: Coffee with the Birds - Feeder Watching Session 2

Winter Birding Field Trip

Registration required, $10/person?

Wintertime birding in Ottawa County can be an adventure worth the effort! Come along and see why as we venture to various local birding hotspots of winter Choose one or both segments of this all day event. Bird Pigeon Lake and the Lake Michigan Shoreline in search of the waterfowl of winter. Finish off at lunch time by viewing birds at the Hemlock Crossing Nature Center feeders. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.


* Feb 18, 10 am - 1 pm | Part 1 - Winter Waterfowl? [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 18, 1-5 pm?|Part 2 - Birding the Barrens [ [link removed] ]

Earth Encounters: The Geology of Hemlock Crossing?

Registration not required but appreciated

Michigan's landscape is amazing and varied; made of hills and plains, dotted with lakes, and continually shaped by flowing streams. We will look at how geologists read the landscape for clues to the processes that created this land we call Michigan.


* Feb 18, 3-4:30 pm | Nature Center - Great Room [ [link removed] ]

Wildlife Encounter - Winter's Ghosts: Snowy Owls

Registration not required but appreciated

Snowy Owls inhabit the arctic tundra during the summer but did you know that during most winters a few reside right here in our county? We'll explore the natural history of these arctic visitors, the phenomenon of their winter irruptions to the south and where you might be able to view one yourself!


* Feb 19, 3-4:30 pm | Nature Center - Great Room [ [link removed] ]

Themed Walks

Registration not required but appreciated

Take a deeper dive into a topic that may focus on natural features of a park, tell the story of cultural connections, or weave both elements together.?

*All themed walks will be held at Hemlock Crossing?


* Feb 25, 10-11:30 am | Needle-leafed Trees? [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 26, 1-2:30 pm | Winter Silhouettes and Textures [ [link removed] ]

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Pigeon Creek Lodge Ski Clinic Schedule

*Registration required, $8/person (not incl. rental fee) *

Beginner Sessions

* Feb 9, 6-7:30 pm [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 18, 10-11:30 am [ [link removed] ]

Intermediate Sessions

* Feb 4, 10-11:30 am? [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 14, 6-7:30 pm [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 23, 6-7:30 pm [ [link removed] ]

Skate Ski Sessions?

* Feb 11, 10-11:30 am [ [link removed] ]
* Feb 25, 10-11:30 am [ [link removed] ]

****Lessons will only take place if weather allows. Check miOttawa.org/trails [ [link removed] ] before visiting.?*

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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:*
Chairperson Joe Moss | Vice-Chairperson Sylvia Rhodea | Gretchen Cosby | Roger Bergman | Lucy Ebel | Jacob Bonnema | Rebekah Curran | Roger Belknap | Kyle Terpstra | Doug Zylstra | Allison Miedema

Questions??Contact Us <[email protected]>

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

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