Support the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and local artists. A $10 donation is suggested to attend the show. All donations and 10% of artists’ sales will benefit the Foundation.

Click here to register.

Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for an astronomy presentation in the Nature Center, followed by observatory and telescope viewing of the night sky (weather/cloud cover permitting). Please check holland-saaa.org for updated information.

The Women in Astronomy presentation will cover the contributions women have made in the history of astronomy.

Registration is encouraged and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Bald Eagles frequent areas along the Grand River and have nested at Grand Ravines for many years. Join us on this hike to learn the story of the park's resident eagles and get a special private view into their nesting activities.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

How many bird species can we find in Ottawa County in one day? Several county parks, as well as other locations, will be searched for waterbirds, raptors, songbirds and more! Be prepared for a faster paced birding experience with possibly some strenuous terrain including dirt trails, mud and stairs.Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Whether you are an avid birder or are just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration.Trail conditions vary depending on the park. Be prepared for muddy and wet trails.

Registration is encouraged and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Butterflies add color and joy to nature, and you can attract them to your garden! Learn about some common Michigan butterflies and the host plants necessary for caterpillars to grow and thrive in your own yard. After a short presentation, we will plant seeds in containers to start your butterfly garden and learn about ways to attract butterflies to your yard.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Each week, we will explore a different natural theme through music, games, books, outdoor exploration and crafts. A caregiver must remain with the child.

Flying Dragons - June 26 (Hemlock Crossing Park) They can fly in any direction, including sideways and backwards. They’re fast, as well, with some reaching the top speed of 18 mph! Join us to discover what else can be learned about the dragonflies that zip around the meadow and wetland habitats.

Registration is required and closes 3 days prior to the activity.

The Earth Encounters series aims to introduce people to the amazing geologic features of, and stories behind, the landscapes of our region. Whether you’re learning about a specific mineral or the formation of an entire landscape, this program is bound to be engaging for all! This program can take the form of either an indoor presentation, outdoor hike, or combination of both.

Does “Lake Michigan Dune Complex” sound complicated? Through a combination of presentation, activities, and dune-topping hike, we’ll simplify things a bit and help you understand how dune complexes are formed and where can they be found in our county parks. We'll start at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing and end up at Kirk Park.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Celebrate migration by birding along the Pigeon River Greenway! Join us at one or more locations through the day.

Registration is encouraged and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Join us on a leisurely guided kayak trip down the Pigeon River, enjoying the sights and sounds as you paddle through the Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend Parks. Kayak included in fee.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Nature Buds will explore and engage with nature through activities that may include using dip nets in the wetland, catching insects, and searching for salamanders!

Flying Dragons: They can fly in any direction, including sideways and backwards. They’re fast, as well, with some reaching the top speed of 18 mph! Join us to discover what else can be learned about the dragonflies that zip around the meadow and wetland habitats.

Registration is required and closes 3 days prior to the activity.

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.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

The lodge at Grand Ravines North will be open to the public! These open houses are hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks who will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

Come spend an hour outside along the trail, reading and learning about nature with your child or grandchild. The hour will include a nature-themed story, and an outdoor walk geared for children 3-9 years old.

Registration is encouraged and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

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.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

In spring, as light of day turns to dark of night, wildlife springs to life! Come experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore them by the light of fading day!

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

This field training is for volunteers who have participated in or watched the recordings of the Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series (this year or past years). You can find the recordings at the link below. In addition, participants should be registered with an MNFI Community account to gain access to the Vernal Pool Field Survey (Survey123 app) to submit data. Please visit the Vernal Pool Patrol Hub site for more information.

https://vernal-pool-patrol-mnfi.hub.arcgis.com/

Michigan Natural Features Inventory has partnered with Ottawa County Parks and the local program coordinators monitoring pools within Ottawa County. Please register if you plan to monitor vernal pools in Ottawa County or areas nearby. Space is limited to 20 people to minimize impact on the pool monitored during the training.

During this field training, Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers will gain experience completing the monitoring protocol (e.g., practice taking pool measurements, collect pool samples and ID invertebrates using a microscope, walkthrough the Survey123 app and data sheets) to ensure data is collected accurately. This time can also be used to connect and meet with other Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers in your area. Meet your program coordinator and get help selecting pools and/or monitoring dates!

Be prepared for all weather conditions! Bring rain gear, warm layers, and waterproof footwear (knee-high boots). All necessary monitoring supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own as well!
*Lunch will not be provided, please bring water and a lunch.

Invasive species are one of the leading causes of habitat loss! Help us protect wildlife habitats and native plant communities by joining us for a garlic mustard removal workday. Training, equipment, water, and a snack will be provided. Work gloves will be available to borrow, or feel free to bring your own. Closed toe shoes are required and long pants are recommended to protect against poison ivy and ticks. Weather policy: If constant rain or storms are forecast, this event will be canceled. In case of cancellation, all registrants will receive notice via email.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Introduce yourselves to this summer whistler of the woods! Learn about the unique natural history of this often misunderstood bird at the Nature Center. Afterward, caravan to a local Whip-poor-will hotspot to experience this bird first-hand!

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Spring is the season of forest flowers! Grab your favorite camera and come along for a walk through a forest in search of Spring Wildflowers. You’ll learn tips for photographing flowers with an emphasis on caring for nature and an eye for art.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Woodland flowers, called spring ephemerals, bloom before the trees leaf out. Join a parks naturalist to look for these spring beauties blooming in our parks.

Registration is encouraged and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

The Wildlife Encounter - Kids! series introduces children to wildlife found in our own yards, parks, and region. It includes a presentation, walk and art activity or craft. These programs are geared for children ages 5-10 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Woodpeckers: Pecking Out a LivingYou might wonder why woodpeckers pound their beaks on trees and how they do it. During this program first you’ll find out why and how and then you'll go search the woods to observe our local woodpeckers.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.

Come practice yoga at the Nature Center! A certified yoga instructor will lead this session in the beautiful Great Room, with views of the forest outside. All levels of experience are welcome. *Yoga mats not provided.

Registration is required and closes 24 hours prior to the activity.