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.

Please check holland-saaa.org for updated information.

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

Explore the wonderful world of butterflies! We’ll learn about their habitats, adaptations and interactions, and what they need to thrive all while creating nature journal entries based on what we see. Then, find out what you can do to aid and protect these delightful creatures.

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

Shorebirds are on their way south for the winter. Intercept and identify a variety of them on these half day field trip options.
Part 1 will start at Holland State Park and then visit the AAA Sod Farm in Hudsonville. Details will be emailed to participants after registration.

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

Whether you are an avid birder or just desiring to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us as we search for warblers, sparrows and more on these birding walks that highlight parks all around the county. 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.

Explore a meadow habitat and the butterflies and wildflowers that grow there. We will attempt to ID them through various means and discuss host plants for different butterfly species.

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

Unique to our region, the Great Lakes Dunes are a sight to behold. Aside from their sheer beauty, these dunes hold a story hidden in time, that continues on to this day. Discover the geologic and ecological secrets behind these amazing formations. You'll never look at them the same again!
*Meet at the parking area. Parking permit required.

Registration is encouraged 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.

Eye See It July 31 (Hager Park) What kind of creature would you be if you had eight eyes? What would you be if your eyes were located at the end of a stalk attached to your head? On this adventure, we’ll think about what it would be like to see the world from the eyes of different creatures!

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

Petoskey stones are a familiar rock to most of us. Come and learn the natural and cultural history of our State Stone. Bring your own stone to polish or we'll have some for you to try.

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.

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

As evening fall upon the woods, gather around the campfire to make S'mores and engage in various campfire games & activities.
MEET AT THE GROUP CAMP AREA. If weather is poor, we will move event to the Pigeon Creek Lodge.

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

Bring the whole family and explore nature with activities, crafts and more. There’s a different theme and location for each date so attend them all!
Explore the Grand River! - The Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and Grand River Park is an excellent way to experience it. Your family will explore how important this riverway is to the diversity of life that depends on it for survival.

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.

Naturally Speaking is a speaker series designed to address a variety of topics related to natural, cultural and historical features of Ottawa County Parks, as well as updates on current & future parks projects.
In Tune with Hummingbirds: Unique to the Western Hemisphere, Hummingbirds are tiny flying jewels to behold!  Beyond just their brilliant colors, the amazing things they do just to stay alive will leave you in awe of this pugnacious creature weighing less than a nickel.  Come find out more, including how to attract and feed them in your own backyard.

Registration is encouraged 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!

Eye See It: What kind of creature would you be if you had eight eyes? What would you be if your eyes were located at the end of a stalk attached to your head? On this adventure, we’ll think about what it would be like to see the world from the eyes of different creatures!

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.

Join us on a leisurely guided standup paddleboard trip on the Macatawa River.  We will launch at Paw Paw Park West and travel to Windmill Island and back.  As we travel, we will look for the flora and fauna along the river.

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

Come pedal through history with us on the Idema Explorers and Spoonville trails. This slow roll bike ride of approximately twelve miles will take you from Riverside Park over the Grand River on the the Sgt. Henry E. Plant Memorial Grand River Bridge Non-motorized Trail to Spoonville, then on to Connor Bayou Park, before returning to Riverside Park. 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, Spoonville, and more.

Registration is required 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.

Summer is the season of meadow flowers! Grab your favorite camera and come along for a walk through a meadow in search of summer 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.

On this casual hike, you'll experience the variety of prairie wildflowers blooming in our parks through the summer.

Registration is encouraged 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.