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Astronomy Program

Astronomy Program - AstronomyProgram

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).

TELESCOPE BASICS - With the continued growing interest in astronomy and desire to view the night sky, the upcoming holiday season lends itself to looking to purchase a telescope as a gift. This presentation will cover what to look for as well as what to avoid in looking to select a telescope for gift giving.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

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Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Astronomy: Telescope Basics 11/09/2024 -11/09/2024 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Sa Hemlock Crossing Park 12+ $0.00/$0.00 Available
Awareness Art & Action

Awareness Art & Action - AwarenessArtAction

Seeing seeds? Us too! Join us for a seedy hike with a naturalist, then learn how to write and illustrate what you observed and learned. We’ll wrap up by helping collect seeds for the Ottawa County Parks seed bank. The Awareness, Art & Action program series provides participants an opportunity to grow in their awareness of the natural world as a catalyst for both artistic creativity and active stewardship.

Registration is required.

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Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Seeds Please! 11/09/2024 -11/09/2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Sa Hemlock Crossing Park 12+ $10.00/$15.00 Available
Bird Walks

Bird Walks - BirdWalk

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 but not required.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Bird Walk 11/06/2024 -11/06/2024 10:00 am -12:00 pm W Riley Trails 12+ $0.00/$0.00 Available
Add To Selection List Bird Walk 11/20/2024 -11/20/2024 10:00 am -12:00 pm W Stearns Creek Park 12+ $0.00/$0.00 Available
Coffee with the Birds

Coffee with the Birds - CWB

Celebrate the start of the Coffee with the Birds Season by gathering with other bird lovers to witness the reveal of the Photo Contest winner and new Mug Club mug! Afterward, stay for an entertaining birding presentation.
Mug Reveal Event Schedule:
7:00pm – SOCIAL TIME! Enjoy some hot coco and cider while socializing with other bird lovers!
7:30pm – MUG REVEAL! Then be the first to know the winners of the Mug Club Photo Contest and which photo will be on the new mug!
8:00pm – PRESENTATION - Curtis will give a fun presentation about a birding adventure.
*This event will be live, in-person and also Livestreamed on the Ottawa County Parks YouTube Channel.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Coffee with the Birds Mug Reveal Event 11/26/2024 -11/26/2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tu Hemlock Crossing Park All $0.00/$0.00 Available
Add To Selection List Coffee with the Birds 12/07/2024 -12/07/2024 9:30 am -12:00 pm Sa Hemlock Crossing Park All $0.00/$0.00 Available
Family Nature Day

Family Nature Day - FamilyNatureDay

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!
TURKEY TROT - Trot yourself through Hemlock Crossing as you learn about turkeys! Stop inside the Nature Center for a craft.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

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Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Turkey Trot! 11/16/2024 -11/16/2024 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sa Hemlock Crossing Park All $0.00/$0.00 Available
Naturally Speaking

Naturally Speaking - NaturallySpeaking

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.
The Shifting Landscape of Ottawa Sands - The Ottawa Sands landscape is defined by centuries of shifting. From the shifting sands of dune formation to shifting human influences on this unique landscape, the history of this property is as deep as the lake that currently stands as its centerpiece. Using images from past and present, this presentation will explore the complexities of the park’s geologic and human history as well as where it’s heading into the future.
*This presentation pairs perfectly with the six “Ottawa Sands: A Shifting Landscape” hikes scheduled for Sunday afternoons, 2-4pm from 10/20 – 11/24 at Ottawa Sands County Park.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

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Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List The Shifting Landscape of Ottawa Sands 11/07/2024 -11/07/2024 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Th Grand Ravines - North 12+ $0.00/$0.00 Available
Nature Hikes

Nature Hikes - NatureHike

The Ottawa Sands landscape is defined by centuries of shifting. From the shifting sands of dune formation to shifting human influences on this unique landscape, the history of this property is as deep as the lake that currently stands as its centerpiece. This hike is a first-hand examination of the complexities of the park’s geologic and human history as well as where it’s heading into the future.
*This hike pairs perfectly with the two “Naturally Speaking: The Shifting Landscape of Ottawa Sands” presentations scheduled for Thursday evenings, 7-8:30 on 10/3 (Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing) and 11/7 (Grand Ravines Lodge).

REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED but not required.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Ottawa Sands Hike: A Shifting Landscape 11/10/2024 -11/10/2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Su Ottawa Sands 8+ $0.00/$0.00 Available
Add To Selection List Ottawa Sands Hike: A Shifting Landscape 11/17/2024 -11/17/2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Su Ottawa Sands 8+ $0.00/$0.00 Available
Nature Journaling

Nature Journaling - NatureJournal

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.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Nature Journal Club 11/09/2024 -11/09/2024 10:00 am -11:30 am Sa Hemlock Crossing Park 18+ $5.00/$6.00 Available
Add To Selection List Nature Journal Club 12/14/2024 -12/14/2024 10:00 am -11:30 am Sa Hemlock Crossing Park 18+ $5.00/$6.00 Available
Night Hikes

Night Hikes - NightHike

Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight!

Registration is required.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Moonlight Night Hike 11/15/2024 -11/15/2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm F Riley Trails 12+ $5.00/$6.00 Available
Add To Selection List Moonlight Night Hike 12/13/2024 -12/13/2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm F Pigeon Creek Park - South 12+ $5.00/$6.00 Available
Thru Hikes

Thru Hikes - ThruHikes

Get out for a walk to revel in the seasonal changes of fall. You’ll venture all the way THRU these amazing parks along various greenways. Your guided experience allows you to both soak in the beauty and uniqueness of each park and socialize with fellow walkers. Daylight savings may have made it dark early, but the trails will be lit at night at Pigeon Creek Park.
Thru Hikes are free or reduced cost thanks to the support of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation through a health & wellness initiative!

REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED but not required.

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Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Unavailable Pigeon River Greenway: Pigeon Creek Park 11/05/2024 -11/05/2024 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Tu Pigeon Creek Park - South 12+ $0.00/$0.00 Unavailable
Add To Waitlist One-Day Lake MI Coastal Greenway: Ottawa Sands to PJ Hoffmaster State Park 11/09/2024 -11/09/2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Sa Ottawa Sands + North Ottawa Dunes 12+ $15.00/$20.00 Waitlist
Tuned into Nature

Tuned into Nature - TunedintoNature

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. A caregiver must accompany any participating child and is included in the registration and fee.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Selection List Tuned into Nature 11/13/2024 -11/13/2024 9:30 am -10:30 am W Hemlock Crossing Park 2-4 $5.00/$6.00 Available
Add To Selection List Tuned into Nature 12/11/2024 -12/11/2024 9:30 am -10:30 am W Hemlock Crossing Park 2-4 $5.00/$6.00 Available
Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities - VolunteerOpportunities

Volunteer with us every 3rd Saturday!

Invasive plant species are one of the leading causes of habitat loss. Volunteer with us to help protect wildlife habitats and native plant communities! We will work together to remove woody invasive species such as honeysuckle, autumn olive, and bittersweet. All equipment and training will be provided.

What to wear: Closed toe shoes and long pants are recommended to protect against poison ivy and ticks.
What to bring: Water bottle and sunscreen or bug spray (if desired)
Where to meet: Ottawa Sands, Welcome Center
Directions: https://bit.ly/3YUKhrk
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.

2 Sections
Add to Cart Description Dates Times Days Location Ages Res/Non-Res Availability Column #10
Add To Waitlist Service Saturday: Ottawa Sands Invasive Plant Removal 11/16/2024 -11/16/2024 10:00 am -12:00 pm Sa Ottawa Sands All $0.00/$0.00 Waitlist
Add To Selection List Service Saturday: Nature Center Seed Processing 12/21/2024 -12/21/2024 10:00 am -12:00 pm Sa Hemlock Crossing Park All $0.00/$0.00 Available