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OCP Monthly E-news
September

Scroll down to find information about park news, upcoming programs & events, volunteer opportunities, 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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Summer Announcements OCP Banner
Bird Banding Public Open Houses

Join parks staff, Master Bander Mike Bishop, and others as they catch and band birds traversing the Lake Michigan Coastal Corridor, for the purpose of conservation science. You’ll see birds up close and in-the-hand and hear from the experts about the importance of bird conservation right here in Ottawa County and beyond.

This program is open-house style, so come at any time during the banding operations. But keep in mind that birds are typically most active earlier in the morning. Don’t miss this memorable experience!


* September 6 - Click to register! [ [link removed] ]
* September 27 - Click to register! [ [link removed] ]

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Public Open House: Allendale Segment - Idema Explorers Trail 

September 17 • 4:30-7:30 PM • Allendale Township Hall

Join us for an informational open house about the Allendale Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail.

*Facebook Event* [ [link removed] ]


IET Logo [ [link removed] ]

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Book Field Trip [ [link removed] ]
Now Scheduling Field Trips for 2025/2026

Happy Back-to-School Season! Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is now scheduling field trips for the 25-26 school year. 

*Reserve your spot today! [ [link removed] ]* Our fall schedule fills up quickly after summer break, so act fast to secure your preferred date! We offer engaging, nature-based experiences for students from Pre-K through 12th grade, set in some of the most beautiful parks in the area.

*Get Started* [ [link removed] ]


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OCP Upcoming Events Summer Banner
Naturally Speaking: Bird Banding at Ottawa Sands & Saw-whet Owl Banding

September 4 • 7-8:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Learn about the upcoming bird banding operations and open house events at Ottawa Sands, followed by guest speaker and Jenison native, Laura Hulbert, as she talks about her experiences banding Northern Saw-whet Owls in Oklahoma. In addition, you’ll get updated on everything going on in Ottawa County Parks. This is one you will not want to miss!

"This program is free and registration is not required. "

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Friends of Ottawa County Parks Host Wally Ewing for "Trees" Talk

September 17 • 7-8 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Wally Ewing will provide a PowerPoint presentation about his new book, Trees. Larry Romanelli, William Martinus, Wallace Ewing, and Lawrence Burns explore the intersection of the history of trees with narratives about their appeal, nature, and incalculable values. They study how deeply connected the realm of trees are with human history and the sustainable relationship we have with them.

"Wallace K. ‘Wally” Ewing earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University and his doctoral degree from the University of Illinois. He is the author of thirty books. Trees, written with fellow authors, is a topic that doesn’t typically appear in history books"

*Facebook Event* [ [link removed] ]


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Ottawa Conservation District Fall Native Plant Sale

September 27 • 9 AM-12 PM • 16731 Ferris St, Grand Haven

The Ottawa Conservation District native plant sale offer a wide assortment of Michigan-grown native flowering plants, shrubs, garden kits, and grasses. The funds raised from the native plant sale provide important operational funding for the district. To learn more information about the browse-n-buy sale including prices, the anticipated plant list, and more please click here [ [link removed] ].

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Philosophy in Nature: Stars and Space

September 27 • 8-10 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Join Philosophy in Nature for its third session: Stars and Space! Join others at the Hemlock Crossing Public Observatory to read curated passages followed by conversation, watercolor paint, and telescope observations with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association! All materials provided for free.

"This West Michigan series is organized by Areins Pelayo, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Grand Valley State University. "

*Sign Up* [ [link removed] ]


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"Save the Date!" - Rosy Mound Expansion Dedication

October 8 • 5:30 PM • Rosy Mound Natural Area

Join us to dedicate the acquisition of the 127-acre property adjacent to the Rosy Mound Natural Area. This addition nearly doubles the size of the park to 291 acres, completing a vision that began in 1989. 

We will also recognize the invaluable contributions of long-time supporter Alice Hoban by dedicating a future trail in her honor.

*Please RSVP by October 3.*

*RSVP for the Event* [ [link removed] ]


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OCP Stewardship Summer Banner
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Park Cleanup 
September 7 • 3-5 PM • Kirk Park

Show our parks some love! Join us once a month for a Park Cleanup, where we'll work together to remove two types of pollution commonly found in nature: litter and invasive species. Equipment and instructions will be provided.

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


Service Saturday: Seed Collection
September 20 • 10 AM-12 PM • Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Native plants are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem! Join us for a morning of native plant seed collection. Seeds collected will be redistributed in our other parks to help improve biodiversity and restore habitats. All equipment and training will be provided." Registration is required."

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


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Oak Wilt Management in County Parks

October 1 • 6-8 PM • Hemlock Crossing

Join our Natural Resources Management staff to learn about oak wilt, a serious disease killing oak trees throughout Ottawa County. This presentation will cover its biology, history of spread, how Ottawa County Parks is managing it, and what private landowners can do to help protect their trees.

*Register Here* [ [link removed] ]


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Summer Banner OCP Programs
September

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

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Into Nature

Naturally Speaking: Bird Banding at Ottawa Sands & Saw-whet Owl Banding

*Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+*

At this special Naturally Speaking program, learn about the upcoming bird banding operations and open house events at Ottawa Sands, followed by guest speaker and Jenison native, Laura Hulbert, as she talks about her experiences banding Northern Saw-whet Owls in Oklahoma. 


* Sep 4, 7-8:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Astronomy: Friday Public Observing Nights

*No registration necessary • FREE • All ages*

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.

Before heading to the park, check holland-saaa.org [ [link removed] ] for updated information. Please note the gate closes automatically at 10 pm, so you will need to arrive before then to enter the park. 


* Sep 5, 12, 19, 26 @ 9 PM [ [link removed] ]

Nature Journal Club

*Registration required •Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+*

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.


* Sep 6, 10-11:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Sunday Stroll

*Registration required • FREE • All ages*

Take a guided stroll at 2 pm every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing! Topics vary. 


* Sep 7, Sep 14, Sep 21, Sep 28 [ [link removed] ]

Nature Saturday: Mushrooms

*Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages*

Interested in having a fun time with fungi? Come join others to search for different mushroom species, learn about how they survive, and how you can enjoy eating them too!

"Nature Saturday is scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Each date features a different nature-focused topic/activity you can engage in at Ottawa County Parks."


* Sep 13, 10 am-12 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Fall Migration Birding Field Trip

*Registration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 12+*

Fall migration is underway as birds make their way south for the winter. Visit a variety of locations including the lakeshore and other local parks in search of shorebirds, warblers and other passerines. 


* Part 1 - Sep 13, 7:30-11:30 am - Off site location [ [link removed] ]
* Part 2 - Sep 13, 1-5 pm - Off site location [ [link removed] ]

Bird Walk

*Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+ *

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


* Sep 17, 8-10 am - Grand River Park [ [link removed] ]

Awareness, Art, & Action: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

*Registration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 12+*

Vast stretches of a common lakeshore forest evergreen tree have been attacked! HWA is now common in Ottawa County. Join us in learning about this invader from another country and what we can do to slow or stop its progress along the Great Lakes shoreline.


* Sep 20, 1-3 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Monarch Butterfly Tagging

*Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+ *

Monarch Butterflies embark on an amazing migratory journey at the end of each summer. As they head to Mexico for the winter, researchers capture and tag them with hopes that we can learn more about this amazing feat and how we can ensure their continued survival. Join Natural Resource Management staff to tag Monarchs and learn more about this amazing creature and how to care for them.


* Sep 20, 1-3 pm - Paw Paw Park East [ [link removed] ]

Raptor Migration Watch

*Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+ *

Join us at the peak of Mt. Pisgah to watch for migrating birds of prey. Feel free to come and go as you like. Program length will depend upon the weather and the number of birds seen. Bring drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and binoculars (some loaners will be available). Hike to summit is strenuous.


* Sep 28, 1-4 pm - Mt. Pisgah [ [link removed] ]

Recreation & Health

Moonlight Night Hike

*Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 12+*

Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way as you explore by moonlight! Enjoy both times of serene quiet of the park at night as well as times of community-building with other hikers. To enhance the experience, normal flashlights are discouraged but we will provide red light flashlights that are not harsh on night vision.


* Sep 5, 8-9:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Recreation Saturday: Biking

*Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages*

Take a guided bike ride with others to explore the flowering meadows of this beautiful park. Bring your bike, water, snack, and a sense of adventure!


* Sep 6, 10 am-12 pm - Upper Macatawa Natural Area West [ [link removed] ]

Foraging Plants & Mushrooms Walk

*Registration required • Resident-$30 / Non-Resident-$40 • Ages 12+*

Join certified forager Tabitha Corlett, RN for a plant and mushroom walk to discuss species that can be used for food and medicine right out of your backyard.


* Sep 11, 6:30-8:30 pm - Hager Park [ [link removed] ]

Sauna at the Parks

*Registration required • Resident-$45 / Non-Resident-$50 • Ages 18+*

Enjoy a unique and rejuvenating mobile wood-burning Finnish sauna with Alisa Cardenas of Howl at the Moon Sauna Co. [ [link removed] ] and Mike Jensen with Saunaty [ [link removed] ]. Bring with you a bottle of water, a bathrobe, slip on shoes, a towel, and an extra set of clothing. Ensure you are well hydrated and dressed appropriately in a swimsuit or light cotton clothing if desired. 


* Sep 18, 3:30-5 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 18, 5:30-7 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]
* Sep 18, 7:30-9 pm - North Beach Park [ [link removed] ]

Ride Through Robinson History

*Registration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • Ages 18+*

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 along the Odawa Segment 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.


* Sep 27, 1-4 pm - Riverside Park [ [link removed] ]

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Kids & Families

Eco-Immersion Explorers: Homeschool Program

*Registration required •* *Resident-$45 / Non-Resident-$50* *• Ages 9-12*

Designed for homeschool students ages 9–12, this hands-on, nature-based program seeks to develop an understanding of ecological principles and the interconnectedness of ecosystems while fostering an understanding of the role we play in the natural world. 


* September 15, 22, & 29, 10 am-1 pm - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Tuned into Nature

*Registration required •* *Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6* * • Ages 2-4*

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.


* Sep 17, 9:30-10:30 am - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Family Nature Day: Finding Fall

*Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages*

Summer has ended but winter is not yet here. How does nature make the switch during Fall? Come engage in activities to search for and find signs of the changing seasons.


* Sep 27, 10 am-4 pm - Hager Park [ [link removed] ]

StoryWalks

*No registration required • FREE • All ages*

Take a StoryWalk®! Pages from a featured book will be posted on signs along the path for your family to read together. Stories are available to read during park hours. Thank you to our local libraries, Loutit District Library and Herrick District Library, for making StoryWalks possible!


* *September 14 - October 5* at Paw Paw Park East: Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd   
* *September 1 - 21* at Tunnel Park:" The Ramble Shamble Children "by Christina Soontornvat 
* *September 29 – October 19* at Pine Bend:" Leif and the Fall" by by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant 

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Get Connected Summer OCP Banner

*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] ]*

*OR*

*Follow us on Facebook and tag us @OttawaCountyParksandRecreation  [ [link removed] ]*

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Parks logo

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

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:*
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson John Teeples | Vice-Chairperson Josh Brugger | Jordan Jorritsma | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Phil Kuyers | Doug Zylstra | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel 

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Ottawa County, Michigan · 12220 Fillmore Street · West Olive, MI 49460 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]