Oak Wilt Management in County ParksOctober 1 • 6-8 PM • Hemlock CrossingJoin 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.
 SeptemberClick on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!Into NatureNaturally Speaking: Bird Banding at Ottawa Sands & Saw-whet Owl BandingRegistration 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. Astronomy: Friday Public Observing NightsNo 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 for updated information. Please note the gate closes automatically at 10 pm, so you will need to arrive before then to enter the park. Nature Journal ClubRegistration 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. Sunday StrollRegistration required • FREE • All ages Take a guided stroll at 2 pm every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing! Topics vary. Nature Saturday: MushroomsRegistration 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. Fall Migration Birding Field TripRegistration 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. Bird WalkRegistration 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. Awareness, Art, & Action: Hemlock Woolly AdelgidRegistration 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. Monarch Butterfly TaggingRegistration 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. Raptor Migration WatchRegistration 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. Recreation & HealthMoonlight Night HikeRegistration 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. Recreation Saturday: BikingRegistration 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! Foraging Plants & Mushrooms WalkRegistration 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. Sauna at the ParksRegistration 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. and Mike Jensen with Saunaty. 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.
Ride Through Robinson HistoryRegistration 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. Kids & FamiliesEco-Immersion Explorers: Homeschool ProgramRegistration 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. Tuned into NatureRegistration 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. Family Nature Day: Finding FallRegistration 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. StoryWalksNo 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!
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