Last updated: September 7, 2026 Why We Use Prescribed Fire Prescribed fire is a planned, carefully managed burn used to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems. Fire was once a natural part of many Michigan landscapes. Today, prescribed fire helps restore habitats...
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...
Major rehabilitation work has brought significant improvements to the Musketawa Trail thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). The trail has reopened from the Marne Trailhead east to Squires Rd., providing approximately 9.5 miles of continuous...
Update: August 26, 2026 Join us as we celebrate the addition of nearly 185 acres to the Bend Area and learn how you can help shape its future during the upcoming master planning process. The expansion brings the park to 606 acres, adds more than 2.5 miles of lake...
Park Closure Information The Lakeshore Wildlife Management firearm hunt will take place November 20-23, 2026, at North Ottawa Dunes, Ottawa Sands, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. The parks will be closed to the general public Friday, November 20 through Monday,...
To apply for hunting permits online, please visit: https://www.miottawa.org/hunting Applications close on August 31, 2026. Hunting is an important part of managing natural lands and parks in Ottawa County. Biodiversity is critical to ecosystem health and is dependent...
April 24-April 27, 2026 Join the City Nature Challenge! We’re partnering with John Ball Zoo for this exciting global bio-blitz, created by iNaturalist. With over 700 cities participating worldwide, it’s one of the largest community science events. Plus, you don’t need...
The Macatawa Greenway continues to expand, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy the natural landscape. At Hawthorn Park (formerly Hawthorn Pond Natural Area), a property jointly owned by Holland Charter Township and Ottawa County...
With warmer weather comes more time outdoors and increased tick activity across Ottawa County. While most tick bites are harmless, some ticks can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease. Ticks spread disease through their bites. Not every tick carries disease, but...
Update: March 6, 2026 The 2025/2026 Season is over, but you can still participate by watching the livestreamed events down below! Thanks for another great season! The 2026/2027 Season will start in November. See below for more details. Coffee with the Birds - Winter...