The Get to Know your Parks series aims to introduce people to the natural & cultural history of each park as well as how any past, current and future projects are actively enhancing both its natural and recreational value. They include a hike to different notable...
Hemlock Crossing Observatory Opening Event Details
October 8 at Hemlock Crossing 7-9 pm Astronomy Open House You are invited to attend an Astronomy Open House. Rotate through stations to build a planisphere, explore tools used by astronomers, and walk a solar system model. Meet astronomers and find out how you can be...
Dark Sky Initiative
The long summer days begin to wane as we inch toward the Autumn Equinox. Sunsets happen sooner and the night sky is upon us early in the evening. This may be sad for some, but there are magical moments in September and October when the air is warm, the sky is clear,...
Protecting Pollinators: The Monarch
Each fall, as the days shorten and the temperatures decrease, monarchs begin their migration southbound for Mexico. These beloved butterflies are widely recognized for their vibrant orange wings and white spots; however, they provide an invaluable service far beyond...
CraneFest Bus Trip
CraneFest Bus Trip on Sunday, October 9 Meet at 12 pm at Hemlock Crossing (return 10 pm) $75/person OR $125/couple PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to secure a seat on the bus OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — This fall experience something new with Ottawa County Parks! Each...
Cops and Bobbers at Ottawa Sands
Come join us! July 18, 5:30-8 pm | Ottawa Sands County Park Cops and Bobbers is a fishing event designed to bring Ottawa County Sheriff’s and Ottawa County parks employees alongside local youth, with a goal of introducing kids to fishing, conservation, water safety,...
GVSU / Jenison High School Research
What's the scoop? Ottawa County Parks and Recreation has been working with Karina White, a biology and A.P. environmental science teacher from Jenison High School (JHS), for almost a decade through the Adopt-A-Park program. When White decided to attend Grand Valley...
Zee Bus
Updated on: June 13, 2022 Thursdays throughout the summer Upper Macatawa Natural Area 10:30 am-12:30 pm • 11 am Nature Activity June 16 June 23 June 30 July 14 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 11 Full Summer Schedule:
National Trails Day
Celebrate the American Hiking Society’s #NationalTrailsDay with Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Millions of people have found physical, mental, and emotional restoration on trails and in quality green space during the pandemic. Let’s return the favor as a...
Forest Pests, Stewardship, and Our Parks
Article written by: Nealy Molhoek, Stewardship Supervisor As hints of spring begin to appear all around us, many of us take the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, either in our own backyards, or in the parks that we're so lucky to be surrounded with in Ottawa...