Ways to Get Involved on Earth Day 2023
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. According to earthday.org, the theme for Earth Day 2023 is “Invest in Our Planet”. Join us at an event on Saturday, April 22 and invest some time into your Ottawa County Parks, whether that is through a cleanup or a celebration. We look forward to seeing you out there!
Click an event to be redirected to the registration page!
- Beach Cleanup at Kirk Park from 10 am – 12 pm
- Beach Cleanup at Olive Shores from 1-3 pm
- Earth Day Garlic Mustard Pull at Eastmanville Bayou from 2-4 pm
- Celebrate the Earth: Nature Tour of Paw Paw East County Park from 10-11:30 am
- Introduction to Nature Journaling
Keep scrolling for more details about each event.
Beach Cleanups
- Kirk Park from 10 am – 12 pm
- Olive Shores from 1-3 pm
Help keep our lakeshore parks clean and healthy! During these events, volunteers will work with one of our staff members to remove litter, including small microplastics, from our beaches and surrounding areas. All equipment will be provided, along with water and a snack. Work gloves will be available to borrow, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please wear closed toe shoes. 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.
NOTE: Accessing the beach at Olive Shores requires climbing a large set of stairs.
Earth Day Garlic Mustard Pull with Friends of Ottawa County Parks
- Eastmanville Bayou from 2-4 pm
- Address: 13507 68th Ave, Allendale, MI 49401
The Friends of Ottawa County Parks (FOOCP) are hosting a garlic mustard pull to celebrate Earth Day! No registration is required. Invasive species, like garlic mustard, pose a large threat to habitat for native plants and wildlife. Help us protect our parks by joining us for a garlic mustard removal workday. Training, equipment, water, and a snack will be provided. Work gloves will be available to borrow, or feel free to bring your own. Closed toe shoes are required, and long pants are recommended to protect against poison ivy and ticks. Weather policy: If constant rain or storms occur, this event will be canceled.
Celebrate the Earth: Nature Tour of Paw Paw County Park
- Paw Paw East County Park from 10-11:30 am
- Address: 1230 Paw Paw Dr. Holland, MI 49423
Rick Bosch will lead this hike through Paw Paw East County Park. We will explore the historical, geological, and ecological aspects of the park. Highlights will include a tour of one of the largest redwood forests in Michigan, a visit to a historical site that was crucial in the early settlement of Zeeland, and a discussion of the restoration efforts being performed in this park.
Rick Bosch was born and raised about a mile from Paw Paw Park. A Hope College and Northwestern University graduate, he spent 30 years in the chemical industry. Now retired, Rick volunteers for the Holland Museum and Ottawa County Parks. He is also active in the efforts to clean up the Lake Macatawa watershed.
Meet Rick at the entrance to the park at 10 am on Saturday, April 22. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. If the tour is rained out, we will reschedule and contact all registrants.
This series is provided by Holland Museum and Hope College.
Introduction to Nature Journaling
- Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing Park from 10-11:30 am
Many of us seek ways to better connect with nature. We want to learn its patterns and secrets, help protect its inhabitants, and gain an understanding of our place within it. Nature journaling helps us do this and you do not need to know anything about nature, drawing, or writing to begin! Learn how to start a nature journal, a few drawing basics, and some simple tricks to help you be successful.
Registration required, $5/person