Interpretive Programs, Field Trips & Activities

Summer 2008

A program fee, vehicle parking fee and/or advanced registration is required for some programs. Check the program description for details. Space is limited on some programs and field trips.
Go to Select-A-Park for directions to parks or click on the “linked” park name.
All programs are led by parks naturalist Chip Francke unless otherwise noted.
To register or for more information, call the county parks office at (616) 738-4810

“Pick A Park” Nature Walk Series

Enjoy Ottawa County’s extensive parks system by attending these evening naturalist-led walks for adults and families. All walks begin at 6:00 p.m. Each walk will focus on the natural features of a different county park. There are no program fees and advance registration is not required. Walks last about 2 hours and are canceled if raining. Bring binoculars (if you have them), insect repellent and dress for the weather. All walks meet in the parking lot of each park.

Pine Bend Tuesday, June 17
This park features views of the Pigeon River corridor as well as trails through mature
beech-maple-hemlock, lowland and oak forests. Pine Bend also has some interesting cultural history including a turn-of-the-century resort and a dance hall.

Grand River Park Tuesday, July 1
The trails at Grand River Park meander through several natural communities including the river, floodplain forest, hardwoods, native grasslands and shrub-scrub. Each community hosts its unique wildlife species.

North Ottawa Dunes Thursday, July 17
This park is 500 acres of backdune beech-maple-hemlock forest with some of the highest dunes in the entire county. This two mile walk will traverse the base of these high dunes to observe clues of past dune formation. North Ottawa Dunes is located in Spring Lake Township and the City of Ferrysburg.
To reach the park from US 31, take the Ferrysburg exit and go west on 3rd Street to Northshore Drive. Turn west on Northshore Drive and travel about 1 mile to Coast Guard Park. The trail head is in the first Coast Guard Park parking area.

Hemlock Crossing Monday, July 28
Located along the Pigeon River, this park offers great views of the river corridor and trails that travel through forest and wetlands. This is also the site of a current grassland/wetland restoration project and of the proposed nature education center.

Pigeon Creek Park Wednesday, August 13
After walking through the hardwoods, most of the time will be spent exploring the lowland forest and wetlands along the Pigeon River. This area is lush with ferns, skunk cabbage and many other plants.

Crockery Creek Natural Area Wednesday, August 27
Crockery Creek is a major tributary of the Grand River. This park was a Centennial Farm and includes expansive areas of buttonbush swamp, large shagbark hickories and open fields.

An Introduction to Dragonfly Watching

Saturday, July 12

The observation and identification of dragonflies is becoming more popular every year. Greg Swanson will lead this field workshop to identify dragonflies as the group visits different habitats, searches for a diversity of dragonfly species and observes their behavior. This workshop will be held at Grand River Park from 9:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m. No prior experience or special equipment is required. There is no fee, however, advance registration is required. This workshop is for adults and older accompanied children. A letter with details will be sent in advance to those registered.

The Beach Zone

Everyone enjoys a day at a Lake Michigan beach. Have you ever wondered how the lake was formed? Or where the massive amounts of sand came from? Or what kinds of birds and other animals are also hanging around the shoreline? If so, visit the parks new Beach Zone, a tent canopy that will be set up on the beach at Kirk Park where parks staff will interpret the shoreline and provide a variety of activities for kids and adults of all ages. Adults must supervise their children during these activities. There are no program fees, however, there is a vehicle parking fee required at Kirk Park. Advance registration is not required. The Beach Zone will be at Kirk Park between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays July 9, July 23 and August 6. The Beach Zone will be canceled if raining or if there are strong winds.

Ottawa County Butterfly Counts

Participating in a butterfly count is a great way to learn about our native butterflies. No experience or equipment is needed for these counts for adults and older children. Come for half the day or the whole day (bring a lunch). Transportation is via personal vehicles and there is a $3 per person count fee (children under 12 free). Wear socks, do not wear sandals and bring drinking water. Advance registration is not required. For more information, call (616) 738-4811.

Lakeshore Count - Thursday, July 10 beginning at the Pigeon Creek Park lodge at 9:00 a.m.

Grand River Count - Friday, July 18 beginning at the Grand River Park picnic building at 9:00 a.m.

Summer Birding Field Trips

These trips are for beginning and experienced adult birders, transportation is via personal vehicles and binoculars are required (some loaners available). There are no fees for these trips, however, a state park vehicle permit may be required. Advance registration is required. A letter with details and meeting location will be sent in advance to those registered.

BREEDING BIRDS FIELD TRIP Friday, June 20
This trip will focus on finding and identifying a variety of breeding birds including waterfowl, gulls, raptors, shorebirds and songbirds in west Michigan. The trip is from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

SHOREBIRD FIELD TRIP Saturday, August 23
Shorebird migration will be underway for this trip to find and identify a variety of shorebirds migrating from the far north to their wintering grounds. The trip is from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Stewardship Work Days

Volunteers are needed to assist parks staff with the following stewardship projects. Organized groups, adults and older children are encouraged to participate. Workdays are held rain or shine and advanced registration is not required. Dress for the weather and bring gloves. Tools, water and snacks will be provided. For more information, call (616) 738-4810.

Spotted Knapweed Control at the Rosy Mound Natural Area
Spotted knapweed is an aggressive invasive plant that is displacing the native vegetation in the fragile dunes. Volunteers will pull knapweed near the parking lot and in the open dunes near the lakeshore. The plants will be placed in supplied garbage bags. Parks staff will transport the filled bags back to the parking areas at a later time. Meet parks staff in the parking lot (vehicle fee will be waived) on the following dates and times:

Wednesday June 25 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday June 28 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday June 30 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Hiking at Rosy Mound is somewhat strenuous due to stairs up and down the steep dunes.

Friends of Ottawa County Parks Activities

Friends of Ottawa County Parks is a nonprofit organization formed in 2005 to support and promote Ottawa County Parks. For information or to become a member, visit www.friendsofocp.org.

Family Fishing Days (2 events)

Thursdays June 26 and August 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friends has scheduled two of the popular Family Fishing Days this summer at Grand River Park in Georgetown Township. Friends members will be on hand to help youngsters bait hooks and to show them the basics of fishing. There is no fee and advance registration is not required. Snacks and bait will be provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a fishing pole (some loaners available) and register in the picnic building when you arrive. Parents, be sure to bring your cameras!

Friends Picnic in the Park

Sunday, July 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Kirk Park’s picnic shelter will again be the site of a Friends’ picnic and hike this summer. Friends, parks staff and anyone thinking of joining the Friends are invited to attend. This year’s theme will be “Christmas in July.” Beverages, grilled meats, chips and condiments will be provided. Bring a dish to pass. Please call (616) 837-8244 by July 18 if you plan to attend.

Friends Annual Meeting

The third Annual Meeting of Friends of Ottawa County Parks is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17 at the Ottawa County Fillmore Street Complex located on Fillmore Street west of 120th Avenue in Olive Township. Members will vote on a new board of directors and honor the 30 park monitors for their year of service. Parks director John Scholtz will present a program on park developments and acquisitions. Refreshments will be served.