Getting Started
Join the Community
- Get on the Map – Complete this survey to register your project area to Ottawa County Parks’ Connected County Park initiative.
- Apply for a Certified Habitat Yard Sign – Apply for a free certified habitat yard sign. Your project area must the following criteria:
- Completion of the project area registration form
- At least 75% of planted species are native, or you are actively working toward that goal
- No insecticide use. Herbicides used for site preparation and the management of invasive and non-native plant species are exempt from this requirement.
- Habitat area larger than 25 square feet
- At least 3 native plant species included
- Stay Connected – Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to receive tips, resources, and updates.
Questions? Contact Us
Ottawa County Parks Nature Center
(616) 786-4847
naturecenter@miottawa.org
Starting a Native Garden
If you’re interested in creating a native garden but aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few ways to get started:
- Download these free resources – Plan your garden and choose plants that support pollinators and other wildlife:
- Attend a Workshop – Participate in a native landscaping basics workshop offered throughout the spring and summer.
- Find Native Plants – Free seed packets are available at the Nature Education Center. You can also explore local options to purchase native plants, including:
If you are a business or organization that sells native plants and would like to be included on this page, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connected County Park?
The Connected County Park initiative is a regional movement created by Ottawa County Parks to create healthier, more resilient landscapes by bridging the gap between people and nature. It empowers individuals to take simple, meaningful actions that restore ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity across private properties.
By offering practical tools, native plants, design guidance, hands-on training, and more, the program removes barriers and makes stewardship accessible to all.
- Mission: To inspire and empower individuals to take simple steps that heal local landscapes, connecting people and nature in a shared mission of restoration.
- Vision: A future where people and nature thrive together – clean air, clean water, and vibrant ecosystems sustained by communities for generations.
How do I get a Certified Habitat Yard sign?
You must register your project area to Ottawa County Parks’ Connected County Park initiative and apply for a free certified habitat yard sign. Your project area must the following criteria:
- Completion of the project area registration form
- At least 75% of planted species are native, or you are actively working toward that goal
- No insecticide use. Herbicides used for site preparation and the management of invasive and non-native plant species are exempt from this requirement.
- Habitat area larger than 25 square feet
- At least 3 native plant species included
You will receive an email with instructions on how to pick up your sign once you have completed both steps.
Where can I purchase native plants?
Free seed packets are available periodically at the Nature Education Center throughout the year.
You can also check out the following opportunities to purchase native plants for your project area:
Will my private information be shared when "getting on the map"?
No. Private information including your name, address, photos, and email will not be made publicly available. If you are a resident, your location will automatically be obscured within a larger area and not displayed precisely. If you are a business owner or organization, you may choose to display your location and name on the map.
The map will be coming soon.
Additional resources
- Audubon Native Plant Database (plants for birds)
- Homegrown National Park
- Less Lawn More Life 2025
- Michigan Flora
- Wildflower Seedling Identification
- National Wildlife Federation Plant Finder
- Ottawa Conservation District – Native Plants
- Ottawa County Groundwater Saving Initiative
- River City Wild Ones, Grand Rapids, MI
