Interpretive Programs, Field Trips & Activities

Spring 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

Signs of Spring Nature Walk Series

These naturalist-led walks are designed to follow the progression of the spring season and to focus on a variety of topics. There is no fee and advance registration is not required. Walks are for adults and families, last about 2 hours and are canceled if raining. Bring insect repellent and dress for the weather.

Sensing Spring, Saturday, March 29, Kirk Park at 10:00 a.m.
Join naturalist Karin Neils for this annual walk to look for early signs of spring. After the walk, everyone is invited to warm-up around a fire inside the lodge with warm drinks (provided) and a brown bag lunch (bring your lunch). This walk is somewhat strenuous due to climbing stairs in the dunes. Meet at the lodge.

Nature Center Preview Hike, Tuesday, April 8, Hemlock Crossing at 6:30 p.m.
Join this hike to learn about the nature center project and to visit the site of the proposed nature education center. The remainder of time will be spent hiking the trails to observe “spring things” along the Pigeon River. Meet in the parking lot.

Amazing Mammals Hike, Thursday, April 24, Grand River Park at 7:00 pm
About 40 species of mammals live in Ottawa County, but most are seldom seen. Join this hike to look for mammals and their signs in a variety of habitats along the trails. Which local mammal is related to the kangaroo? Find out on this hike. Meet in the picnic building.

Spring Wildflower Walk, Sunday, April 27, Hager Park at 2:00 p.m.
Linda Koning will share her knowledge of plants along the trails while observing the spectacular spring wildflowers in this park. A warm sunny day might bring out some early butterflies too. Meet in the VanderLaan Room parking lot.

Crepuscular Critters, Tuesday, April 29, Crockery Creek Natural Area at 7:00 p.m.
Crepuscular refers to those animals that become active at twilight. A warm calm spring evening is ideal for hearing the calls of amphibians and birds. If we are lucky, we may see or hear woodcock, snipe or maybe even an owl. Bring a flashlight and meet in the parking lot.

Wildflowers of Grose Park (two hikes), Thursday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m.
It’s worth the trip to Grose Park to join Karin Neils for a walk to see the great diversity of wildflowers and other plants along the trails. Meet at the Forest Picnic Shelter.

Wildflower Stewardship Walk and Work Bee, Saturday, May 3, Hager Park at 10:00 a.m.
The abundant spring wildflowers at Hager Park are being threatened by the invasive garlic mustard. This program will begin with a short wildflower walk. After the walk, you can help protect the flowers by assisting in pulling garlic mustard plants. The walk and work will end at noon. This program is co-sponsored by the West Michigan Cluster of the Stewardship Network. Meet in the parking lot near the VanderLaan Room and bring gloves and bottled water.

Spring Beauties at Spring Grove, Sunday, May 4, Spring Grove Park at 2:00 p.m.
Although small in size, the wooded area at Spring Grove Park has an abundance of early spring wildflowers. Karin Neils will lead this leisurely walk to observe and enjoy these early bloomers. Meet in the parking lot.

Flowering Flora of Grand River Park, Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.
Join Linda Koning for a look at the many species of wildflowers along the trails through forests, wetlands and open fields. Meet in the parking lot near the picnic building.

Mushroom Hike, Wednesday, May 14, Hemlock Crossing at 7:00 p.m.
Fungi expert Dennis Dunlap will lead this hike to search for mushrooms and other fungi along the trails. The focus of this hike is not to collect, but to learn about the identification and fascinating natural history of the fungi. Meet in the parking lot.

Things With Wings Hike, Wednesday, May 28, Hemlock Crossing at 2:00 pm
Flight is an adaptation shared by most birds, many insects and some mammals. This hike will focus on the mechanics of flight as we observe the aerial acrobatics of common animals along the trails. Meet in the parking lot

Bird Hikes and Field Trips

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Spring is a great time to observe birds and to learn about birding. These walks will focus on finding and identifying a variety of birds at each park location. Walks last about 2 hours, are for adults and older accompanied children and are canceled if raining. There is no fee and advance registration is not required. Bring binoculars (some loaners available), insect repellent and dress for the weather. All walks begin at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot.

April 16 at the Crockery Creek Natural Area
April 23 at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area (76th Ave. access) with leader Liz Notman
April 30 at Hemlock Crossing
May 7 at Grand River Park
May 14 at Kirk Park *
May 21 at the Rosy Mound Natural Area *

* Hiking at the Rosy Mound Natural Area and Kirk Park is strenuous due to stairs up and down the dunes.

Evening Bird Walk at the Bass River State Recreation Area, Thursday, May 1
Join co-leader L.D. Monroe to explore this 1,665 acre natural area. At dusk, we will look for the Am. woodcock in hopes of observing its spring courtship flight. Meet at nearby Riverside Park at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot near the boat launch. This walk is for adults and older accompanied children and will be canceled if raining. There is no program fee, however, a daily or annual state park vehicle permit is required to enter Bass River. Advance registration is not required. Bring binoculars (some loaners available), insect repellent and dress for the weather.

Birding Field Trips

Observe spring migration in west Michigan by participating in these trips for beginning and experienced adult birders. Transportation is via personal vehicles and binoculars are required (some loaners available). There is no fee, however, advance registration is required. A state park vehicle permit may be required. A letter with details and meeting location will be sent in advance to those registered.

Birding Grand Haven (2 trips), Thursday, April 10 and Monday, May 5
These trips in the Grand Haven area include a walk on the pier to look for waterbirds and a trip to Harbor Island for other species. These trips begin at 7:00 a.m. and end at noon.

Waterbird Trip, Saturday, April 19
A good number of waterbird species should be observed on this trip as we scour the Lake Michigan shoreline and inland areas for loons, grebes, waterfowl, gulls and terns. This trip is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Big Day” Trip, Saturday, May 17
How many bird species can we find in Ottawa County in one day? Find out on the 5th Annual Big Day Trip scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Several county parks, as well as other locations in Ottawa County, will be searched for the greatest number of waterbirds, raptors, songbirds and more.

Songbird Trip, Tuesday, May 13
The distinct spring plumages and songs of warblers, vireos, sparrows and other songbirds are a highlight for many birders. This trip will run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will focus on finding migrating and nesting songbirds in several west Michigan locations.

Stewardship Work Days

Volunteers are needed to assist parks staff in these spring 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. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (616) 738-4810.

Dune Grass Planting at North Beach Park, Saturday April 19, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This work involves planting dune grass in open sand to help stabilize the dune. Walking on the dune at North Beach Park is somewhat strenuous.

Garlic Mustard Pull at Tunnel Park, Saturday May 17, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
This work involves pulling the invasive garlic mustard plant in wooded areas and placing the plants in supplied bags.

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.

Friends Reuse Resale, Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars for the Friends Reuse Resale in the barn at Eastmanville Farm (formerly Community Haven). Eastmanville Farm is located in Polkton Township on Leonard Street about 1.4 miles west of 68th Avenue.

Donations for the sale will be accepted from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on April 17 through April 23 (except Sunday, April 20) at Eastmanville Farm. Donations may include gently used, clean items in good working order (no clothing). All donations are eligible for an income tax exemption (forms will be available). If you need storage for donated items or more information, please call 616-837-8244. More information is available at www.friendsofocp.org.

Grand Lady River Cruise Thursday, May 22
Friends, along with Captain Bill Boynton of the Grand Lady Riverboat, have teamed up to again offer this cruise on the Grand River from Grandville to Fruitport. Costs are $25 (Friends members) and $30 (non-members) and include the boat trip and bus transportation back to Grandville. Passengers will provide their own lunch, but the boat’s license requires that beverages and snacks be purchased aboard. Departure from the Grandville riverboat landing will be at 11:00 a.m. with a bus return between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Space is limited. This is a great opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of the river as well the Grand River Greenway project.

Reservations for adults and children over 12 may be made by sending a check to Friends of Ottawa County Parks, P.O. Box 84, Lamont, MI 49430. For more information, call 616-837-8244. Directions to the Grand Lady landing in Grandville can be found at www.grandlady.info.

Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 26 at Pine Bend (Weaver House and grounds)
10:00 am to Noon: Demonstrations and opportunities to participate in World Tai Chi and Chi Qong Day. See and try these gentle and healing exercises that are meditative and healing. People of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Noon to 1:00 p.m.: Join us for a variety of homemade soups and breads.

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Fiddle Fire, the Panning Family Band, will provide live music for a folk dance. All dances will be taught and called as you dance.

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Join Karin Neils for an interpretive walk to explore the surrounding woods at Pine Bend.

There Are No Fees and Advanced Registration is Not Required for Earth Day Celebration