Joe Baumann, Chair Greg DeJong, Vice Chair Matthew Fenske James Holtvluwer Philip KuyersRoger Bergman Allen Dannenberg Mike Haverdink Stu Visser Dennis Van Dam Don Disselkoen

Activities and programs are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.

Have this newsletter and the Weekly NaturE-mail delivered to your inbox by subscribing online: miOttawa.org/Connect ocparks@miOttawa.org Find us on Facebook & InstagrammiOttawa.org/parks facebook.com/OttawaCountyParksMain Office: 616-738-4810 @OttawaCountyParks Nature Center: 616-786-4847 #OttawaCountyParks

Ottawa County Parks &Recreation Commission

Bobbi J. Sabine, PresidentPhilip Kuyers, SecretaryJoe BushTom ElhartMatthew Fenske

David Van Ginhoven, Vice PresidentJames HoltvluwerRoger E. JonasRay StatemaTom Werkman

The quarterly newsletter of theOttawa County Parks & Recreation Commission

Pictured: Hemlock Crossing County Park|8115 West Olive Road|West Olive, MI 49460Learn more at: miOttawa.org/parks

Fall 2015

O utdoors ttawa County

Park UpdatesVolunteer Spotlight Greater Ottawa County United WayWe have been focused on major improvements at Grand Ravines, making it a premier park site. We have made a lot of progress but still have work to do. Here is the most recent update on what is completed and what’s to come:• A portion of the off-leash dog park at Grand Ravines South (off Fillmore Street) will be open and

completed for an Open House event on Saturday, September 26 from 12-4 PM. We will feature a variety of special activities including Rockin’ Rovers Doggie Dancers, Ottawa County K-9 unit, microchipping, a pet photographer, and more! Fundraising for various dog park elements (shelters, lights, trees, paved trails) is still underway in anticipation of adding features to the dog park over the next few years. Find out more by visiting the Grand Ravines Dog Park Facebook page: facebook.com/GrandRavinesDogPark.

• Improvements to the historic barn at Grand Ravines South are underway including a new roof, structural work to straighten the barn, repairs to the siding, and major repair to the milk house. All improvements are intended to preserve and restore the barn to ensure its future longevity.

• Construction of a new entrance drive (off 42nd Avenue) and parking lots for Grand Ravines North is well underway with basic completion and opening of the park expected by mid-October. Park trails and a ravine scenic overlook will also be completed by that time.

• Work on the Grand Ravines Lodge overlooking the Grand River is nearly complete. The lodge, which includes restrooms for general park use, will be available to the public for meetings, weddings and other events starting this winter. Please note the lodge will close when excavation for the trail begins (April 1, 2016) and re-open when the trail construction is complete.

• A paved trail connecting Grand Ravines South to the riverfront at Grand Ravines North will be under construction in 2016. We have been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for this project. The grant includes funding for interpretive signs, a fishing dock, and a kayak launch.

Grand Ravines

North Ottawa Dunes

Assisted by a $45,000 grant from the Michigan Coastal Zone Management (CZM) program, Ottawa County Parks will replace a deteriorating section of trails, boardwalks, and wooden stairways on the dune loop trail starting at North Beach Park and extending into North Ottawa Dunes. The south segment, built over 30 years ago, will be reconstructed to provide continued safe public access while protecting the fragile dune environment. The trail will be completed by the summer of 2016.A loop was created in 2007 when stairs were constructed along the north side of this prominent open dune to provide easier access to the outstanding views of Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven piers. Since then, it has become a popular route for hikers and runners.

The Greater Ottawa County United Way (UW) became a major volunteer partner in 2010 when they assisted in creating our Adopt-A-Park program. With 16 park properties adopted, Adopt-A-Park volunteers donate nearly 1,000 hours of service each year. This year, UW led the way again by being the first Adopt-A-Park partner to have a site free of all reproducing invasive plants. Since 2011, volunteers have worked hard at Kirk Park to remove Oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, and honeysuckle. We continuously survey and remove invasive plants because of new introductions and seeds that are in the soil; yet, it is a major accomplishment to have a park virtually void of invasive plants. Thank you to our friends at UW for making this possible and the other volunteers striving for the same goal! Interested in Volunteering? Contact Georgia, our new Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, at parkvolunteers@miottawa.org or 616-738-4810.

Abby Olson & Katie HotchkissCongratulations to Abby Olson and Katie Hotchkiss on earning their Girl Scout Silver Award by working on a special project for Ottawa County Parks. Abby and Katie built nest boxes to attract Eastern Screech Owl at Hemlock Crossing, American Kestrel at Eastmanville Farm, and Northern Saw-whet Owl and Barred Owl at Pigeon Creek.

“Bird nest boxes are very important. They provide a safe, dry, and warm nesting place for birds. They can even just provide a warm roost spot or hideout from cold winter winds,” said Abby. “For our Silver Award, my friend Katie and I built nest boxes for, as well as educated people about birds at a school and local nursing home.”

Volunteer OpportunitiesSeed Processing Saturday, October 10, 2-4PM Hemlock CrossingHelp collect and process seed from the plants in the short-grass prairie in front of the Nature Education Center. Seed will be used for restoration projects within other park properties.

Tunnel Park On the morning of July 3, fire destroyed the wooden access stairs leading from the high bluff over-looking Lake Michigan to the beach below at Tunnel Park. Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, work will begin this fall to rebuild the stairway and re-establish this important connection. We will also make renovations to the walkways and decks on the dune top overlooking the lake. Improvements will include new concrete walkways, seating areas, and railings. The project is scheduled to be completed by early 2016.We would like to extend a special thank you to the Vacation Bible School students at Fourth Reformed Church in Holland. They raised funds over the summer to adopt a tree in a local city park and chose to donate the remainder of the raised funds, $120, to help rebuild the stairs at Tunnel Park.

Have you visited Paw Paw Park?On Tuesday, September 1, Ottawa County Parks and the Department of Public Health celebrated a new trail connecting Paw Paw Park and the former Macatawa Greenspace. We were thrilled to party in the park with neighboring families. The county started managing Paw Paw Park in June and began improving trails throughout the park over the summer. More enhancements are planned for the park including, a playground, added parking, and picnic tables. Also in June, the county renamed Macatawa Greenspace to Paw Paw Park as the new half-mile trail connects the two park sites. You can take the family for fishing, a nice long walk, or even a round of disc golf. Happy trails!

Photos are from the September 1 celebration event.

Grand Ravines lodge (interior, above; exterior and view from tiered deck, below)

Barn renovation

Ravines Overlook

Dog park fencing

Join us for a fall workday! Here’s what you should know: • Bring work gloves (preferably leather), insect

repellent, and appropriate outdoor gear. • Tools, drinking water, and snacks will be provided. • No preregistration is required. • Ages 12 and up are welcome; however youth

must be supervised by an adult. • Workdays are cancelled if it’s raining.

Questions? Contact Melanie at 616-738-4810 mmanion@miottawa.org

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Pictures with Santa!

Friends of Ottawa County ParksKick off the holiday celebrations by taking family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the historic Weaver House on December 6, 1-4 PM.

Enjoy refreshments and capture the moment on camera as the little ones have a special talk with Santa. The event is free and open to the public. The Weaver House is located at Pine Bend Park.

Fall 2015 Programs Online registration or fee may be required: miOttawa.org/OCPEvents • Sign up for our NaturE-mail at miOttawa.org/Connect

S U N D AY MONDAY TUESDAY W E D N E S D AY T H U R S D AY F R I D AY S AT U R D AYS e p 1 3 S e p 14 S e p 1 5 S e p 16 S e p 17 S e p 1 8 S e p 19

Experiencing Nature WalkHemlock Crossing •2 PM

Warbler WalkPaw Paw•9 AM

Monarchs on the MarchRosy Mound•2 PM

S e p 2 0 S e p 21 S e p 2 2 S e p 2 3 S e p 24 S e p 2 5 S e p 2 6Raptor Watch

Mt. Pisgah•1 PM

The Story of GallsHemlock Crossing •2 PM

Warbler WalkCrockery Creek•9 AM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Fall Fungus FrenzyRiley Trails•9 AM

Astronomy: CometsHemlock Crossing•7 PM

S e p 27 S e p 2 8 S e p 2 9 S e p 3 0 O c t 1 O c t 2 O c t 3

Guest Author: Janet Hasselbring

Hemlock Crossing •2 PM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM$ Crockery Creek by Kayak

Connor Bayou•1 PM

O c t 4 O c t 5 O c t 6 O c t 7 O c t 8 O c t 9 O c t 10

$ Tales N’ TrailsHemlock Crossing•2 PM

Searching for SparrowsGr. River Open Space•10 AM

$ Colors by KayakHemlock Crossing

12:30 PM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Volunteer WorkdayHemlock Crossing•2 PM

Mountain Biking 101Riley Trails•2 PM

O c t 11 O c t 1 2 O c t 1 3 O c t 14 O c t 1 5 O c t 16 O c t 17

Experiencing Nature WalkHemlock Crossing •2 PM

$ Colors by KayakHemlock Crossing

12:30 PM$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Searching for SparrowsUpper Macatawa Natural Area

10 AM

Discovering Ottawa County Parks Biodiversity

Hemlock Crossing•1 PM

Invasive SpeciesHemlock Crossing•2:30 PM

O c t 1 8 O c t 19 O c t 2 0 O c t 21 O c t 2 2 O c t 2 3 O c t 24

Transition Zone Trees Hemlock Crossing •2 PM

Searching for SparrowsPaw Paw •10 AM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

$ Colors by KayakHemlock Crossing

12:30 PM

Astronomy: Dwarf PlanetsHemlock Crossing•7 PM

O c t 2 5 O c t 2 6 O c t 27 O c t 2 8 O c t 2 9 O c t 3 0 O c t 31

$ Watercolor BasicsHemlock Crossing

Various Times

Recreating in the Park Hemlock Crossing•2 PM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Owl ProwlLocation TBD•7 PM $ Waterfowl Field Trip

Various Locations•8 AM

N o v 1 N o v 2 N o v 3 N o v 4 N o v 5 N o v 6 N o v 7

Guest Author: Janet Hasselbring

Hemlock Crossing •2 PMBird Hike

Hemlock Crossing•10 AM$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Nature Hike North Ottawa Dunes

2 PM

N o v 8 N o v 9 N o v 10 N o v 11 N o v 1 2 N o v 1 3 N o v 14

Experiencing Nature WalkHemlock Crossing •2 PM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Bird Hike Hemlock Crossing•10 AM

All About OwlsHemlock Crossing•2 PM

N o v 1 5 N o v 16 N o v 17 N o v 1 8 N o v 19 N o v 2 0 N o v 21

Symbol of the Wilderness: The Loon

Hemlock Crossing•2 PMBird Hike

Hemlock Crossing•10 AM$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AMTerrific Turkeys

Hemlock Crossing•2 PM

N o v 2 2 N o v 2 3 N o v 24 N o v 2 5 N o v 2 6 N o v 27 N o v 2 8

Recreating in the Park Hemlock Crossing•2 PM

Bird Feeding 101Hemlock Crossing•2 PM

Astronomy: New Horizons SpacecraftHemlock Crossing•7 PM

N o v 2 9 N o v 3 0 D e c 1 D e c 2 D e c 3 D e c 4 D e c 5

What is below your feet?Hemlock Crossing•2 PM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Nature Hike *Rosy Mound

2 PM

D e c 6 D e c 7 D e c 8 D e c 9 D e c 10 D e c 11 D e c 1 2

Pictures with SantaWeaver House•1 PM

Shells of the Grand River: Past,

Present, and FutureHemlock Crossing•2 PM

$ Early SproutsHemlock Crossing

10 AM

Take the Ottawa County Parks Challenge!Each month we will feature different park site. Take a look at the list to see which are being highlighted. Try to visit them all!When you visit, snap a photo on Instagram and tag it #OttawaCountyParks #OCPChallenge. We’ll print and hang our favorites at the Nature Education Center.

Park Site Visited DateSeptemberRosy Mound Natural AreaOctoberRiley TrailsNorth Ottawa DunesNovemberGrose ParkRiverside ParkDecemberPigeon Creek Park

One-Time Fall Programs & EventsMonarchs on the MarchSeptember 19, 2-4 PM • Rosy Mound Natural AreaFree-of-charge; no registration requiredMonarchs embark on a momentous migratory journey each fall. Hike to the lakeshore to watch for them as they head south to Mexico for the winter. Along the way learn a bit about how they do it, what troubles they face, and what we can do to help.

Mt. Pisgah Raptor WatchSeptember 20, 1-4 PM • Historic Ottawa Beach (Mt. Pisgah)Free-of-charge; no registration requiredJoin us at the peak of Mt. Pisgah to watch for these birds of prey. Feel free to come and go as you like. Program length will depend upon the weather and the number of birds seen. Bring drinking water and binoculars (some loaners will be available).

The Story of GallsSeptember 20, 2-3 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredWhat are those funny looking objects growing on the leaves, stems and branches of plants? Do they hurt the plant? Discover the world of galls and the stories behind them on this interpretive walk.

Fall Fungus FrenzySeptember 26, 9-12 PM • Riley TrailsFree-of-charge; online registration requiredJoin Fungi expert, Dennis Dunlap, for this workshop designed to help participants find and identify a variety of mushrooms and other fungi.

Crockery Creek by KayakOctober 3, 1-4 PM • Connor BayouCost: $8 / Cost with Kayak Rental: $34; online registration requiredAges: Adults and children 13+, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Adventure along the Grand River and into Crockery Creek while your guide describes natural and historical features along the way. Some kayaking experience is recommended.

Tales N’ Trails October 4, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterCost: $1/child for registered attendees; $2/child for unregistered attendees Ages: Families with children 5+This program consists of a story, an outdoor activity, and a craft.

Mountain Biking 101October 10, 2-4:30 PM • Riley TrailsFree-of-charge; online registration requiredAges: Adults and children 10+Participants will learn basic mountain biking skills through a step-by-step process beginning on the easiest loop and completing most of the offered trail. Participants will need a hybrid or mountain bike with at least six gears and are required to wear a helmet.

Discovering Ottawa County Parks’ BiodiversityOctober 17, 1-2 PM • Hemlock Crossing Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredAfter a full year of surveying, the results are in! Come find out what birds, turtles, snakes, frogs, and wildflowers inhabit six of our coastal parklands. Parks Natural Resources Management Supervisor, Melanie Manion, will discuss what we do to protect these species and how you can help.

Invasive Species: Why should I care?October 17, 2:30-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredThis program will describe the impact of invasive species on our natural lands, explain what resources are available to private landowners, and discuss the new invaders that are at our doorstep.

Trees of the Transition ZoneOctober 18, 2-3 PM • Hemlock Crossing Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredWhat is the transition zone, and how does it influence the kinds of trees found in our forest? Enjoy the fall colors and learn about the deciduous trees that make up the forest canopy and understory on this interpretive walk.

Watercolor Basics October 25 • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterAdults & Children 12+: 9 AM-12 PM; Children Ages 9-11: 1-4PMCost: $25; online registration requiredThis watercolor workshop will include techniques for painting trees, water, and sky. Students will take a short hike for inspiration. Materials provided.

Owl ProwlOctober 30, 7-8:30 PM • Location TBDFree-of-charge; online registration requiredAges: Adults and children 7+After an introduction to the owls of Ottawa County, you’ll quietly prowl the park to encounter them first-hand.

Waterfowl Watching Field TripOctober 31, 8 AM–4 PM • Various LocationsCost varies; online registration requiredWitness the spectacle of waterfowl migration along the Lake Michigan shoreline and at other local hot spots. Details and meeting location will be emailed in advance to those registered.

All About OwlsNovember 14, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; online registration requiredAges: Adults and children 10+Whooo can name and identify all of Michigan’s owls? Describe how they hunt at night? Or say that they’ve dissected an owl pellet? Yooou will after attending this program!

Symbol of Wilderness: The LoonNovember 15, 2-3PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; no registration requiredExplore the story and voice of the loon as a symbol of wilderness and learn what makes it a unique part of our experiences with the great outdoors. Following the presentation, there will be an outdoor walk.

Terrific TurkeysNovember 21, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; no registration requiredAt one time, wild turkeys had disappeared from West Michigan, but now they are thriving, and many live here at Hemlock Crossing. We’ll head outdoors to follow the “Turkey Track Trail” to learn more about these wild birds.

For addresses and directions to the parks, visit us online: miOttawa.org/parks

Indicates preregistration required. $ Indicates fee required. Register online: miOttawa.org/OCPEvents

Recurring Fall ProgramsWarbler WalksVarious Dates & Locations, 9-11 AMFree-of-charge; no registration requiredIn the fall, warblers don’t sing and wear drabber plumages, making them more elusive and a challenge to ID, but each one is worth the effort!Sep 19: Paw Paw Park (1099 Paw Paw Dr)Sep 23: Crockery Creek Natural Area

Early SproutsVarious Dates, 10-11 AM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Earlybird Cost: $3 for registered child; online registration requiredAges: 3 ½-4 ½ years old (a caregiver must attend with each child) Explore and experience the natural world through various sensory and learning activities. Sep 24 & Oct 1: First Impressions Oct. 29 & Nov 5: Who Lives in a Tree? Oct 8 & Oct 15: Looking at Leaves Nov 12 & Nov 19: Terrific Turkeys Oct 22: Looking at Colors Dec 3 & Dec 10: Looking at Conifers

Experiencing Nature WalkVarious Dates, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; online registration requiredAges: Adults & Children 12+These walks focus on exercises to help develop personal natural awareness while “walking in the woods.” Acclimatizing exercises focus on sharpening ones senses, seeking patterns, and much more.Oct 11 Nov 8 Dec 13

Astronomy at the Nature CenterVarious Dates, 7-8:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredSep 26: Comets Nov 28: New Horizons SpacecraftOct 24: Dwarf Planets

Guest Author: Janet HasselbringVarious Dates, 2-3 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredHasselbring will read her book Ossie the Brave Hawk, and share what inspired her to write the story of raptors and bird piracy. Sep 27 Nov 1

Searching for SparrowsVarious Dates & Locations, 10 AM-12 PMFree-of-charge; online registration requiredSearch through meadows and along forest edges in hopes of flushing migrating sparrows from their hiding holes deep in the brush. Oct 7: Grand River Open SpaceOct 17: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (84th St Entrance)Oct 21: Paw Paw Park (1230 Paw Paw Dr)

Colors by KayakVarious Dates, 12:30-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterCost: $8/Cost with Kayak Rental: $34; online registration requiredAges: 13+, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Bask in the fall colors along the Pigeon River by kayak. Some kayak experience is needed. Oct 7 Oct 14 Oct 24

Recreating in the ParkVarious Dates, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredThis program is for those seeking exercise-focused recreation in the parks. The walks will be taken at a brisk pace with three short water and interpretative stops along the route. Oct 25: Pine Bend and back; approx. 3 milesNov 22 & Dec 27: Spruce Loop; approx. 2.5 miles

Hemlock Bird HikeVarious Dates, 10-12 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education CenterFree-of-charge; no registration requiredWe’ll search for the later migrants and newly arriving winter residents. Some time may be spent watching the feeders at the Nature Center as well.Nov 4 Nov 14 Nov 18

Bird Feeding 101November 28, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; online registration requiredLearn the basics of attracting birds to your backyard feeders, plus how to contend with ingenious squirrels! The presentation will be followed with a time for viewing the bird feeders at the Nature Center.

What is below your feet?November 29, 2-3 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; no registration requiredWhat lies under the surface that we walk on? Come find out on this one hour interpretive walk.

Shells of the Grand River: Past, Present, and FutureDecember 6, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; online registration requiredAges: Adults and children 11+Learn what fresh water pearls, button factories, snail bi-valves and fish have in common? Following the presentation, participants can try identifying provided specimens using key identification resources.

Pictures with SantaDecember 6, 1-4 PM • Weaver House, Pine BendFree-of-charge; online registration requiredHosted by Friends of the Ottawa County ParksBegin your holiday celebrations by taking family photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the historic Weaver House. Enjoy refreshments and capture the moment on camera as the little ones have a special talk with Santa.

Stories of Eastmanville Poor FarmDecember 13, 2-3:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing, Nature Education Center Free-of-charge; no registration requiredIn the aftermath of the Civil War, Poor Farms sprang up all over the U.S. Ottawa County’s facility housed those too young, old, sick, or poor to live independently. You might think these lives would be rather mundane, but this presentation will focus on the extraordinary life stories of select Poor Farm “inmates”. It’s a look into the past and a surprising look in the mirror.