summer 2013 newsletter - ottawa county, michigan · opportunities this summer, geared for children...

PR

SR

T S

TD

U.S

. PO

ST

AG

E P

AID

GR

AN

D H

AV

EN

MI

PE

RM

IT N

O.

335

The activities and programs of this department are brought to you by the members of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.

Jim Holtrop, Chair Joe Baumann, Vice Chair

Roger Bergman Allen Dannenberg

Greg DeJong Donald Disselkoen

Matthew Fenske James Holtvluwer

Philip Kuyers Dennis Van Dam

Stu Visser

Bobbi J. Sabine, President

David VanGinhoven, Vice President Philip Kuyers,

Secretary

Joe Bush

Tom Elhart James Holtvluwer Roger E. Jonas Jim Miedema Ray Statema

Tom Werkman

Get Hooked on Fishing! Join Friends of Ottawa County Parks for three fishing opportunities this summer, geared for children and families. Experienced anglers, extra poles, and free bait will be available to help the newcomers get started. Don’t forget the camera!

June 20, 6PM-8PM, Grose Park. Includes a picnic and nature walk.

July 27, 9AM-NOON, Grand River Park at the pond. August 22, 6PM-8PM, Black Lake Board Walk West.

Directions to sites are inside this newsletter. Fishing licenses are required for those 17 and older.

Sum

mer

201

3 OO utdoorsutdoors ttawa Countyttawa County

The quarterly newsletter of the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission

Ott

awa

Coun

ty P

arks

&

Rec

reat

ion

Com

mis

sion

12

220

Fillm

ore

Stre

et

Wes

t O

live,

Mic

higa

n 4

9460

Sign up to receive this newsletter by email at [email protected]. You can also request our weekly Nature E-News. Main Office: 616-738-4810 Nature Education Center: 616-786-4847 [email protected] www.miOttawa.org/parks www.facebook.com/OttawaCountyParks

Land Stewardship in Our Neighborhood Managing the natural features within Ottawa County parks and open spaces is a considerable endeavor, especially with the constant introduction of invasive species. Successful management programs work cooperatively across property boundaries. This spring, the Friends of Ottawa County Parks invited the neighbors of Kirk Park and Rosy Mound Natural Area to learn what Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is doing to steward our lands. Neighbors learned how they could help, while benefiting their own properties. Thank you, Friends, for thinking of this great idea and helping care for our parks!

Connecting with Community The Ottawa County Parks, Friends of Ottawa County Parks, and Adopt-A-Park volunteers were featured on Wood TV’s Connecting with Community segment. View the video at woodtv.com or on the Ottawa County Parks Facebook page.

County Volunteers Recognized The Michigan Recreation and Park Association selected the Grand River Greenway Committee as the recipient of its Community Service Award. Under the direction of local resident, Marjie Viveen, the committee logged more than 4,000 hours of community service last year! The group spear-headed a yearlong project to bring new visitors to Ottawa County parks and to introduce lessor known parks to the community, especially those along the Grand River Greenway. Congratulations to the entire committee! To learn more about volunteering for Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, visit miOttawa.org/parks or call Melanie Manion at 616-738-4811.

Photo: Gull at Rosy Mound Natural Area by Tom Post

Outdoor Appeal for the Weaver House The demand for weddings and other outdoor events at Pine Bend County Park’s Weaver House is driving a summer 2013 project. This already spectacular site will be upgraded to create picturesque grounds for outdoor functions. A charming, historic cottage will be renovated and a stage with a trellis will be added as a focal point in the landscape design. Lawn improvements will provide an attractive area for chairs and tents, while terraced gardens and rock retaining walls will provide scenic backdrops for the outdoor activities. The Tri-Cities Garden Club has volunteered to assist in designing and planting the gardens.

Two Miles. One Milestone. Ottawa County Parks and the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway, along with many other partners, are determined to protect and restore key blocks of natural and recreational lands in the river corridor and link the properties with a trail. The group made headway, acquiring and restoring greenway lands at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area, the former Holland Country Club, Poppen Woods and other sites. Despite progress with land acquisition, the partners have been increasingly eager to see progress on the Macatawa Greenway Trail. The first section of greenway trail, approximately one-half mile, was built in 2003 at the Holland Harbor Dredge Disposal site on Lakewood Boulevard in Holland Township. Another half mile of trail was built at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area in 2007. The project on the drawing board for the fall of 2013 is bound to get the attention of cyclists and other trail enthusiasts. Plans call for two critically important miles of trail that will wind through the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. These two miles will connect the Frederik Meijer Kenowa Trail to the bike path on Adams Street, linking the City of Holland to the Kent County line. Cost of the new section of trail is estimated at $1,543,000 with funding from the federal transportation enhancement program through the Michigan Department of Transportation ($671,500) and the county parks millage ($871,500). The scenic Macatawa Greenway Trail will follow the edge of the expansive complex of wetlands as it runs south from Byron Road. It will then gain elevation as it winds across wooded ravines of the Upper Macatawa Natural Area and through the restored prairie. Next, it will connect to the existing half mile of path which leads to the 84th Avenue parking area. From there, the trail will pass over the Macatawa River, across 84th Avenue, along the high riverbank, through floodplain forest, and out to the Adams Street bike path. Riders heading west will be able to take the Adams Street bike path through Holland Township into the City of Holland by crossing the recently completed pedestrian bridge over I-196.

Dog Days of Summer Dog lovers will delight in the new off leash beach this summer. The southernmost 600 feet of Lake Michigan beach at Kirk County Park is now designated as “off leash” so pets are free to swim, play on the beach, or take in some sun with their owners. The beach area will be accessible from the trail system via the south beach stairs. Please see the rules and tips to keep everyone safe. To learn more about our numerous dog friendly parks, visit miOttawa.org/parks.

Dog Rules & Tips Keep your dog on a leash while on the trails or in parking lots.

Only the dog beach area is designated as off leash. Leave no trace of your dog. Clean up and dispose of pet waste

immediately. Maintain voice control of your dog. Dogs displaying vicious or aggressive behavior will be asked to

leave. Pets are not permitted in buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters,

or playgrounds. If your dog is acting vicious or not heeding your commands,

come back another day. Even good dogs have bad days.

Friends of Ottawa County Parks is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature, recreation, and community by partnering with Ottawa County Parks. Learn

more and find out how you can join at www.friendsofocp.org.

Pictured left to right: Marjie Viveen, Melanie Manion, and John Scholtz

Spotted Knapweed, an invasive specie which spreads rapidly and is

poisonous to other plants.

Save the Date: June 27, 4PM Macatawa Greenspace Dedication Purchased in 2010, this property is complete including a restored wetland, a disc golf course, trails, a picnic area, scenic overlooks, and more. Learn how this site, formerly the Holland Country Club, has been transformed into a Park for both people and wildlife to enjoy. This evening will be packed with fun for the entire family!

Summer 2013 Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13 June 14 June 15

Nature Buds

Hemlock Crossing 10AM

Young Discoverers Hemlock Crossing

10AM

Nesting Birds Location TBA

7AM

Invasive Bullies Hemlock Crossing

2PM


Detective Camp Hemlock Crossing

9:30AM TODAY-THURS

Nature Buds Hemlock Crossing

10AM


10AM Friends Fishing Grose Park 6PM

Beach Zone Kirk Park

10AM

Hike North Ottawa Dunes

8:30AM


Detective Camp Hemlock Crossing

9:30AM TODAY-THURS

Nature Buds Hemlock Crossing

10AM


10AM Macatawa Greenspace

Dedication 4PM

Indian Pipe

Hemlock Crossing 2PM

June 20 July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 5 July 6

Nature Buds


Hummingbirds


July 7 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 11 July 12 July 13

Nature Buds


Focus Camp Hemlock Crossing

10AM


10AM

Success Outdoors Hemlock Crossing

3PM Campsite Cooking

Pigeon Creek 5:30PM Astronomy



Nature Buds



10AM


10AM


10AM

Very Pine Plan Hemlock Crossing

2PM


Nature Buds



10AM

Friends Fishing Grand River Park

9AM Songs of Summer Hemlock Crossing

2PM Camping Weekend

Pigeon Creek 12PM

July 28 July 29 July 30 July 31 August 1 August 2 August 3

Nature Buds



10AM

Serpents of the Sand Hemlock Crossing

2PM

August 4 August 5 August 6 August 7 August 8 August 9 August 10

Nature Buds



10AM


10AM


10AM

Macatawa Greenspace Hike

9:30AM Astronomy

Hemlock Crossing 8:30PM


Nature Buds



10AM

Upper Macatawa Natural Area Hike

9AM


Focus Camp


Friends Fishing Black Lake West

6PM

Kayak Trip Hemlock Crossing

9:30AM


Dragons in the Sky Hemlock Crossing

2PM

September 3 September 4 September 5 September 6 September 7

Shorebirds

Hemlock Crossing 7:30AM

Kayak Trip Hemlock Crossing

12:30PM

Summer 2013 Programs

Preregistration or fees are required for some programs ● See the descriptions below for details ● Call 616-786-4847 to register Guide Key: KH = Kristin Hintz CD = Curtis Dykstra

Black Lake Boardwalk West (Park Twp) On Black Lake Avenue just

off Ottawa Beach Road near the Coast Guard Station. Grand River Park (Georgetown Twp) From the intersection of Fill-

more and 28th, travel north on 28th to park entrance. Grose Park (Chester Twp) Take Hoover to 24th then travel south to

park. Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center (Port Sheldon Twp)

From US-31, travel west on Croswell to West Olive Road. Travel south on West Olive Road along the train tracks to park entrance.

Kirk Park (Grand Haven Twp) On Lakeshore Avenue about two miles

south of M-45. Macatawa Greenspace (City of Holland) On Paw Paw Drive east of

112th. Pigeon Creek Park (Olive Twp) On Stanton between 128th and

120th. Upper Macatawa Natural Area (Zeeland Twp) On 76th south of Byron

Road.

Indicates preregistration or fee required. Please see the description for complete details. Call 616-786-4847 to register. For updates and

added programs, like us on Facebook.

Directions:

Nature Buds: Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. This hour of explorative activities is designed for curious 3 to 4 year old children and their parents. There is a $3 fee per session and preregistration is re-quired two weeks in advance. Upon the morning session filling, an after-noon session will be added. ● June 11, 10AM ● July 16, 10AM ● June 18, 10AM ● July 23, 10AM ● June 25, 10AM ● July 30, 10AM ● July 2, 10AM ● August 6, 10AM ● July 9, 10AM ● August 13, 10AM Young Discoverers: Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. This fun filled hour of exploration and games is for active children who are entering kindergarten through second grade. There is a $3 fee per ses-sion and preregistration is required two weeks in advance. Upon the morning session filling, an afternoon session will be added. Parents may choose to take a walk while children participate. ● June 13, 10AM ● July 25, 10AM ● June 20, 10AM ● August 1, 10AM ● June 27, 10AM ● August 8, 10AM ● July 11, 10AM ● August 15, 10AM ● July 18, 10AM Wetland Detective Camp: Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. This week-long camp is for youngsters entering 6th through 9th grades. The camp’s focus is about living creatures, plus the importance of wet-lands, rivers, and bayous. Throughout the week, campers will explore these different environments. Guaranteed outdoor experiences include fishing, bird watching, and getting dirty, of course. There is a fee of $30 and preregistration is required one week in advance. A detailed letter will be sent after you register. ● Session 1: June 17-June 20, 9:30AM-4PM ● Session 2: June 24-June 27, 9:30AM-4PM Focus Camps: Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. Children entering 3rd through 5th grades are bound to have fun at these day camps. Activities, which will vary from session to session, include bird-ing, outdoor survival skills, grassland explorations, and much more. There is a $10 fee per session and preregistration is required two weeks in advance. A detailed letter will be sent after you register. Campers must bring a lunch and wear appropriate clothing for the day. ● July 10, 10AM-2PM ● August 7, 10AM-2PM ● July 17, 10AM-2PM ● August 21, 10AM-2PM Astronomy Programs & Sky Viewings: Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. These sky viewings are conducted by the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association. (Weather permitting-Cancelled in rain or overcast.) Telescopes will be provided or you may bring your own. Bring a lawn chair, binoculars-if you have them, and dress to be outside. Programs are for adults and older children. ● June 8, 9PM-10:30PM ● July 13, 9PM-10:30PM ● August 10, 8:30PM-10:30PM Nesting Birds Field Trip: June 14, 7AM-4PM. Migrant birds have passed and the resident nesters have settled in. Join this day long field trip visiting several local hot spots to identify a variety of notable breeding songbirds, raptors, and water birds. There is no fee; however, preregis-tration is required. A detailed letter, including the meeting location, will be sent after you register. CD Invasive Bullies: June 15, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Edu-cation Center. What happens when a plant or animal is moved from its native homeland to a new territory? What makes it an invasive bully? Learn more how plant bullies affect natural plant communities, how to identify these bullies, and what can be done to stop them. KH North Ottawa Dunes Hike: June 22, 8:30AM-1PM. Hike several miles into remote areas of this beautiful park. Bring your hiking boots, water, binocu-lars, curiosity, and sense of adventure! There is no fee; however, preregistration is required. The meeting location will be confirmed after you register. CD

Indian Pipe-Ghost Plant of the Forest: June 29, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. Indian Pipe, also known as ghost plant, belongs to a small group of plants that do not make their food through photosynthesis. Discover what makes Indian Pipe and similar plants so unique as we look for them in the forest. KH In Tune With Hummingbirds: July 6, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. The vivacity of hummingbirds fascinates us. Learn more about how these tiny birds earn their keep in a such a big world and how you can attract them to your own yard. Followed by a hike, weather permitting. CD A Very Pine Plan: July 20, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. Hike through the pine forests of Hemlock Crossing and discover how human influences have negatively altered them and what Ottawa County has done to restore them. CD Songs of Summer: July 27, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. Cicadas, Crickets, and Katydids! How can you tell the difference between their songs? Learn about these unique insects and their songs as we explore their habitat. KH Serpents of the Sand: August 3, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. Eastern Hognose Snakes make a living in the open, sandy forests of Michigan. Reveal what makes this snake unusual and identify many of the other snakes that call West Michigan home. To conclude, join the naturalist for a hike to search for some. CD Beach Zone at Kirk Park: Everyone enjoys a day at the beach. Parks staff will have a tent canopy set up on the beach at Kirk Park where kids and adults can participate in a variety of activities. Adults must supervise their chil-dren during these activities. There are no program fees, however, there is a parking fee. Cancelled in rain or high winds. ● June 21, 10AM-2PM ● July 19, 10AM-2PM ● August 9, 10AM-2PM Macatawa Greenspace Hike: August 10, 9:30AM-11:30AM, Macatawa Greenspace. This park, formerly the Holland Country Club, had a big makeover this past year. Sixty-two acres of golf turf grass lying within the 100 year floodplain was converted to a wetland and na-tive habitat. Explore the environment along the Macatawa River and learn how this restoration influences the Macatawa watershed. Bring your hiking boots, water, and binoculars. KH Upper Macatawa Natural Area Hike: August 17, 9AM-12PM, Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Explore the various habitats along the trails of this greenway on the Macatawa River. Bring your hiking boots, water, binoculars, guides , curiosity, and sense of adventure! Meet at the 84th Street entrance. CD Dragons in the Sky: August 31, 2PM-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center. Dragons are not merely mythical creatures, but still actively hunt both water and skies. Lucky for park visitors, they are six-legged, spineless dragonflies. Learn about the dual lives of dragonflies and observe their behavior first hand as we attempt to catch and identify some of the local species. CD (Photo by Ed Post.) Shorebirds Field Trip: September 6, 7:30AM-4PM, Hemlock Cross-ing-Nature Education Center. Shorebirds are on their way south for the winter. Intercept and identify a variety of them on this day-long field trip to several sites in the area. There is no fee; however, preregistration is required. CD Pigeon River Kayak Trips: These 3.5-mile kayak tours begin at Hem-lock Crossing and end at Sheldon Landing. Return transportation to Hemlock Crossing is via carpool. Each trip includes a basic kayaking lesson. No experience is needed. The fee is $35 per person and in-cludes a kayak, paddle, and life jacket. There is limited space for those bringing their own kayak at $15 per person. Preregistration is required. A detailed letter will be sent after you register. KH ● August 24, 9:30AM-1:30PM ● September 7, 12:30PM-4:30PM First Time Camper Series: Have you ever wanted to camp but just didn’t know where to start or what to bring? This “Camping 101” series will give you some solid camping wisdom mixed with practical experienc-es so you can go out on your own in the future. Preregistration is re-quired and space is limited to 20 people. You must attend all programs in the series to participate in the overnight camping weekend in July. A letter with details will be given out at the first session. KH ● Preparing for a Successful Outdoor Experience: July 13, 3-

4:30PM, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center ● Campsite Cooking: July 13, 5:30PM-7:30PM, Pigeon Creek Park

Group Campsite ● Camping Weekend: July 27, 12PM thru July 28, 12PM, Pigeon Creek

Park Group Campsite

Meet Curtis Dykstra, Parks Naturalist Curtis graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa with a degree in Environ-mental Studies. Since then, he has gained over 13 years of experience as an educator and naturalist. Curtis has been a teacher, a State Park Ranger in eastern North Carolina, and Assistant Director of Outdoor Educa-tion at Camp Roger in Rockford, Michigan. He strives to connect people to the out-doors in practical and enjoyable ways. Curtis is an avid birder and delights to share this passion with others.

Visit miOttawa.org/parks to learn more about Ottawa County’s 6,400 acres of parks and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements and programs are funded by various grants and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you pay $24 annually investing in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you.

summer 2013 newsletter - ottawa county, michigan · opportunities this summer, geared for children...

Documents