1 | 2 - Live Birds of Prey
Live Birds of Prey April 2, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm What makes a bird of prey different from other birds? Using our collection of live birds, you will learn the life history of several species including hawks, owls and falcons. There will be a chance to get an up-close look at the birds and explore artifacts including skulls, wings, talons and feathers. Registration required Fee: $5 per person/FREE to members • | 3 - Spring for Tykes
Spring for Tykes April 3, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Have your little tyke learn about the changing seasons as winter turns to spring. Animals and birds are returning from their winter home and the ground is starting to thaw as plants are beginning to sprout. Dress for the weather as we will be going outside to explore. Registration required Free: $4 per child/FREE to members • | 4 - Walk in the Woods - Laketown Township
Walk in the Woods - Laketown Township April 4, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Visit Sanctuary Woods to explore the sights and sounds of spring. This time of year brings migrating birds, beautiful wildflowers, and active mammals. We will hike the lower loop and upper loop of this amazing dune ecosystem to see what animals and plants are ready for spring. Registration required Fee:FREE - program sponsor Laketown Twp. Program location: Sanctuary Woods, 4749 66th Street, Holland, MI • | 5 - Nature School
Nature School April 5, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The purpose of “Nature School” is to introduce the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, games, books, songs, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience. Parents are encouraged to attend with their 4 to 6 year old - though not required. Parents or guardians are asked to attend with their 3 year old to help with bathroom use and transitioning into a group learning environment. Registration required and limitedhttp://outdoordiscovery.doubleknot.com/event/nature-school-april-5/2273284 Location: Founders Hall Classroom, 4214 56th Street, Holland, MI 49423 Fee: $10 per child or $5 per child for members (per class) - Woodcock walk - CANCELLED
Woodcock walk - CANCELLED April 5, 2018 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER Explore the nature preserve with a naturalist in search of two bird species most people don’t see: American Woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe. Dress in dark clothing and be prepared to be outside the entire time. Flashlights are welcome. Meet at the Visitors Center for a brief introduction before going outside. Registration required Fee: $4 per person or FREE for members • • | 6 - Explore a Story
Explore a Story April 6, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am It's time to round up the little ones and come out to the ODC for Explore a Story! We'll be introducing kids to the outdoors through books and outdoor adventures. We'll read books, take hikes, meet animals, and have lots of fun. Dress for the weather because we'll be heading outside to see what the world has in store for us! Every session will be different, so you won't want to miss a single one. Ages: 0-6 yrs with parent Registration is not required but appreciated. Fee: $4 per child/FREE to members • | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 - Spring Beach Cleanup - Shore Acres Park
Spring Beach Cleanup - Shore Acres Park April 11, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm We're teaming up with Saugatuck Brewing Company to get the Saugatuck Dunes ready for the summer season! We'll provide you with garbage bags, rubber gloves, and a trail map - all you need to bring is your hiking boots! After your section of the trail is done, head over to SBC for beer & snacks! Everyone who participates will receive complimentary snacks at the brewery; anyone 21+ will also receive two $1.00 pint vouchers redeemable at SBC. Program location: Shore Acres Park, 6602 138th Ave. Holland, MI 49423 Registration not required but appreciated Fee: FREE - program sponsor Saugatuck Brewing Company • | 12 | 13 - Volunteer Club (VoleS)
Volunteer Club (VoleS) April 13, 2018 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm “VoLes” (Volunteer League) Club for Teens Middle and High School age students looking for volunteer hours, or who are interested in learning more about the work and mission of the Outdoor Discovery Center, are encouraged to join the new “VoLes” Volunteer League! This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with a staff member on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks. We will spend time caring for our captive wildlife, improving the nature preserve by removing invasive species and installing native plants, and a number of other activities that further our goal of connecting people with nature. Registration required VoLes Club Meetings are scheduled for one Friday afternoon and one Saturday morning of each month. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation required to sign up. There is no fee for this activity, however a signed Behavior Guidelines Agreement and Photo/Liability Release Form are required. - Woodcock Walk - Jamie
Woodcock Walk - Jamie April 13, 2018 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Explore the nature preserve with a naturalist in search of two bird species most people don’t see: American Woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe. Dress in dark clothing and be prepared to be outside the entire time. Flashlights are welcome. Meet at the Visitors Center for a brief introduction before going outside. Registration required Fee: $4 per person or FREE for members • • | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 - Nature School
Nature School April 19, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm The purpose of “Nature School” is to introduce the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, games, books, songs, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience. Parents are encouraged to attend with their 4 to 6 year old - though not required. Parents or guardians are asked to attend with their 3 year old to help with bathroom use and transitioning into a group learning environment. Registration required and limited Location: Founders Hall Classroom, 4214 56th Street, Holland, MI 49423 Fee: $10 per child or $5 per child for members (per class) • | 20 - Conservation Work Day
Conservation Work Day April 20, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm As a part of our ongoing maintenance and management, we offer a number of volunteer opportunities to help maintain these properties. These volunteer opportunities are open to the public, registration for each work day is appreciated. We actively manage our restored 155 acre nature preserve in Fillmore Township (Holland) in addition to properties along the Macatawa River Greenway (Holland area) and the Rabbit River in Heath Township (Hamilton). We appreciate the community volunteers provide time and energy and know their help is crucial to successful habitat management. In volunteering with the us, a person will gain valuable work experience related to conservation and ecological restoration. Volunteers will get hands on experience with practical aspects of natural resource management including plant identification and best management practices for working with native flora and common Midwest invasive species. Depending on the task at hand, volunteers may find themselves cutting and removing invasive species, planting seeds or trees, or assisting with chemical or biological control of problematic species. We are looking for motivated, hardworking individuals to further our mission to connect people with nature. This work day's objective: pulling invasive species! Program Location: Rabbit River Preserve, 4401 135th Ave. Hamilton, MI Register Today! • | 21 - Early Birds Hike - Park Township
Early Birds Hike - Park Township April 21, 2018 @ 7:30 am - 9:00 am Wake up with the birds as you hike the trails with a naturalist in search of spring migrants like warblers, vireos, flycatchers and shorebirds. Binoculars and field guides are available for loan. Meet at the Ottawa Beach Road parking lot. Registration required Fee: FREE Program Location: Stu Visser Trails, 923 Ottawa Beach Rd. Holland, MI Program Sponsor: Park Township • |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 - Birds & Brews
Birds & Brews April 26, 2018 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Join the ODC and Saugatuck Brewing Company as we pair specialty beers with a live birds of prey show. The birds of prey at the center will be out for you to get a close up view and learn some cool facts about them in the process. Dress appropriately this event will be held on SBC's patio, unless it is raining or snowing. Get up close and personal with the raptors of the Outdoor Discovery Center on the Patio at SBC on Thursday, April 26th at 6:30 pm. The second annual Live Birds of Prey & Beer Show with the Outdoor Discovery Center & SBC. We’ll see and learn about 5 different Birds of Prey and “pair” each bird’s personality with the characteristics of one of SBC’s beers. Each round includes a 5 oz sample of SBC beer. You will also receive a welcome pint of one of SBC’s staples on your way in, just to get you comfortable while you wait for the show to start. Featured Beers: Blueberry Lemonade Shandy, Bonfire Brown, Singapore IPA, The Ghost of Neapolitan, Barrel Aged Old Ale Featured Birds: Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Barn Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Golden Eagle Tickets are $30.00/person ($25.00 for Pint Club Members) and include the live Birds of Prey show, a welcome pint & 5 rounds of pairing. You MUST be 21 or older to attend this event, IDs will be required. Program location - Saugatuck Brewing Company Registration required Although this event is hosted at SBC, 100% of net proceeds from this event will be donated to the Outdoor Discovery Center and will go toward further education on and treatment of our local water sources. Always remember, without clean water, we can’t make great beer. • | 27 | 28 - Macatawa River Clean-up
Macatawa River Clean-up April 28, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Help clean the Macatawa River. Depending on the group size, there may be a crew on the shores of the lake and another in kayaks in the river. Anyone under 16 years old must be with an adult. All boats, paddles and life vests will be provided. Meet at the lower parking lot near the boat launch. Registration required Fee: FREE Program Sponsor: Macatawa Watershed Project • |
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