The Christmas Bird Count is in its 119th year and is the longest running citizen science project on the planet. Help staff of the ODC Network tally all the birds in the Holland count circle. No experience is required other than a willingness to be outside! Meet at 8 am at the DeGraaf Nature Center for a briefing before going out into the field in teams. Binoculars are available for lending.

Registration required

Fee: none

Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, 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

Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members

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.

No registration necessary. Seats are on a first come, first serve basis.

Fee: $5 per person, FREE for members

Do you enjoy cooking and baking? Do you also enjoy birds visiting your backyard? In this class you will make 3 easy recipes using natural ingredients that your backyard birds will love during the cold winter months. Each participant will also receive two additional recipes to try at home.

12 in attendance ( 14 registered)
Ages: 8-adult

Registration required

Fee: $10 per person, $5 for members

It’s time to round up the little ones and come out to the DeGraaf Nature Center for Explore a Story!

We’ll be introducing kids to the outdoors through books and outdoor adventures. We’ll read stories, take hikes, meet animals, and have lots of fun. Dress for the weather because we’ll be heading outside to experience the nature around us!

No registration necessary

Fee: $5 per child, FREE for members

Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, 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.

# of kids - 7   # of Adults - 7  
Registration required

Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members

Bring out your little tykes to learn more about nature. In each program, you and your little tyke will have the opportunity to explore together. This winter we will be learning about hibernation, tracks & scat, and what insects do in the winter! Please dress for the weather.

Registration required

Fee: $5 per child, FREE for members

Dec - Hibernation
Jan - Tracks and Scat
Feb - Insects in Winter

Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, 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

Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members

Explore Holland's waterways in search of birds. The group will start at Holland State Park and move inland from there with stops along Lake Macatawa or surrounding waterways and parks. Dress for the weather and be prepared to be outside! Binoculars will be available for loan.

Registration is closed for this program

Fee: $6 per person, Free for members

Program starting location: Holland State Park 2398 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424

Learn to depict a snow covered forest scene using a step by step process using acrylic paints. No prior experience is needed to create a 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas. Naturalist and artist, Nancy Berg, will lead you through this creative process. All materials are provided. Instruction is designed for ages 12 to adult. 

There were 5 participants registered. 

Registration is required

Fee: $30 per person

Learn how to start and build a fire using several different techniques. We will try a hand drill, bow drill, flint and steel and other methods to start our fires. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Please meet at our Cultural History Classroom - 5675 142nd Ave. Holland, MI.

Registration is closed for this program

Fee: $6 per person, $3 for members

Program Location: 5675 142nd Ave. Holland, MI

Have you ever wondered what snakes eat? Snakes are carnivores and only eat other animals. They are definitely not vegetarians! Come to the Visitors Center to find out what's on the menu as you watch our resident serpents enjoy a meal.

No registration required

Fee: FREE

Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, 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

Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members