Home Page - Outdoor Discovery Center

Calendar of Events

	August 2020
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
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2	3 Critter Catchers (at ODC) Critter Catchers (at ODC) August 3, 2020 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Our captive education animals are hungry! Learn what they like to eat then head out on the trails to catch their prey. Bring your catch back to the center and help a naturalist feed the reptiles and amphibians. Nets and other materials for capturing animals will be provided. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per child, $4 for members •	4 CANCELLED ODC Olympics Camp - 10-12 Yr Old Session (at ODC) CANCELLED ODC Olympics Camp - 10-12 Yr Old Session (at ODC) August 4, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare. Registration Required Ages: 10-12 yrs old Location: Outdoor Discovery Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members ODC Olympics - 7-9 Yr Old Session (at ODC) ODC Olympics - 7-9 Yr Old Session (at ODC) August 4, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare. Registration Required Ages: 7-9 yrs old Location: Outdoor Discovery Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members Explore a Story (at DeGraaf) Explore a Story (at DeGraaf) August 4, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am 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! Registration required. A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per child, $4 for members Yuckology - Session 2 (at DeGraaf) Yuckology - Session 2 (at DeGraaf) August 4, 2020 @ 9:15 am - 11:45 am Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, 'yucky' things animals do to survive. Throughout the week your little one will sift through the mud, dissect an owl pellet, and play a variety of games that teach them about why animals do the icky things they do. Registration Required Ages: 4-6 yrs old Location: DeGraaf Nature Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members • • • •	5 Scavenger Hunt at ODC - hosted by Back to Health Chiropractic Scavenger Hunt at ODC - hosted by Back to Health Chiropractic August 5, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Back to Health Chiropractic is excited to be hosting another FUN, SOCIALLY SAFE OUTDOOR Scavenger Hunt at ODC! Looking for a fun outdoor activity to do with the kiddos?! August 5 from 9-12pm come to ODC!! BTH will have an outdoor booth with prepackaged Delicious Local Refreshments and Goodie Bags & Scavenger Hunt Maps! Callie, BTH Practice Representative, will be Offering Complimentary TOUCHLESS VIRTUAL Health Screenings with a Free BTH T- Shirt to anyone who Health screens! Completed Scavenger Hunt Maps can be dropped off to ODC Visitors Center. One Map will be randomly chosen to WIN AN INCREDIBLE Picnic Gift Basket full of summer fun and BTH Swag!!! Winner will be announced on BTH Facebook Looking forward to seeing you WEDNESDAY, August 5th🙌 Fee: Free Program Location: 4214 56th Street, Holland, MI 49423 CANCELLED ODC Olympics Camp - 10-12 Yr Old Session (at ODC) CANCELLED ODC Olympics Camp - 10-12 Yr Old Session (at ODC) August 5, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare. Registration Required Ages: 10-12 yrs old Location: Outdoor Discovery Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members ODC Olympics - 7-9 Yr Old Session (at ODC) ODC Olympics - 7-9 Yr Old Session (at ODC) August 5, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare. Registration Required Ages: 7-9 yrs old Location: Outdoor Discovery Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members Yuckology - Session 2 (at DeGraaf) Yuckology - Session 2 (at DeGraaf) August 5, 2020 @ 9:15 am - 11:45 am Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, 'yucky' things animals do to survive. Throughout the week your little one will sift through the mud, dissect an owl pellet, and play a variety of games that teach them about why animals do the icky things they do. Registration Required Ages: 4-6 yrs old Location: DeGraaf Nature Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members • • • •	6 CANCELLED ODC Olympics Camp - 10-12 Yr Old Session (at ODC) CANCELLED ODC Olympics Camp - 10-12 Yr Old Session (at ODC) August 6, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELLED White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare. Registration Required Ages: 10-12 yrs old Location: Outdoor Discovery Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members ODC Olympics - 7-9 Yr Old Session (at ODC) ODC Olympics - 7-9 Yr Old Session (at ODC) August 6, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm White-tailed Deer high jump, Leopard Frog long jump, and an animal-themed obstacle course are just some of the activities planned for the ODC Olympics! This camp is great for your active camper, or one who wants to know which animals hold the record for the longest jump, fastest speed, or other feats. Campers will get to learn about some of these record-holding animals and see how they compare. Registration Required Ages: 7-9 yrs old Location: Outdoor Discovery Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members Yuckology - Session 2 (at DeGraaf) Yuckology - Session 2 (at DeGraaf) August 6, 2020 @ 9:15 am - 11:45 am Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, 'yucky' things animals do to survive. Throughout the week your little one will sift through the mud, dissect an owl pellet, and play a variety of games that teach them about why animals do the icky things they do. Registration Required Ages: 4-6 yrs old Location: DeGraaf Nature Center Fee: $60 Non-Members, 25% off for Members • • •	7 Knee-high Naturalists (at DeGraaf) Knee-high Naturalists (at DeGraaf) August 7, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 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 A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members Banquet for the Birds (at ODC) Banquet for the Birds (at ODC) August 7, 2020 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Stop by the De Witt Birds of Prey Center during this open house style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident raptors. You will learn about the habitats these birds live in, some of their amazing adaptations, and what they love to eat. You can bring a snack for yourself too! Plan on a 10 minute walk from the Main Entrance to the De Witt Birds of Prey Center. No registration necessary A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC) VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC) August 7, 2020 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes) is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with ODC Network staff on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks at the ODC and DeGraaf Nature Center. Past projects have included removing invasive species, cleaning up animal enclosures, and adding nature play features. It’s also a great way to earn those community service volunteer hours! VoLes club meetings are generally one Friday and one Saturday of each month; for a total of six meetings per session. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation is required to sign up. There is no fee for this activity, however a signed photo/liability release form are required with registration. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE Schedule available at http://outdoordiscovery.org/voles/ Summer Session 2020 meetings: Friday June 12, 2-4 pm Friday June 26, 10am-12pm Saturday July 11, 12-1:30pm (Waterfest at Windmill Island) Friday July 24, 2:30-4:30pm Friday, August 7 2-4 pm Saturday August 22, 12-2 pm • • •	8 Family Kayaking (at New Richmond Bridge Park) Family Kayaking (at New Richmond Bridge Park) August 8, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Paddle the Kalamazoo River with naturalists from the ODC Network. Kayaks, paddles, and vests are provided. The group will launch from the New Richmond Bridge Park (north entrance) and paddle up river into some marshy areas and forested river sections. Then we will turn around and paddle back to the park. This river has a slow current making this an ideal paddle for an inexperienced paddler or someone looking for a relaxed paddle. Registration required - boats limited A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE - program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation Program location: New Richmond Bridge Park (north entrance) - 3160 Old Allegan Rd. Fennville, MI Up Close & Wild @ Modales Winery Up Close & Wild @ Modales Winery August 8, 2020 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm On August 8th, head to Modales Winery to see our Live Birds of Prey! A percent of the proceeds will be donated to the ODC Network. • •
9	10 Picnic on the Playground (at Little Hawks Discovery Preschool) Picnic on the Playground (at Little Hawks Discovery Preschool) August 10, 2020 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Meet us at our Little Hawks Discovery Preschool to have some great fun on our playground. Each playgroup will be led by a Little Hawks teacher with fun activities for your little one and lots of fun playtime on our natural playscapes. Bring a picnic lunch for after playtime if you’d like. No registration necessary A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per child, $4 for members Program Location: Little Hawks Discovery Preschool, 5678 143rd Ave, Holland, MI Hungry, Hungry Serpents (at ODC) Hungry, Hungry Serpents (at ODC) August 10, 2020 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm 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 necessary. A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per person, $4 for members • •	11	12 Nature for Tykes - Meadows (at ODC) Nature for Tykes - Meadows (at ODC) August 12, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am 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 summer we will be learning about turtles, flowers, and meadows! Please dress for the weather. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per child, $4 for members •	13 Women in Nature - Nature Photography (at DeGraaf) Women in Nature - Nature Photography (at DeGraaf) August 13, 2020 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Women in Nature is a program series designed to motivate women to be more healthy, active and passionate about the natural world surrounding them. Lean how to take your best outdoor photos in this basic introductory class. We will give tips on lighting, composition, aperture, and shutter speed. Bring your camera (point and shoot and SLR cameras welcome) and be ready to practice! Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per person •	14 Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC) Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC) August 14, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 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 A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members Friday Fishing (at ODC) Friday Fishing (at ODC) August 14, 2020 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Come out and try to hook a big one on our fishing pond. Our naturlists will give a brief lesson on fishing and provide all the materials. We will have bamboo and casting poles for people of all ages. This is a catch and release program. Please wear sturdy shoes to be able to walk around the pond. No registration required. A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per pole, $4 for members • •	15
16	17 Picnic on the Playground (at Little Hawks Discovery Preschool) Picnic on the Playground (at Little Hawks Discovery Preschool) August 17, 2020 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Meet us at our Little Hawks Discovery Preschool to have some great fun on our playground. Each playgroup will be led by a Little Hawks teacher with fun activities for your little one and lots of fun playtime on our natural playscapes. Bring a picnic lunch for after playtime if you’d like. No registration necessary A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $6 per child, $4 for members Program Location: Little Hawks Discovery Preschool, 5678 143rd Ave, Holland, MI •	18 Archery Night (at ODC) Archery Night (at ODC) August 18, 2020 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Hey grown-ups, don't you want to shoot at a duck-billed dinosaur? Well then, come on out to the ODC for your chance to learn or hone your archery skills. We will provide all of the equipment. (Sorry, no outside bows.) This program is for 16 yrs old and up. We will be meeting at the archery range off of 142nd ave. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $12 per person, $9 for members Program Location: Meet at the ODC Archery Range - 5675 142nd Ave Holland, MI •	19	20 Women in Nature - Biking (at Upper Macatawa Natural Area) Women in Nature - Biking (at Upper Macatawa Natural Area) August 20, 2020 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Women in Nature is a program series designed to motivate women to be more healthy, active and passionate about the natural world surrounding them. In order to do so we are offering various program experiences. For this program, we are partnering with Velo City Cycles and will meet at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. There is an option for a guided 6 mile mountain bike ride or a self-guided 8 mile road ride (bike path and road). Meet at the 84th Avenue parking lot. Helmet and bike required. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE - Program sponsored by Velo City Cycles Program Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area, 1300 84th Avenue, Zeeland, MI •	21 Knee-high Naturalists (at DeGraaf) Knee-high Naturalists (at DeGraaf) August 21, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 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 A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members Banquet for the Birds (at ODC) Banquet for the Birds (at ODC) August 21, 2020 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Stop by the De Witt Birds of Prey Center during this open house style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident raptors. You will learn about the habitats these birds live in, some of their amazing adaptations, and what they love to eat. You can bring a snack for yourself too! Plan on a 10 minute walk from the Main Entrance to the De Witt Birds of Prey Center. No registration necessary A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE • •	22 River Encounter (at Window on the Waterfront) River Encounter (at Window on the Waterfront) August 22, 2020 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am These fun, family-friendly kayak paddles will have the group finding local wildlife, floodplain plant species, and learning about what makes our watershed unique. You will also learn about our Macatawa River Greenway project and what efforts are being taken to protect the Macatawa River and Watershed. River Encounters launch from Window on the Waterfront in Holland. Meet at the parking lot at 20 S. River Avenue. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $25 single kayak, $35 double kayak, 25% discount for members Program location: 20 S River Ave., Holland, MI 49424 VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC) VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC) August 22, 2020 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes) is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with ODC Network staff on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks at the ODC and DeGraaf Nature Center. Past projects have included removing invasive species, cleaning up animal enclosures, and adding nature play features. It’s also a great way to earn those community service volunteer hours! VoLes club meetings are generally one Friday and one Saturday of each month; for a total of six meetings per session. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation is required to sign up. There is no fee for this activity, however a signed photo/liability release form are required with registration. Registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE Schedule available at http://outdoordiscovery.org/voles/ Summer Session 2020 meetings: Friday June 12, 2-4 pm Friday June 26, 10am-12pm Saturday July 11, 12-1:30pm (Waterfest at Windmill Island) Friday July 24, 2:30-4:30pm Friday, August 7 2-4 pm Saturday August 22, 12-2 pm • •
23	24 Knee-deep in a Wetland (at Farview Park) Knee-deep in a Wetland (at Farview Park) August 24, 2020 @ 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Families are invited to meet a naturalist at Farview Park in search of amphibians, insects and other aquatic life. All collection tubs and dip nets will be provided. Old shoes or boots that can go into the water are recommended. No sandals or bare feet please. No registration required A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: FREE - program sponsor Laketown Township Program Location: Farview Park 6257 138th Ave, Holland, MI •	25	26	27	28 Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC) Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC) August 28, 2020 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 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 A health screening form must be completed before the program and based upon the results, may or may not permit participation. Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members •	29
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Visitors Center Open

The Visitors Center is open from 11 AM-3 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. The trails remain open from sunrise to sunset.

Hand sanitizing/hand washing stations will be available during open hours and the building’s common surfaces will be cleaned regularly. Restroom access may not be available when the Visitors Center is closed.

If you plan on attending a community program, please note the following:

We will provide hand sanitizer or hand washing stations for programs
Anyone over the age of 6 must wear a face covering while indoors
Please practice physical distancing to the best of your ability during the program
Cleaning protocols will be in place before, during, and after programs
All participants will be required to fill out a health screening form when arriving at the program. You can see a preview of the form here – 2020 Community Programs Health Screening

Look for outdoor family activities in our Backyard Series or explore with the Parks Passport!

Knee-high Naturalist

Friday, July 31

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

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

A health screening form will be required to be filled out before participating in the program.

Fee: $10 per child, $5 for members