| | | 1 - Yuckology Camp
Yuckology Camp August 1, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Does your camper love things others would consider gross? Do they like to get super dirty? If so, this camp is for them! Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, 'yucky' things animals do to survive. Throughout the week campers will sludge 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. Things to bring daily are a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. Participant age: 7-9 yrs old Registration required Fee: $50 per child; 25% discount for members - Little Explorers Camp (Session 3)
Little Explorers Camp (Session 3) August 1, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This camp and wait list is full. If you have questions please call 616.393.9453 Does your little one like to catch frogs and play in mud? Would they like to be an explorer for the day and discover what lives here at ODC Nature Preserve? In this camp we will do all that and more! We will spend our time outside listening to stories, creating crafts and hiking. Please bring a water bottle and a light snack.
Participant Ages: 4-6 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $50 per child, 25% discount for members • • | 2 - Yuckology Camp
Yuckology Camp August 2, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Does your camper love things others would consider gross? Do they like to get super dirty? If so, this camp is for them! Campers will explore some of the strange, gruesome, 'yucky' things animals do to survive. Throughout the week campers will sludge 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. Things to bring daily are a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray. Participant age: 7-9 yrs old Registration required Fee: $50 per child; 25% discount for members - Little Explorers Camp (Session 3)
Little Explorers Camp (Session 3) August 2, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This camp and wait list is full. If you have questions please call 616.393.9453 Does your little one like to catch frogs and play in mud? Would they like to be an explorer for the day and discover what lives here at ODC Nature Preserve? In this camp we will do all that and more! We will spend our time outside listening to stories, creating crafts and hiking. Please bring a water bottle and a light snack.
Participant Ages: 4-6 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $50 per child, 25% discount for members • • | 3 - Stroller Strut
Stroller Strut August 3, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 10:30 am Bring your little ones and join us for a walk on our beautiful, stroller friendly trails. Walks will be led by one of our naturalists as we learn about the natural goings on at the center. You can even bring a friend to chat with as we enjoy the outdoors. No registration necessary Fee: FREE - Banquet for the Birds
Banquet for the Birds August 3, 2018 @ 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! No registration necessary. Fee: FREE • • | 4 |
| 5 | 6 - Reptiles for Tykes
Reptiles for Tykes August 6, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Have your little tyke come and learn about the amazing world of reptiles. Some swim, some crawl, and others slither. You and your little tyke will be able to see and touch reptiles as you're learning about them. Registration required Fee: $4 per child/FREE to members • | 7 - Visitors Center Closed for Staff Professional Development
Visitors Center Closed for Staff Professional Development August 7, 2018 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm • | 8 - Kayak Camp (Session 2)
Kayak Camp (Session 2) August 8, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This three day Kayak Camp is designed for the young beginner paddler. The camp begins with an introduction to kayaking on a pond. Campers paddle these craft solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance. Campers learn skills through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. The instructors demonstrate and discuss paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety. The opportunity to explore local waterways from ponds to rivers makes this an exciting camp your child will not want to miss. All materials provided. Participant Ages: 8-14 yrs old Registration required Fee: $80 per child, 25% discount for members - Intermediate Archery Camp
Intermediate Archery Camp August 8, 2018 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm This camp is for participants who have attended a previous archery camp at the ODCMG or been through lessons with one of our staff. The camp is designed to build on the skills learned in the Introduction to Archery Camp and improve the archer’s shooting proficiency at greater distances and improve distance judgement. All materials will be provided for the camp. Sorry, no bows from home may be used until inspected by our range officer. Participant age: 10 -16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $70 per child, 25% discount for members - Adventure Hour
Adventure Hour August 8, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm It’s time for adventure! We’ve got some special hands-on activities planned and we need the “big” kids to come out and play. Each of the three Adventure Hours will have a different theme. This drop off program is ideal for ages 8 and up. This week’s theme is wetlands. Registration is closed for this event. Fee: $4 per child/FREE for members max 20 • • • | 9 - Kayak Camp (Session 2)
Kayak Camp (Session 2) August 9, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This three day Kayak Camp is designed for the young beginner paddler. The camp begins with an introduction to kayaking on a pond. Campers paddle these craft solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance. Campers learn skills through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. The instructors demonstrate and discuss paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety. The opportunity to explore local waterways from ponds to rivers makes this an exciting camp your child will not want to miss. All materials provided. Participant Ages: 8-14 yrs old Registration required Fee: $80 per child, 25% discount for members - Intermediate Archery Camp
Intermediate Archery Camp August 9, 2018 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm This camp is for participants who have attended a previous archery camp at the ODCMG or been through lessons with one of our staff. The camp is designed to build on the skills learned in the Introduction to Archery Camp and improve the archer’s shooting proficiency at greater distances and improve distance judgement. All materials will be provided for the camp. Sorry, no bows from home may be used until inspected by our range officer. Participant age: 10 -16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $70 per child, 25% discount for members - Animal Night at Boatwerks Waterfront
Animal Night at Boatwerks Waterfront August 9, 2018 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm During the month of August Boatwerks is raising money for the Outdoor Discovery Center! We are running a Specialty Red Sangria with $3 of every purchase going to help their most recent expansion, the Imagination Forest, the up keep of buildings and exhibits, education to the public, and the animals in their care. Join us on Thursday, August 9 as some of the ODC's Animal Ambassadors make their appearance at Boatwerks! We encourage you to stop by between 5-8 PM to learn a bit more about the ODC and get up close with some live birds of prey! Did you know that the Outdoor Discovery Center has FREE admission?! Let's help them to continue to educate the people in our community! Not a drinker? That's okay! Boatwerks is accepting donations via credit cards. • • • | 10 - Kayak Camp (Session 2)
Kayak Camp (Session 2) August 10, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This three day Kayak Camp is designed for the young beginner paddler. The camp begins with an introduction to kayaking on a pond. Campers paddle these craft solo and develop skills that emphasize independence and self-reliance. Campers learn skills through a mix of instruction, demonstrations, games, and trips. The instructors demonstrate and discuss paddle strokes and techniques, rescue skills, and boating safety. The opportunity to explore local waterways from ponds to rivers makes this an exciting camp your child will not want to miss. All materials provided. Participant Ages: 8-14 yrs old Registration required Fee: $80 per child, 25% discount for members - Intermediate Archery Camp
Intermediate Archery Camp August 10, 2018 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm This camp is for participants who have attended a previous archery camp at the ODCMG or been through lessons with one of our staff. The camp is designed to build on the skills learned in the Introduction to Archery Camp and improve the archer’s shooting proficiency at greater distances and improve distance judgement. All materials will be provided for the camp. Sorry, no bows from home may be used until inspected by our range officer. Participant age: 10 -16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $70 per child, 25% discount for members - Nature School
Nature School August 10, 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 Fee: $10 per child/$5 per child for members (per class) - Hungry, Hungry Serpents
Hungry, Hungry Serpents August 10, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm What do snakes eat? Because they are carnivores, their diet consists of animals like toads, worms, and mice! Come to the Visitors Center to see these awesome predators in action. Registration is not required, but appreciated Fee: FREE • • • • | 11 - River Encounter
River Encounter August 11, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 11:30 am These fun, family-friendly canoe and 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. Program location: 20 S River Ave., Holland Registration for this event has closed. Fee: $25 - single kayak, $35 double kayak, $20 - bring your own - 50% discount for members - VoLes Volunteer League
VoLes Volunteer League August 11, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Middle and high school students looking for volunteer hours - or who are interested in learning more about the work and mission of the ODC - are encouraged to join the VoLes Volunteer League! This program is designed for 12-18 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. VoLes Club meetings are scheduled for one Friday afternoon and one Saturday morning of each month. No prior experience or participation is required to sign up; however a signed Behavior Guidelines Agreement and Photo/Liability Release Form are required. Registration required Fee: FREE Summer Session **By signing up for this session (August 11) you are signing up for all of the summer dates** June 16th (Saturday) 10:00-1:00 pm June 29 (Friday) 3:00-5:00 pm July 27 (Friday) 3:00-5:00 pm August 11 (Saturday) 10:00-1:00 pm August 24 (Friday) 3:00-5:00 pm • • |
| 12 | 13 - ODC Explorers
ODC Explorers August 13, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Get ready for summertime fun! In this camp we will be kayaking, hiking, biking, exploring for wildlife and playing games. It's everything you want to do outside and more! We will be visiting the ODC Nature Preserve and other locations. Come explore with us! Parents/guardians are responsible for different drop-off/pick-up locations on each day.Items to bring daily: snack and lunch, water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and a backpack. A bike and helmet will be needed for one day. Participant ages: 11-16 yrs old Registration is required and limited Fee: $120 per child, 25% discount for members - Up Close and Wild (Allegan Parks & Rec)
Up Close and Wild (Allegan Parks & Rec) August 13, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Learn about the reptiles, amphibians and birds that can be found in Michigan with a naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center. Live animals will be used in this family friendly presentation that is great for all ages. Time to handle some of the wildlife may be conducted during the program or at its conclusion depending on the size of the audience. Registration required Fee: FREE - program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation Program Location: Littlejohn Lake County Park, 3540 113th Ave. Allegan, MI • • | 14 - Lights, Camera, Animals!
Lights, Camera, Animals! August 14, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Star in your own Nature TV episode! Campers will channel famous TV personalities such as the Wild Kratts, Bindi Irwin and Jeff Corwin as they work on ODCMG first ever episode of “Lights Camera, Animals. Campers will put their wild knowledge to sue in an entertaining and educational videos. You will be sent a copy of the final cut to share with family and friends. Participants ages: 8-12 yrs old Registration Required and limited Fee: $50 per child, $25% discount for members - ODC Explorers
ODC Explorers August 14, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Get ready for summertime fun! In this camp we will be kayaking, hiking, biking, exploring for wildlife and playing games. It's everything you want to do outside and more! We will be visiting the ODC Nature Preserve and other locations. Come explore with us! Parents/guardians are responsible for different drop-off/pick-up locations on each day.Items to bring daily: snack and lunch, water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and a backpack. A bike and helmet will be needed for one day. Participant ages: 11-16 yrs old Registration is required and limited Fee: $120 per child, 25% discount for members • • | 15 - Lights, Camera, Animals!
Lights, Camera, Animals! August 15, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Star in your own Nature TV episode! Campers will channel famous TV personalities such as the Wild Kratts, Bindi Irwin and Jeff Corwin as they work on ODCMG first ever episode of “Lights Camera, Animals. Campers will put their wild knowledge to sue in an entertaining and educational videos. You will be sent a copy of the final cut to share with family and friends. Participants ages: 8-12 yrs old Registration Required and limited Fee: $50 per child, $25% discount for members - ODC Explorers
ODC Explorers August 15, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Get ready for summertime fun! In this camp we will be kayaking, hiking, biking, exploring for wildlife and playing games. It's everything you want to do outside and more! We will be visiting the ODC Nature Preserve and other locations. Come explore with us! Parents/guardians are responsible for different drop-off/pick-up locations on each day.Items to bring daily: snack and lunch, water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and a backpack. A bike and helmet will be needed for one day. Participant ages: 11-16 yrs old Registration is required and limited Fee: $120 per child, 25% discount for members - Adventurous Animals
Adventurous Animals August 15, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Which animal will it be? Will it have fur? Feathers? Scales? Each month we will learn about an adventurous animal. Here's the twist, you need to come to the program to learn the animal's identity. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Fee: FREE • • • | 16 - Lights, Camera, Animals!
Lights, Camera, Animals! August 16, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Star in your own Nature TV episode! Campers will channel famous TV personalities such as the Wild Kratts, Bindi Irwin and Jeff Corwin as they work on ODCMG first ever episode of “Lights Camera, Animals. Campers will put their wild knowledge to sue in an entertaining and educational videos. You will be sent a copy of the final cut to share with family and friends. Participants ages: 8-12 yrs old Registration Required and limited Fee: $50 per child, $25% discount for members - ODC Explorers
ODC Explorers August 16, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Get ready for summertime fun! In this camp we will be kayaking, hiking, biking, exploring for wildlife and playing games. It's everything you want to do outside and more! We will be visiting the ODC Nature Preserve and other locations. Come explore with us! Parents/guardians are responsible for different drop-off/pick-up locations on each day.Items to bring daily: snack and lunch, water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and a backpack. A bike and helmet will be needed for one day. Participant ages: 11-16 yrs old Registration is required and limited Fee: $120 per child, 25% discount for members - Stroller Strut
Stroller Strut August 16, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 10:30 am Bring your little ones and join us for a walk on our beautiful, stroller friendly trails. Walks will be led by one of our naturalists as we learn about the natural goings on at the center. You can even bring a friend to chat with as we enjoy the outdoors. No registration required Fee: FREE • • • | 17 - Conservation Work Day
Conservation Work Day August 17, 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! Meeting Location: Middle Macatawa Natural Area Registration not required, but appreciated - Banquet for the Birds
Banquet for the Birds August 17, 2018 @ 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! No registration necessary. Fee: FREE - VoLes Volunteer League
VoLes Volunteer League August 17, 2018 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Middle and high school students looking for volunteer hours - or who are interested in learning more about the work and mission of the ODC - are encouraged to join the VoLes Volunteer League! This program is designed for 12-18 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. VoLes Club meetings are scheduled for one Friday afternoon and one Saturday morning of each month. No prior experience or participation is required to sign up; however a signed Behavior Guidelines Agreement and Photo/Liability Release Form are required. Registration required Fee: FREE Summer Session **By signing up for this session (August 24) you are signing up for all of the summer dates** June 16th (Saturday) 10:00-1:00 pm June 29 (Friday) 3:00-5:00 pm July 27 (Friday) 3:00-5:00 pm August 11 (Saturday) 10:00-1:00 pm August 24 (Friday) 3:00-5:00 pm • • • | 18 - Family Kayaking (Allegan Parks & Rec)
Family Kayaking (Allegan Parks & Rec) August 18, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 11:00 am Paddle the Kalamazoo River with naturalists from the Outdoor Discovery Center. Kayaks, paddles, and vests are provided. The group will launch from the New Richmond Bridge Park 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 Fee: FREE - program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation Program location: New Richmond Bridge Park - 3160 Old Allegan Rd. Fennville, MI • |
| 19 | 20 | 21 - Explore a Story
Explore a Story August 21, 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 stories, 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! Registration is not required, but appreciated Fee: $4 per child/FREE for members • | 22 - Critter Catchers
Critter Catchers August 22, 2018 @ 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 is not required, but appreciated Fee: $4 per child/FREE for members • | 23 - Hungry, Hungry Serpents
Hungry, Hungry Serpents August 23, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm What do snakes eat? Because they are carnivores, their diet consists of animals like toads, worms, and mice! Come to the Visitors Center to see these awesome predators in action. Registration is not required, but appreciated Fee: FREE - Women in Nature - Nature Hike
Women in Nature - Nature Hike August 23, 2018 @ 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. In order to do so we are offering various program experiences. The nature hike will be led by one of our naturalists who will guide the group through the Rabbit River Preserve. The purpose of these hikes is simply to explore. Program location - Rabbit River Preserve 44011 135th Ave., Hamilton 49419 Registration required Fee: FREE • • | 24 - Knee-deep in a Wetland (Laketown Township)
Knee-deep in a Wetland (Laketown Township) August 24, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am 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. Registration required Fee: FREE - program sponsor Laketown Township Program Location: Farview Park 6257 138th Ave, Holland, MI - Nature School
Nature School August 24, 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 Fee: $10 per child/$5 per child for members (per class) • • | 25 - Live Birds of Prey
Live Birds of Prey August 25, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 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 for members • |
| 26 | 27 | 28 - Native American Lifeways
Native American Lifeways August 28, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm How would you grind flour 500 years ago? How would you hunt an elk or carry water? Try your hand at spear-throwing and some other Eastern Woodland Era skills and interact with artifacts during a tour of our replica Ottawa/Potawatomi Summer Village. Registration required Fee: $5 per person/FREE for members • | 29 - Stroller Strut
Stroller Strut August 29, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 10:30 am Bring your little ones and join us for a walk on our beautiful, stroller friendly trails. Walks will be led by one of our naturalists as we learn about the natural goings on at the center. You can even bring a friend to chat with as we enjoy the outdoors. No registration required Fee: FREE • | 30 - Live Birds of Prey
Live Birds of Prey August 30, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 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 for members • | 31 - Conservation Work Day
Conservation Work Day August 31, 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: Seed Collection/Dispersal! Meeting Location: Visitors Center Registration is not required, but appreciated - Banquet for the Birds
Banquet for the Birds August 31, 2018 @ 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! No registration necessary. Fee: FREE • • | |
