| | | | | 1 - Banquet for the Birds
Banquet for the Birds June 1, 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 • | 2 - Macroinvertebrate Sampling Training
Macroinvertebrate Sampling Training June 2, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS PROGRAM
Would you like to become a leader for our macroinvertebrate samplings? Come to this training and learn why we sample, how this helps our watershed, how to sample correctly, and where our sampling sites are. Registration required. Please also register for the macroinvertebrate sampling program as well. Fee: FREE • |
| 3 | 4 | 5 - Amphibians for Tykes
Amphibians for Tykes June 5, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Have your little tyke learn about Michigan's amazing amphibians. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are interesting animals that can breath through their skin, change as they grow, and live on land and water. Dress for the weather to go outside and explore. Registration is required. Fee: $4 per child/FREE for members - Archery Night
Archery Night June 5, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Hey grown-ups, don't you want to shoot at a duck-billed dinosaur or possibly a polar bear? Well then, come on out to the ODC for your chance to learn or hone your archery skills. This event is for all levels. Beginners can get some personal tutoring and the "experts" can come out and display their skills. This is all for fun with no competition. We will provide all of the equipment you will need. (Sorry, no outside bows.) This program is for archers 18 years old and up. Registration required Fee: $10 per person/$5 to members • • | 6 - Adventurous Animals
Adventurous Animals June 6, 2018 @ 3:00 pm - 3:30 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 • | 7 - Stroller Strut
Stroller Strut June 7, 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 - Hungry, Hungry Serpents
Hungry, Hungry Serpents June 7, 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 • • | 8 - Conservation Work Day
Conservation Work Day June 8, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm As part of the ongoing management of our natural areas, we offer a number of volunteer opportunities to help maintain our properties. These volunteer opportunities are open to the public and registration for each work day is appreciated. 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: Removing woody invasives and hand pulling invasives Registration is not required, but appreciated Fee: FREE Program location: Visitors Center - Nature School
Nature School June 8, 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) • • | 9 |
| 10 | 11 - Banquet for the Birds
Banquet for the Birds June 11, 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 • | 12 - Citizen Science! Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Citizen Science! Macroinvertebrate Sampling June 12, 2018 @ 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Help us study our watershed and have fun while you’re doing it. We will be catching invertebrate animals from local streams and identifying them. We will find out if our streams have pollution tolerant or intolerant animals living in them, helping us gauge the health of the stream. We do this twice a year and the data is collected to see if our streams are improving.
We will meet at the Outdoor Discovery Center and disperse to different streams to sample. Then we will all gather back at the Outdoor Discovery Center to identify the animals caught. Afterwards, there will be a free lunch provided by the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council.
Ages 10 and up only; minors must be accompanied by an adult. We will provide all of the materials needed. Dress for the weather and to get wet. You do not need to attend the training to help us sample. We will contact you if we need to cancel due to inclement weather or unsafe river conditions.
Registration required Fee: FREE - Explore a Story
Explore a Story June 12, 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
• • | 13 | 14 | 15 - Visitors Center Closed for Staff Professional Development
Visitors Center Closed for Staff Professional Development June 15, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm • | 16 - VoLes Volunteer League
VoLes Volunteer League June 16, 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 (June 16) 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 - All About Owls
All About Owls June 16, 2018 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Can an owl turn its head around in a full circle? Do all owls hoot? Are they wise? Learn the answers to these questions and more at our all about owls program. We have 4 species of owls at the ODC and this is a great chance to get an up close view of these birds. Registration required Fee: $4 per person/FREE for members • • |
| 17 | 18 - Critter Catchers
Critter Catchers June 18, 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 • | 19 - Wildlife Discovery Camp (Session 1)
Wildlife Discovery Camp (Session 1) June 19, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals native to Michigan and the habitats where they live on the ODC Nature Preserve. Kids will get to catch animals, identify them, and learn about their lives. We will discover animals both caught in the wild and from the Center's captive animal collection during camp including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Participant Ages: 7-9 yrs old
Registration required and limited Fee: $50 per child, 25% discount for members - Introduction to Archery Camp (Session 1)
Introduction to Archery Camp (Session 1) June 19, 2018 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm In this three day camp, campers will be instructed by a certified archery instructor to establish or reinforce good technique and form. Even if they have never shot before, this camp will help them learn the lifelong sport of archery. They will experience using a variety of tools from ancient atlatls to modern compound bows at the ODCMG's archery range. 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 - Live Birds of Prey
Live Birds of Prey June 19, 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 for members • • • | 20 - Wildlife Discovery Camp (Session 1)
Wildlife Discovery Camp (Session 1) June 20, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals native to Michigan and the habitats where they live on the ODC Nature Preserve. Kids will get to catch animals, identify them, and learn about their lives. We will discover animals both caught in the wild and from the Center's captive animal collection during camp including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Participant Ages: 7-9 yrs old
Registration required and limited Fee: $50 per child, 25% discount for members - Introduction to Archery Camp (Session 1)
Introduction to Archery Camp (Session 1) June 20, 2018 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm In this three day camp, campers will be instructed by a certified archery instructor to establish or reinforce good technique and form. Even if they have never shot before, this camp will help them learn the lifelong sport of archery. They will experience using a variety of tools from ancient atlatls to modern compound bows at the ODCMG's archery range. 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 - Little Explorers (Laketown Township)
Little Explorers (Laketown Township) June 20, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Explore the nature trails as only a preschooler could. Find colors, shapes, and textures on the easily accessible trails of Wolters Woods. All materials will be provided. At the conclusion of the program, feel free to make time to play on the playground. Registration required Fee: FREE - program sponsor Laketown Township Program Location: Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147th Avenue, Holland, MI • • • | 21 - Wildlife Discovery Camp
Wildlife Discovery Camp June 21, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals native to Michigan and the habitats where they live on the ODC Nature Preserve. Kids will get to catch animals, identify them, and learn about their lives. We will discover animals both caught in the wild and from the Center's captive animal collection during camp including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Participant Ages: 7-9 yrs old
Registration required and limited Fee: $50 per child, 25% discount for members - Introduction to Archery Camp (Session 1)
Introduction to Archery Camp (Session 1) June 21, 2018 @ 9:30 am - 12:00 pm In this three day camp, campers will be instructed by a certified archery instructor to establish or reinforce good technique and form. Even if they have never shot before, this camp will help them learn the lifelong sport of archery. They will experience using a variety of tools from ancient atlatls to modern compound bows at the ODCMG's archery range. 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 - Stroller Strut
Stroller Strut June 21, 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 - Adventure Hour
Adventure Hour June 21, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 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 fire making. Registration required Fee: $4 per child/FREE for members • • • • | 22 - Hungry, Hungry Serpents
Hungry, Hungry Serpents June 22, 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
• | 23 |
| 24 | 25 - Outdoor Skills Camp
Outdoor Skills Camp June 25, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Hone your outdoor skills at the ODC Nature Preserve and at other Holland area parks. While on daytime hikes, campers will learn to read a map, navigate, practice wilderness survival skills, build a fire and more! For two days, campers will need to be dropped off at an area park. Details will be shared on the first day of camp. All materials will be included for this camp. No pocket knives, weapons or matches may be brought by participants. Participant Ages: 10-16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $60 per child, 25% discount for members • | 26 - Little Explorers Camp (Session 1)
Little Explorers Camp (Session 1) June 26, 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 - Outdoor Skills Camp
Outdoor Skills Camp June 26, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Hone your outdoor skills at the ODC Nature Preserve and at other Holland area parks. While on daytime hikes, campers will learn to read a map, navigate, practice wilderness survival skills, build a fire and more! For two days, campers will need to be dropped off at an area park. Details will be shared on the first day of camp. All materials will be included for this camp. No pocket knives, weapons or matches may be brought by participants. Participant Ages: 10-16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $60 per child, 25% discount for members • • | 27 - Little Explorers Camp (Session 1)
Little Explorers Camp (Session 1) June 27, 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 - Outdoor Skills Camp
Outdoor Skills Camp June 27, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Hone your outdoor skills at the ODC Nature Preserve and at other Holland area parks. While on daytime hikes, campers will learn to read a map, navigate, practice wilderness survival skills, build a fire and more! For two days, campers will need to be dropped off at an area park. Details will be shared on the first day of camp. All materials will be included for this camp. No pocket knives, weapons or matches may be brought by participants. Participant Ages: 10-16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $60 per child, 25% discount for members - Creek Stomp (Park Township)
Creek Stomp (Park Township) June 27, 2018 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Explore the wetlands and Pine Creek at Stu Visser Trails with a naturalist in search of insects, fish, crayfish and crustaceans! Expect to walk into the water with shoes or boots. No bare feet or open-toed sandals. Meet at the parking lot off Ottawa Beach Road. All materials will be provided. Children 10 years old and under must be accompanied by a participating adult Registration required Fee: FREE - program sponsor Park Township Program location: Stu Visser Trails, parking lot on Ottawa Beach Road - 923 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424 • • • | 28 - Little Explorers Camp (Session 1)
Little Explorers Camp (Session 1) June 28, 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 - Outdoor Skills Camp
Outdoor Skills Camp June 28, 2018 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Hone your outdoor skills at the ODC Nature Preserve and at other Holland area parks. While on daytime hikes, campers will learn to read a map, navigate, practice wilderness survival skills, build a fire and more! For two days, campers will need to be dropped off at an area park. Details will be shared on the first day of camp. All materials will be included for this camp. No pocket knives, weapons or matches may be brought by participants. Participant Ages: 10-16 yrs old Registration required and limited Fee: $60 per child, 25% discount for members - Women in Nature - Kayaking
Women in Nature - Kayaking June 28, 2018 @ 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. This program will take place in the Rabbit River in Hamilton. This river has little current and is ideal for an inexperienced or casual paddler. During these programs, women will get the opportunity to learn about river wildlife, our efforts to improve local watersheds, and enjoy a casual paddle with a naturalist. Registration required Fee: $10 Program location: Schutmaat Park, 3500 Willyard, Hamilton • • • | 29 - Conservation Work Day
Conservation Work Day June 29, 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 workday's objective: Woody Invasives
Registration is not required, but appreciated - Nature School
Nature School June 29, 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) - Marvelous Mud Day
Marvelous Mud Day June 29, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Let them get dirty! Kids, even the grown up ones, need dirt and water and sticks and trees and mud. Come join us as we celebrate International Mud Day, connecting people around the world through the earth. Dress to get dirty because it's gonna be a mess! Mud and rinse water will be provided. You may want to bring a towel.
Registration required Fee: $5 per child/Free for members - VoLes Volunteer League
VoLes Volunteer League June 29, 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 (June 29) 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 • • • • | 30 - River Encounter
River Encounter June 30, 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, MI 49424
Registration required and limited Fee: $25 - single kayak, $35 double kayak, $20 - bring your own - 50% discount for members • |
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