Schedule of Events

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

Hike the dune of Laketown Township’s Sanctuary Woods in search of resident and migratory owls. The group will try to call in Eastern Screech, Barred and Great Horned Owls as they hike. Flashlights are welcome. Dress for the weather! Please note this hike does include approximately 170 stairs up a dune.

Registration required
Fee: FREE - sponsored by Laketown Township

Program Location: Sanctuary Woods 66th Street Holland, MI

We are partnering with Allegan County Parks to offer a family snowshoe hike. Hikers will explore the trails of Bysterveld County Park in search of interesting animals and plants while walking in wooden, Ojibwa-style snowshoes. The snowshoes are ideal for people aged 8 years and up. Participants are welcome to wear their own snowshoes and bring a sled for little ones to be pulled while hiking.

Be prepared to be outside the entire time hiking. At least 4 inches of snow base is required in order for the loaner snowshoes to be available to the group.

Registration required

Fee: FREE - sponsored by Allegan County Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Program Location: Bysterveld Park 4171 14th Street, Dorr, MI 49348

A layer of snow can make a familiar trail look like another world. Join a DeGraaf Naturalist for a guided hike on the trails at VanRaalte Farm Park in search of tracks, trails, and other signs of winter animal life.
Fee: $3.00 or Free for Members
Please call to register

Meet at the 16th Street parking lot

This two month winter series is a special time for preschool age children, 3-5 years of age. Each month has
its own nature theme – “Winter Fun!” and “Owls”. Indoor and outdoor activities are planned. Parents may
attend with their children if desired.
Fee for two sessions- $12 for members, $16 for non-members
Please call 616.355-1057 to register

This two month winter series is a special time for preschool age children, 3-5 years of age. Each month has
its own nature theme – “Winter Fun!” and “Owls”. Indoor and outdoor activities are planned. Parents may
attend with their children if desired.
Fee for two sessions- $12 for members, $16 for non-members
Please call 616.355.1057 to register

Join a DeGraaf naturalist in search of our resident owls. Following an introduction to Michigan’s native owls and
what makes them such amazing animals, we will head out to call for those in the neighborhood. If there are
any nearby, we should be a response from them as they defend their nesting area.
Fee: $3 or Free for Members
Please call 616.355-1057 to register

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 experience the nature around us!

Registration is not required, but appreciated

Fee: $4 per child, FREE to members

The purpose of Nature School is to introduce the wonders of the natural world to young children ages 3-6. 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 or $5 per child for members

With or without snow, come explore the trails at night, guided by the glimmering lights of torches. If there is
enough snow, we will have snowshoes for your use. Hot cocoa too!
Fee: $3 per person/ Free for Members
Snowshoes will only be used it there is at least 4 inches of snow on the trails.

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Anyone can take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, from beginning bird watchers to experts, and you can participate from your backyard, or anywhere in the world. A naturalist will be in the Visitors Center monitoring the feeders for the duration of this drop-in style program. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided!

No registration necessary

Fee: FREE

THIS IS THE NEW ICE FISHING DAY (RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY 9TH)
Come wet a line in an ODC pond during this catch-and-release ice fishing day. All materials are provided including fishing poles, tackle, and bait. This is an open format program where visitors can fish as long as they would like. Dress to be outside for at least one hour. Participants will be able to use the Center's equipment up until 1 PM.

Registration required

Fee: $5 per fishing pole/FREE for members

max 40

Community friends, join us at DeGraaf Nature Center for an opportunity to see live reptiles up close and personal including bearded dragons, iguanas, snakes, tortoises, leopard geckos, and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera and remember to spread the word!
Fee: $5 per person (Proceeds will benefit Reptiles planned future reptile exhibit)

Presenter: Lalo Salcedo