Celebrating 25 Years of
IMPACT
Since our founding, we have connected more than 1.3 million people to nature, reduced phosphorus levels in Lake Macatawa by 62%, started five nature-based early childhood centers, and preserved over 1,000 acres of land.
Since our founding in 2000, we’ve welcomed 100,000 visitors a year, launched three nature-based preschools, and provided life-changing opportunities for 1.3 million individuals.
ODC Through the Years
2000:
Outdoor Discovery
Center
Our vision first took root at our original nature center. Starting with just 100 acres of land, ODC has grown into a cherished asset featuring 180 acres of habitat with more than three miles of trails.
1.3 million individuals who have benefited from our programs
2008:
ODC Explorer Network
Our Explorer Network offers ecotourism trips spanning from Alaska to Tanzania and beyond. These small-group excursions are led by experienced guides, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable adventure tailored to each destination.
In 2024, more than 50 people joined ODC for trips to Alaska, New York, Utah, and beyond
2009:
Macatawa River Greenway
A network of permanently protected public and private lands in the heart of the Holland/Zeeland area, the greenway not only preserves land but also offers valuable access to green spaces.
A partnership with 24 local parks offers permanent protection for area land
2012:
ODC Conservation Services
Designed to protect and restore natural ecosystems within our community, ODC Conservation Services manages thousands of acres of land for local businesses, private land owners, government agencies, corporations and more. Services include ecological restorations, invasive species management, and ecological consultations.
Since 2015, we have helped propagate more than 50 species of native plants
2013:
Project Clarity
A community-wide initiative to clean and protect Lake Macatawa, Project Clarity has reduced phosphorus in the lake by 62%, allowing for a healthier ecosystem, and kept an estimated 46,000 tons of sediment out of the lake every year.
Project Clarity created a 42-acre wetland that collects and stores water
2013:
Little Hawks Discovery Preschool
Located on the site of the Outdoor Discovery Center, our first preschool was designed to nurture a passion for nature among young children. Today, Little Hawks is one of just four nature-based early childhood centers, educating more than 400 students every year.
Nature-based education can boost academic performance and help kids focus
2016:
ODC Education Network
This initiative provides nature-based education for all ages through early childhood centers, partnerships with local K-12 schools, community programs, and connections to the ever-growing number of families participating in out-of-system learning models. By providing educational support to more than 30 school partners engaging in outdoor education in West Michigan, we’re changing how and where learning happens in West Michigan.
55,582 students participated in our educational outdoor programs in 2024
2016:
ODC Playscapes
In 2016, ODC Network began creating natural play-and-learn spaces within our community. These spaces promote imaginative play, helping children build confidence, reduce stress, and improve their mood. Since then, our team has successfully built over 30 spaces for various clients throughout West Michigan.
We’ve built more than 30 spaces throughout West Michigan
2017:
Rabbit River Preserve
Spanning 65 acres, the Rabbit River Preserve in Hamilton features beech-maple forests, meadows, wetlands and other habitats. In 2024, ODC received a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to construct a pavilion at the preserve, unlocking new potential.
2018:
Kalamazoo River Greenway
With the support of a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, ODC began developing a master plan to connect Allegan County communities with a greenway corridor addressing environmental restoration, recreation, conservation, and education.
ODC owns 350 acres of protected riparian forest within the greenway
2020:
Seedlings Discovery Preschool
Our second preschool in the heart of downtown Holland has connected students with the community since its start, partnering with Hope College, the City of Holland, The Warm Friend, and others to provide a unique education based in nature and community.
Nearly 400 kids participate in ODS early education programs each year
2022:
Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Our largest early childhood center, Dragonflies has five classrooms, each with its own play-and-learn space, direct access to a network of trails, and a balance bike track.
2023:
River Junction Preserve
Our newest preserve, in Hamilton, features three miles of trails across 265 acres of riparian forest.
2023:
Community Carbon Fund
The community carbon fund will use donations to reduce the area’s collective carbon footprint, benefiting our local environment and helping our neighbors and community. The fund is a partnership with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.
In 2024, we planted 12,000 native trees that will help sequester 7,678 tons of carbon
2024:
Woodlands Discovery Preschool
Located on the north side of Holland, Woodlands is a beautiful early childhood center in an urban setting featuring play-and-learn spaces and trails for students to explore.
Ensuring a Bright Future
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of our story over the past 25 years. Your passion and commitment to our mission has helped us grow and thrive, and we couldn’t have reached this milestone without you.
Join us in shaping the next 25 years by making a donation today. Your generosity will ensure that ODC Network remains a place where people can explore, learn, and protect the natural world for generations to come.
Our Generous Donors
Every cattail signifies a giving level. Discover the impact your contribution can make.
Mission Supporters
Eunie Bakker
John & Sharon Blom
Bill & Claire Boersma
Jordon Boss
Gordon & Rebecca Bruns
Robert and Loretta Chambers
Suzanne Dixon
Bruce & Susan Formsma
Bob & Lynne Frey
Bob & Fran Hamilton
Stephen Hemenway
Shirley Japinga
Mary Jellema
Dan & Faith Jonker
Leon Koops
Judith Mastenbrook
Larry & Dawn Meiste
The Mendenhall Family
David & Cindy Minnich
Eric & Julie O'Brien/p>
Rob & Cindy Pocock
Dan & Kelly Robertson
Steve & Liz Schaftenaar
Al Steinman
Ruth Tidd
Travis & Stephanie Williams
X
Wetland Donors
In Memory of Nancy Rock
Martin & Margie Amon
Marsha Caspar & Glenna DeJong
Mike & Jennifer DeWaard
Sarah Dinkelmann
Paul & Carin Dykema
Bill & Mary Fordn
The Johnson Family
JR Community Cares
Jim & Sheryl Jurries
Jamie & Sarah Krupka
Landscape Design Services
Jayne & Shaun Macomber
Phil & Martha Menerick
John & Kathy Miedema
Dick & Susan Muzzy
Eileen Nordstrom
Tim Pennings
Fred & Laurie Schmitt
The Schrock Family
Liam Sullivan & Linda Zarzecki
Tennant Foundation
Sue & Jon Van Allsburg
Laurie Van Ark
VanderMeulen Builders
X
Coniferous Donors
Architectural Systems Group
Evergreen Sprinkling
Geenen Family Foundation
Tim & Anne Hemingway
Brian & Kathy Koop
Brett & Darlene Kuipers
Pella Windows by Horne
Lynn Rovsek-Kirkaldy
Jack & Laurie VerMeulen
X
Coniferous Donors
The DenHerder Family
Doug & Sandy DeKock
Carol Edewaard
Jim & Stacy Edewaard
Micki Janssen
Nelson Steel Products
Judi Nykamp
Bob & Deb Sterken
Karen VanderMeulenn
Jan Zessin
X
Deciduous Donors
The Brooks Family
The De Visser Family
The DenHerder Family
Hudsonville Ice Cream
The Lamar Family
Tom & Barb Slikkers
X
Our Impact on the Community
What an INCREDIBLE and COOL place! Enjoyable for all ages and it’s free (donations welcomed/ 501c3)! The trails, activity and play areas were well groomed and beautiful. The birds of prey center is a nice hike for little ones, but so worth it! The little store and taxidermy museum is so neat too! Love it here!
Miska Rynsburger
Principal at Holland Christian Forest School and ODC Education Network PartnerODC is a jewel of our community.
Kay Danby
Longtime supporter of ODC NetworkIt is so beautiful, peaceful and stimulating! LOVE the scenery, and the easy paths to walk on! So grateful to all the staff, volunteers and donors that make this possible!
Community member
My deep passion for nature and wildlife led me to get involved with ODC. Their passionate and dedicated staff have heightened my enthusiasm for supporting ODC’s mission and have created a sense of belonging for me, my family, and my business.
Brian Lamar
Co-owner of CL ConstructionODC Network
Outdoor Discovery Center
Phone: (616) 393 – 9453
Visitor Center Hours:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Friday
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday
All Trail Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset
No Entry Fee – Donations Welcome
Advancing Outdoor Education and Conservation in West Michigan
4214 56th Street Holland, MI 49423
ODC Network 2023. All Rights Reserved
