Celebrating 25 Years of Impact
Since the year 2000, ODC has created more than one million opportunities for people to connect with nature. Made up of 13 business divisions focused on advancing outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan, ODC Network has become a community cornerstone.
This milestone is a moment for us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, the lessons learned, and the exciting future ahead. Over the years, ODC has experienced incredible growth, discovery and connection.
Since our founding, our mission and values have remained steadfast in fostering a deeper understanding of nature and inspiring environmental stewardship through hands-on education and immersive outdoor experiences.
Take a look back on the last 25 years...
2000 - Outdoor Discovery Center
Our original nature center, the Outdoor Discovery Center, is where our vision first took root. Starting with just 100 acres of land, ODC has since grown into a well-known and cherished asset within our community.
Today, ODC features 180 acres of various habitat with more than three miles of trails. ODC is home to the DeWitt Birds of Prey center housing 13 species of Birds of Prey and the Kris and Wade Eldean Wildlife Exhibit housing a number of native Michigan wildlife.
People of all ages enjoy exploring ODC’s trails, Visitors Center, Nature Playscapes, Catch and Release Fishing ponds and attending various programs ODC offers year-round.
2008 - ODC Explorer Network
In 2008, ODC launched the Explorer Network, offering ecotourism trips that span 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.
Previous Trips:
Pacific Northwest
Desert Southwest
Galapagos and Ecuador
Panama
Alaska
Costa Rica
Utah’s Mighty Five
Women in Nature
2009 - Macatawa River Greenway
The Macatawa River Greenway consists of a network of permanently protected public and private lands that wind their way through the heart of the Holland/Zeeland area.
Wide community support has made the greenway possible thanks to partnerships between the ODC Network, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Holland, the City of Zeeland, local townships, and other local organizations.
The Greenway is about more than just preserving the land; it also offers our community valuable access to green spaces. The Macatawa Greenway trail winds through popular parks such as Window on the Waterfront, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Paw Paw Park, and many others, connecting people to nature along the way.
Fun Fact: In 2009, ODC Network adopted the name “Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway,” which it held for 10 years before transitioning to our current name, ODC Network.
2012 - ODC Conservation Services
In 2012 ODC Conservation Services was introduced to protect and restore natural ecosystems within our community. Every year, ODC Conservation Services manages thousands of acres of land for more than 75 clients including local businesses, private land owners, government agencies, and corporations.
ODC Conservation Services provides a wide range of services including ecological restorations, invasive species management, and ecological consultations.
2013 - Project Clarity
Project Clarity, A community-wide initiative to clean and protect Lake Macatawa, was launched in 2013. A little over 10 years later we’ve seen astonishing results thanks to the efforts of our community partners and team. We’ve seen a total 62% reduction in phosphorus allowing for a healthier ecosystem in Lake Macatawa. The lake’s clarity has also improved over the past 10 years; an estimated 46,000 tons of sediment is kept out of the lake every year.
ODC’s team is dedicated to educating the community about healthy watersheds through a variety of programs, events, and trainings. They also support the implementation of urban Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as rain gardens, while working to monitor and restore streambanks across the watershed.
2013 - Little Hawks Discovery Preschool
In 2013, ODC Network introduced its first nature-based preschool, Little Hawks Discovery Preschool (Little Hawks). Located on the site of the Outdoor Discovery Center, Little Hawks became a place where young minds develop a passion for nature.
Today Little Hawks is just one of four nature-based early childhood centers educating 400+ students every year.
2016 - ODC Education Network
This unique business line is pioneering nature-based education by changing how and where learning happens in West Michigan. The ODC Network provides nature-based education for all ages through early childhood centers, partnerships with local K-12 schools, community programs, and a variety of connections to the ever-growing number of families participating in out-of-system learning models.
The Education Network is responsible for providing educational support to over 30 school partners engaging in outdoor education in West Michigan!
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.
Play-and-learn spaces open to the community:
Eldean Family Nature Play Park – Outdoor Discovery Center
Sally Smoly Nature Playscape – Window on the Waterfront
Nature Playscape – Herrick District Library North Branch
Nature Playscape – Ridgepoint Church
2017 - Rabbit River Preserve
Opened in 2017, Rabbit River Preserve was the first preserve in Hamilton, MI, to feature dedicated hiking trails. Spanning 65 acres, the preserve offers a diverse mix of habitats, including beech-maple forests, meadows, and wetlands.
In 2024, ODC received a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to construct a pavilion at the preserve, unlocking a range of new possibilities for its use. The pavilion is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
2018 - Kalamazoo River Greenway
In 2018, ODC Network was commissioned with a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to develop a master plan for a Kalamazoo River Greenway to connect Allegan County communities with a greenway corridor addressing environmental restoration, recreation, conservation, and education.
The plan is designed to serve as a guide for the development and upkeep of ecological, recreational, and educational assets along the Kalamazoo River in Allegan County.
2020 - Seedlings Discovery Preschool
In 2020, ODC opened its second preschool, Seedlings Discovery Preschool in the heart of downtown Holland. Seedlings has connected students to the surrounding community since its start, partnering with Hope College, the City of Holland, The Warm Friend, and others to provide a unique nature-based, community-based education.
2022 - Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Opening its doors in 2022, Dragonflies Discovery Preschool became our largest early childhood center with five classrooms each with its own play-and-learn space and direct access to a network of trails, and a balance bike track.
2023 - River Junction Preserve
Our latest preserve, River Junction Preserve, opened in 2023 in Hamilton, Michigan. It features three miles of trails across 265 acres of riparian forest.
2023 - Community Carbon Fund
In 2023, ODC Network, in partnership with the Community foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, launched the Community Carbon Fund.
The community carbon fund is an initiative that will use donations to reduce the area’s collective carbon footprint, positively impacting our local environment and helping our neighbors and community.
2024 - Woodlands Discovery Preschool
Located on the north side of Holland, Woodlands Discovery Preschool is a unique blend of nature in an urban setting. With support from Lakewood Construction, ODC transformed space in an outlet mall into a beautiful early childhood center with play-and-learn spaces and trails for students to explore.
2025
We have a lot great things planned for 2025! Follow along on our social media @odcnetwork or sign up for our E-news below to receive updates.
Community Impact
