ODC Network

Birding Hike with Latino Outdoors GR (at Huff Park)
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Huff Park, 1435 Aberdeen St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join ODC Network in partnership with Sergio Cira-Reyes, the founder of Latino Outdoors GR, for a birding hike around a local birding hotspot! Learn to identify birds by sight and sound as we explore the trails, with tips from an Outdoor Discovery Center Naturalist. All experience levels are welcome. Afterwards, adults in the group are invited to grab a drink and continue socializing.
Binoculars will be provided.
It is suggested to download Merlin Bird ID and eBird, but not required.
Age range: 18 and up
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE
Program Location: Huff Park, 1435 Aberdeen St. NE Grand Rapids, MI

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States

Woodland Wildflower Walk (at Sanctuary Woods)
2026-04-30 17:00 - 18:00 | Sanctuary Woods Preserve, 3601 66th St, Holland, MI, United States
Visit Sanctuary Woods to explore the sights and sounds of spring. This time of year brings migrating birds, beautiful wildflowers, and active mammals. We will hike the lower loop of this amazing dune ecosystem to see what animals and plants are ready for spring.
For ages 8 and up.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Laketown Township
Program location: Sanctuary Woods, 4749 66th Street, Holland, MI

Lake Macatawa Cleanup (Dunton Park)
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Howard B. Dunton Park | Fishing Pier, 290 Howard Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Help keep Lake Macatawa clean! We’ll meet at the Dunton Park boat launch. Depending on the group size, there may be a crew on the shores of the lake and another in kayaks in the lake. We ask that only experienced kayakers sign up for a kayak.
Anyone under 16 years old must be with an adult. All bags, gloves, grabbers, boats, paddles, and life vests will be provided. Meet by the boat launch on River Ave.
Suggested for ages 5 and up.
Registration required.Shoreline RegistrationSingle-Kayak Registration
Fee: FREE
Location – Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave

VoLes Volunteer League (at Dunton Park)
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Howard B. Dunton Park | Fishing Pier, 290 Howard Ave, Holland, MI, United States
April 25th VoLes volunteers will assist with the Lake Macatawa Clean-Up at Howard B. Dunton Park.
Our Volunteer League (nicknamed “VoLes”) is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with ODC Network staff on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks at the ODC, DeGraaf Nature Center, and other local natural areas. Past projects have included removing invasive species, cleaning up animal enclosures, and adding nature play features. It’s also a great way to earn those community service volunteer hours!
VoLes club meets twice a month for a total of six meetings per session. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation is required to sign up.
There is no fee for this activity, signed photo/liability release forms are required with registration.
Registration required.Single-Kayak RegistrationShoreline Registration
Fee: FREE
Schedule also available at https://outdoordiscovery.org/volunteer/

Mist-netting for Birds (at Silver Creek)
2026-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | Silver Creek, 3900 134th Ave, Hamilton, MI, United States
Learn all about the world of birds during a morning of mist-netting and bird banding. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours. No prior knowledge is necessary and all ages are welcome. Depending on their abilities, participants may be able to help retrieve birds from nets, band birds, record vital information about birds captured and release birds back to the wild.
Mist netting is heavily weather dependent. If the weather does not cooperate for mist netting we will have a naturalist lead a morning birding hike.
For all ages.
Guardians stay with the group.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – program sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Silver Creek, 3900 134th Avenue, Hamilton, MI 49419

Knee-high Naturalists (at Dragonflies)
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Dragonflies Discovery Preschool, 30 152nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.
Parents can drop off their 4-6 year old or stay with the class. Parents or guardians are asked to attend with their 3 year old to help with bathroom use and transitioning into a group learning environment.
For ages 3 to 6.
Guardians drop children off or stay with the class.
Registration is required.
Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Fee: $10 per child, 20% discount for members
Program Location: Dragonflies Discovery Preschool, 30 152nd Ave, Holland, MI

Responsible Fashion Workshop
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Holland Museum, 31 W 10th St, Holland, MI, United States
ODC Network is partnering with the Holland Museum to host a workshop on Responsible Fashion! Featuring Lori Faulkner, Professor and Founding Chair of the Fashion Studies Program at Kendall College of Art and Design, who will discuss the impacts of fast fashion and share practical tips for becoming a more responsible clothing consumer. Stay tuned for registration information!

Give Back on Tap @ Nobel Twist Taphouse
2026-04-22 16:00 - 21:00 | Noble Twist Taphouse, 248 Culver St, Saugatuck, MI, United States
What a better way to celebrate Earth Day than joining Noble Twist in supporting ODC Network!
Visit Noble Twist on Wednesday April 22nd between 4:00-9:00 pm for great food, even better company, and the joy of giving a percent of the proceeds back to ODC.
Learn more about the event.

Native Plants and Water Conservation
2026-04-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Herrick District Library – Main Library, 298 S River Ave, Holland, MI, United States

Explore a Story (at ODC)
2026-04-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
It’s time to round up the little ones and come out to the Outdoor Discovery Center 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, this program is outdoors.
For ages 1-7.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: $6 per child, 20% discount for members – pay for attending children only (except infants)

Environmental Book Club
2026-04-20 18:30 - 20:00 | DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Join us for a collaborative discussion during our next environmental book club! We will be reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Copies of the book will be available for checkout at Herrick District Library one month prior to meeting, while supplies last. Digital and audio versions are also available on Libby and Hoopla.
This program is a collaboration between DeGraaf Nature Center and Herrick District Library.
For ages 18 and up.
No registration required.
Fee: FREE – Sponsored by Herrick District Library
Location: DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI 49424

Kinomage (Teacher) Training (at Cultural History Center)
2026-04-18 09:30 - 12:30 | 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Calling all elementary teachers and homeschool educators who want to add new teaching tools regarding Michigan’s Indigenous Peoples.
Join Myriah Williams M.Ed., Potawatomi Pokagon Band Citizen, Cultural and Environmental Educator at the Outdoor Discovery Center, to engage in practical applications of current Michigan tribal resources and ODC teaching materials.
This training qualifies for 3.0 SCHECHS.
Registration required (registration closes 24 hours before the start of the event)
Program Fee: $35
Program Location: Cultural History Center, 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USA

CANCELED - Lesser Celandine Survey
2026-04-17 13:30 - 15:30 | 600 96th Ave, Holland, MI, United States
**This event has been canceled**
Lesser Celandine is an emerging invasive plant in West Michigan. Help us locate where it’s growing to better inform invasive removal efforts and prevent it from spreading further!
For ages 18 and up.
Fee: FREE
Location: Geerlings Farm Park, 600 96th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Knee-high Naturalists introduces the wonders of the natural world to young children. Crafts, activities, books, snacks, live animals, and outside exploration will be incorporated into their nature-based learning experience.
Parents can drop off their 4-6 year old or stay with the class. Parents or guardians are asked to attend with their 3 year old to help with bathroom use and transitioning into a group learning environment.
For ages 3 to 6.
Guardians drop children off or stay with the class.
Registration is required.
Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Fee: $10 per child, 20% discount for members
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center – 4214 56th Street Holland, MI

Night Magic Hike
2026-04-16 21:00 - 22:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Explore nature after dark in a hike inspired by Leigh Ann Henion’s book, Night Magic. Radar Hill Hiking Club and the Outdoor Discovery Center invite you to experience the night, as it reveals unique sights and sounds. The hike will highlight ways in which wildlife depends on natural darkness and how artificial light can disrupt those natural processes.
All ages welcome.Free to attend, no registration required!

Rainscaping 101
2026-04-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Saugatuck-Douglas Library, 174 E Center St, Douglas, MI, United States
Join us for a workshop where we will discuss the benefits of rainscaping on your property to manage runoff, reduce outdoor water usage, keep landscaping healthy, and using native plants to support our local ecosystems.
For ages 18 and up.
Free to attend, no registration required!
Location: Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, 174 Center St, Douglas, MI 49406

Cultural History Center Open Hours (at Cultural History Center)
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:00 | ODC’s Cultural History Center, 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, Michigan, 49423, United States
Stop by during our monthly Open Hours at the Cultural History Center to check out exhibits, ask questions, play games, and chat with staff and fellow community members. A large portion of the center is dedicated to the Anishinaabe people – their history, culture, and the important role they continue to play throughout Michigan. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been here before, you’re always welcome to come in, look around, and connect with the stories that shape our community.
Theme of this months open house: Crafts
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the group.
No registration is needed – this is a drop-in event.
Fee: FREE
Location: Cultural History Center, 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI 49423

VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC)
2026-04-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Our Volunteer League (nicknamed “VoLes”) is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. This program is designed for 12 to 18 year olds who will work with ODC Network staff on a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks at the ODC, DeGraaf Nature Center, and other local natural areas. Past projects have included removing invasive species, cleaning up animal enclosures, and adding nature play features. It’s also a great way to earn those community service volunteer hours!
VoLes club meets twice a month for a total of six meetings per session. Spring, Summer and Fall sessions are available, no prior experience or participation is required to sign up.
There is no fee for this activity, signed photo/liability release forms are required with registration.
Registration required.
Fee: FREE
Schedule also available at https://outdoordiscovery.org/volunteer/

Up Close & Wild (at Pullman People Helping People)
2026-04-13 17:30 - 18:30 | People Helping People building – 925 56th St, Pullman, MI, United States
Join us for an exciting adventure into the wild world of Michigan’s mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds with an expert naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center! This engaging, family-friendly presentation is packed with live animals, making it the perfect experience for all ages. Get ready to get up close and personal with some of Michigan’s most fascinating wildlife. There will be opportunities to interact with the animals either during the program or at the end, depending on the size of the group.
For all ages.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – program sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: People Helping People building – 925 56th St, Pullman, MI

Household Sustainability 101
2026-04-13 16:00 - 19:00 | Holland Museum, 31 W 10th St, Holland, MI, United States
Want to live more sustainably but don’t know how to start? Join us for an interactive presentation covering the basics of eco-friendly living from a sustainability professional. We will cover practical tips to reduce household waste, lower your energy and water bills, and save money without sacrificing comfort. Whether you are just starting to explore sustainability or have been practicing these tips already, there are always new programs and tools at your disposal for reducing your consumption.
Activities for all ages from 4-7 PM
Educational workshop at 6 PM (no registration required!)

Homeschool program - Animal Adaptations (at ODC)
2026-04-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States

Lesser Celandine Survey
2026-04-10 13:30 - 15:30 | Stu Visser Trails, 929 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI, United States

Birding Migration Hike (at Ransom St. Park)
2026-04-10 08:30 - 10:00 | 16520 Ransom Street, Holland, MI, United States
Learn to identify some amazing birds as you hike the trails with a naturalist in search of spring migrants such as warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and shorebirds. This program is open to birders of all experience levels, from curious beginners to seasoned experts, and offers a great opportunity to sharpen your identification skills while enjoying the spring migration.
Binoculars and field guides are available to use during the program.For ages 8 and up.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Park Township
Program Location: Ransom St. Park, 16520 Ransom Street, Holland, MI

Discover Nature Spring Break Camp (at ODC)
2026-04-09 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-08 09:00 - 11:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals and plants native to Michigan and the habitats where they live at the Outdoor Discovery Center. We will discover animals both caught in the wild and from the Center’s ambassador animal program.
Please bring a water bottle and a light snack.
For ages 7 to 11.
Registration required.
Fee: $110 per child, 20% discount for members
CANCELLATION POLICY100% refund 14 days before the camp start date 50% refund 13 to 7 days before the camp start date 0% refund 6 days or fewer before the camp start date

Little Explorers Spring Break Camp (at ODC)
2026-04-09 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-08 09:00 - 11:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Does your little one like to look for bugs and play in the mud? Would they like to explore for the day and discover what lives here at the Outdoor Discovery Center? In this camp we will do all that and more! We will spend our time inside and outside listening to stories, meeting ambassador animals, creating crafts and hiking.
Please bring a water bottle and a light snack.
For kids ages 4-6 yo
Registration required.
Fee: $110 per child, 20% discount for members
CANCELLATION POLICY100% refund 14 days before the camp start date 50% refund 13 to 7 days before the camp start date 0% refund 6 days or fewer before the camp start date

Nature for Tykes - Animal Babies (at ODC)
2026-04-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Bring your little tykes out to discover the wonders of nature! Each program is a hands-on experience that will spark curiosity and create unforgettable memories for both you and your child! This spring we will be learning about habitats, animal babies, and how we can use our senses to explore nature. For ages 7 and under.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is required. Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Fee: $6 per child, 20% discount for members
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center – 4214 56th Street Holland, MI
