Kinomage (Teacher) Training (at Cultural History Center)
2026-04-18 09:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | 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

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

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)

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

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.

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!

Knee-high Naturalists (at Dragonflies)
2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-08 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

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

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/

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

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

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

Birding Hike with Latino Outdoors GR (at Huff Park)
2026-05-02 09:00 - 10:30 | 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

Garlic Mustard Removal
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-13 17:00 - 19:00 | DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Help us pull invasive garlic mustard to clear room for native plants on the trails at DeGraaf Nature Center! Gloves, wheelbarrow, and trash bags will be provided. Show up anytime between 5-6:30pm on Wednesdays and 10am-12pm Saturdays in May to help for 20 minutes or 2 hours!
For ages 10-99, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
No registration required.
Fee: FREE
Location: DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI 49423

Birding at Bysterveld (Senior Only)
2026-05-05 09:00 - 10:30 | Bysterveld Park, 4171 14th St, Wayland, MI, United States
Join us for a morning birding hike around a local birding hotspot! Walk with one of our naturalists who will guide you through the trails. Our naturalist will help you learn identification techniques and more while identifying birds on the walk. All experience levels are welcome.
Binoculars will be provided.
It is suggested to download Merlin Bird ID and eBird, but not required.
For ages 55+
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – program sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Bysterveld Park 4171 14th Street, Wayland, MI 49348

VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC)
2026-05-05 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | 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/

Garlic Mustard Removal
2026-05-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00 | DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI, United States

Spring Macroinvertebrate Monitoring
2026-05-07 08:30 - 14:00 | DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Come help us investigate the health of our area streams by collecting the aquatic macroinvertebrates that live there. These critters give us a general idea of the water quality. Plus, it’s fun and easy to do! We’ll gather, form teams, head out to streams to collect, and then gather again for identification. You can help with collection, identification or both! Lunch will be provided for those that stay for identification.
No experience required and all equipment will be provided. Dress appropriately for getting wet and/or muddy. Not all stream locations are universally accessible. Event may be postponed if weather or river conditions are unsafe.
For ages 14-99, minors must be accompanied by an adult
Registration required, please click here.
Fee: FREE
Location: DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI 49423

Homeschool program - Wonderful Wetlands (at ODC)
2026-05-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Wetlands are some of the most important habitats on Earth! From frogs and turtles to birds and insects, wetland animals have incredible ways of surviving in watery environments. Join us to explore the wonders of wetlands, discover the animals that live there, and learn how they survive through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration.
This drop-off program is geared for home schoolers ages 6 – 12. Please bring a water bottle and a snack.
For ages 6 to 12.

Registration is required. Register and pay for attending children only (except infants).
Guardians do not need to stay with the class.

Fee: $10 per student, 20% discount for members.
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center 4214 56th Street Holland, MI

Garlic Mustard Removal (at Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve)
2026-05-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve, 137 Thomas St, Allegan, MI, United States
Volunteer with the Allegan Conservation District to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant threatening our local ecosystems, at Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve. During this program, you’ll learn to identify garlic mustard, understand why it is harmful to native plant communities, and discover how it spreads aggressively and alters soil conditions to outcompete native species. You’ll receive training on how to properly pull the plant by the root and dispose of it to prevent regrowth and seed spread. No experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm and be ready to make a meaningful impact outdoors!
We recommend bringing a water bottle and wearing clothes that can get dirty. All other materials will be provided.
For ages 12 and up.
Guardians stay with the group.
By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the linked waiver.
Registration not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve, 137 Thomas St, Allegan, MI 49010

Cultural History Center Open Hours (at Cultural History Center)
2026-05-12 17:30 - 19:00 | 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI, 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.
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

Nature for Tykes - Sensing Nature (at ODC)
2026-05-13 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 St, Holland, MI 49423

Kids Night Out - Cancelled (at The Hangar)
2026-05-14 17:00 - 20:00 | 1269 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Parents, enjoy a three-hour break while your kids spend the evening at the Hangar with ODC Network naturalists. During this Kids Night Out program, naturalists will lead a variety of activities including games, crafts, opportunities to meet live animals, and plenty of nature-based exploration.
Please bring a water bottle along with a snack or light meal, and dress for the weather.
For ages 6 to 12.
This program can been cancelled.
Fee: $25 per child, (discounted from $50 thanks to Park Township sponsorship).
Location: The Hangar, 1269 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI 49424, USA

Birding Hike (at Stu Visser)
2026-05-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Stu Visser Trails, 929 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI, United States

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-05-15 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
