ODC Network

DeGraaf Nature Center Closed
2026-09-05 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MI

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-09-04 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. Click here to register.
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

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-09-04 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-07 10:00 - 12:00 | 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

Bird Hike (at Upper Macatawa Natural Area)
2026-09-04 09:30 - 11:00 | 1300 84th Ave, Zeeland, 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 10 and up.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is not required, but appreciated. Click here to register.
Fee: FREE
Program Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area, 1300 84th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464

Autumn Olive Removal (at Littlejohn Lake Park)
2026-09-03 10:00 - 12:00 | 3540 113th Avenue Allegan, Allegan, MI, United States
Volunteer with the Allegan Conservation District for the opportunity to help remove autumn olive, an invasive shrub threatening our local ecosystems. During this program, you’ll learn to identify autumn olive, understand why it is harmful to native habitats, and discover how it spreads aggressively to outcompete native plants and reduce biodiversity. You’ll receive training on how to properly remove or manage autumn olive to help restore healthy natural areas. 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.
Registration not required, but appreciated. Click here to register.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Program Location: Littlejohn Lake Park, 3540 113th Avenue
Allegan, MI 49010

Up Close & Wild (at Virginia Park)
2026-09-01 13:00 - 14:00 | 669 Harrington Avenue Holland, Holland, MI, United States
Learn about the reptiles, amphibians and birds that can be found in Michigan with a naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center. Live animals will be used in this family friendly presentation that is great for all ages. Time to handle some of the wildlife may be conducted during the program or at its conclusion depending on the size of the audience.
Bring a blanket or chair to sit on the grass.
All ages welcome
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated. Click here to register.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Park Township
Program Location: Virginia Park, 669 Harrington Avenue Holland, MI 49423

Banquet for the Birds (at ODC)
2026-08-28 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Stop by the De Witt Birds of Prey Center during this open house style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident raptors. You will learn about the habitats these birds live in, some of their amazing adaptations, and what they love to eat. You can bring a snack for yourself too!
Plan on a 15 minute walk from the Main Entrance to the De Witt Birds of Prey Center.
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
No registration necessary
Fee: FREE

Knee-high Naturalists (at Dragonflies)
2026-08-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | 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

Women in Nature - Beaded Bird Wing Earrings (at The Hangar)
2026-08-27 18:00 - 19:30 | The Hangar, 1269 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Join us for this advanced beading class – sponsored by Park Township – where we will use hooks to create fringe earrings. We will be using seed beads, needles and thread to create unique patterns that mimic our favorite bird feathers. We will provide patterns, or you can make your own based on your favorite bird.
For ages 14 and up.
Registration required.
Fee: $5 per participant (discounted from $12 thanks to Park Township sponsorship).
Program location: The Hangar, 1269 Ottawa Beach Road. Holland, MI 49424

Birds of Prey (at West Side Park)
2026-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 | West Side County Park, 2152 Lakeshore Dr, Fennville, MI, United States
Ever wondered what sets a bird of prey apart from other birds? Now’s your chance to discover the secrets of these incredible hunters! Join us as we get to know our resident raptors – including hawks, owls, and falcons. You’ll have the opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close, and explore their amazing features, from skulls and wings to talons and feathers. Don’t miss out on this hands-on experience with nature’s most skilled predators!
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program location: West Side Park, 2152 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville, MI 49408

Tales and Trails (at Winstrom Park)
2026-08-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Winstrom Park, 1774 Perry St, Holland, MI, United States
Join us for a fun-filled adventure at Winstrom Park! Bring the kiddos out to enjoy a lively storytime with one of our naturalists, and meet some of our amazing captive animals up close! Afterward, put on your explorer hats and take a short hike to discover cool plants and critters hiding in the wild. Please dress to be outside the entire time.
For ages 7 and under.Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Park Township
Program location: Winstrom Park, 1774 Perry St, Holland, MI 49424, USA

Butterfly Bonanza (at Bysterveld Park)
2026-08-22 10:30 - 11:30 | Bysterveld Park 4171 14th Street, Wayland, MI, United States
Explore the art and science of catching butterflies! Become amateur lepidopterists as we spend the morning in the meadow. Learn proper netting techniques, safe and humane insect capture, and methods for recording and studying butterfly specimens. Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
For ages 5 and up.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – program sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Bysterveld Park 4171 14th Street, Wayland, MI 49348

Birding Hike (at Stu Visser)
2026-08-22 09:30 - 11:00 | Stu Visser Trails, 929 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Join us for a 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 10 and up.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE
Program Location: Stu Visser Trails, 929 Ottawa Beach Rd #891, Holland, MI 49424, USA

Snake Snacks (at ODC)
2026-08-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States

Incredible Insects (at Shore Acres)
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Shore Acres Township Park, 6602 138th Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Hike the dune trails of Shore Acres township park as we search for incredible insects. Join a naturalist as we venture through the park with sweep nets, uncovering the hidden lives of these small animals. Get a closer look at their life cycles, habitats, and unique traits that make them so extraordinary. All the materials you’ll need are provided – just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure!
For ages 5 to 14.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Laketown Township
Program Location: Shore Acres Township Park 6602 138th Ave. Holland, MI 49423

Kayaking (at Stu Visser)
2026-08-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Stu Visser Trails, 929 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, MI, United States
Participants will paddle from Pink Creek to Pine Creek Bay, exploring a scenic stretch of Lake Macatawa while focusing on the fascinating aquatic life that inhabits these waters. Along the way, participants will learn about local fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, how they interact within the ecosystem, and the role water quality plays in their survival.

We will have kayaks, paddles, and life jackets available for each participant. Water bottles are recommended. Please feel free to bring a snack to keep energies high. Paddlers must be at least 10 years old to use a boat on their own. A limited number of double kayaks are available. All equipment provided.
For ages 10 and up. Guardians stay with the class
Registration required – boats limited.Click here to register for a double kayak.Click here to register for a single kayak.
Fee: FREE – Sponsored by Park Township
Program Location: Stu Visser Trails, 929 Ottawa Beach Rd #891, Holland, MI 49424, USA

Explore a Story (at ODC)
2026-08-18 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 7 and under.
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)

Holland Master Composter Training
2026-08-17 09:00 - 10:00 | MI
Dates: Class is every Monday, August 17-September 28, from 9-11 am (Excluding September 7, which is Labor Day)Ages: 18 years or older.Cost: $60 per participant – Scholarships are available, if financial assistance is needed. For more information please contact Maya Klanderman (maya@outdoordiscovery.org). Registration Required. Registration will open on July 1st. Through a partnership between ODC Network, Ottawa County Environmental Sustainability, and the City of Holland, this hands-on course teaches participants how to become master composters. With topics covering the basics of compost all the way to soil biology, participants will come away from this course with the ability to properly establish their own backyard compost pile. Each participant will be given a composting manual, a vermicomposting bin, and a cohort t-shirt as part of the registration fee. Every week, the class will work through the assigned chapter with a hands-on demonstration and on occasion a guest speaker. The course will include 18 hours of in-class training (including site visits and tours) and another 10 hours of volunteer time will be needed from each participant to receive the Master Composter formal certification at the end of the course. Master Composter Agenda August 17 – Composting BasicsAugust 24 – Vermicomposting (Guest Speaker: Nick Border)August 31 – Composting Methods (Guest Speaker: Ken Freestone)Break for Labor DaySeptember 14 – Soil Science (Guest Speaker: Christine)September 21 – Field Trip (TBD)September 28 – Review and Final Exam Note: Attendance to at least 5 out of the 6 classes is mandatory to receive the Master Composter certification. If you are unable to attend a majority of the dates, there will be more opportunities in the future to take this course.

VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC)
2026-08-15 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/

Family Kayaking (at New Richmond Bridge Park)
2026-08-15 09:30 - 11:00 | 5700 Old Allegan Rd, Hamilton, MI, United States
Paddle the Kalamazoo River with naturalists from the ODC Network. Kayaks, paddles, and vests are provided. The group will launch from the New Richmond Bridge Park (north entrance) and paddle up river into some marshy areas and forested river sections. Then we will turn around and paddle back to the park. This river has a slow current making this an ideal paddle for an inexperienced paddler or someone looking for a relaxed paddle. Paddlers must be at least 10 years old to use a boat on their own. A limited number of double kayaks are available. All equipment provided.
For ages 10 and up. Registration required – boats limited.
Click here to register for a double kayak.Click here to register for a single kayak.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program location: New Richmond Park (north entrance) – 5700 Old Allegan Rd. Fennville, MI

Mammal Munchies (at ODC)
2026-08-14 09:30 - 10:30 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Stop by the Eldean Wildlife Exhibit during this open house–style program and watch a naturalist feed our resident mammals. You will learn about the habitats these animals call home, their unique adaptations, and what they love to eat. You can bring a snack for yourself too!
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
No registration necessary.
Fee: FREE

Archery Night (at ODC archery range)
2026-08-13 18:00 - 19:30 | 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Have you always wanted to try out archery? Now is your chance! This program is geared for anyone ages 10 and up. We will go over the basics of archery and you will have time to practice shooting at 3D targets and regular targets.
We will provide all of the equipment. (Sorry, no outside bows.) We will be meeting at the archery range off of 142nd ave.
For ages 10 and up.
Registration is required. Register and pay for all people attending the program (except infants).
Guardians stay with the class
Registration required.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Meet at the ODC Archery Range – 5675 142nd Ave Holland, MI

Nature for Tykes - Camouflage (at ODC)
2026-08-12 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 summer we will be learning about wetlands, the similarities and differences between reptiles and amphibians, and the many ways animals camouflage. 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

Homeschool program - Incredible Invertebrates (at ODC)
2026-08-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Join us as we introduce students to the incredible world of invertebrates! Participants will learn what makes an animal an invertebrate, explore the major invertebrate groups, and discover the incredible adaptations that help these animals survive and thrive. Students will also enjoy the opportunity to meet live invertebrate animal ambassadors up close.
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 St, Holland, MI 49423, USA

Family Birding (at ODC)
2026-08-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Looking for a fun way to learn, enjoy nature, and spend time with your family? Join us for a family-friendly birding hike! Walk along the trails with one of our naturalists, who will guide you and your family in spotting and identifying birds. Learn helpful birding tips, identification techniques, and fun facts about our local feathered friends. This program is perfect for all ages and experience levels.
Binoculars will be provided.
It is suggested to download Merlin Bird ID and eBird, but not required.
For ages 6 and up.
Guardians stay with the class
Registration is required.
Fee: FREE
Program Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA

Up Close & Wild (at Wendt Park)
2026-08-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Wendt Park, 14599 James St, Holland, MI, United States
Learn about the reptiles, amphibians and birds that can be found in Michigan with a naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center. Live animals will be used in this family friendly presentation that is great for all ages. Time to handle some of the wildlife may be conducted during the program or at its conclusion depending on the size of the audience.
All ages welcome
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on the grass.
Fee: FREE – program sponsor Park Township
Program Location: Wendt Park, 14599, 14503 James St, Holland, MI 49424
