Garlic Mustard Removal (at Silver Creek)
2026-05-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Silver Creek, 3900 134th Ave, Hamilton, MI, United States
Volunteer with the Allegan Conservation District for the opportunity to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant threatening our local ecosystems. 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.
Registration not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Silver Creek, 3900 134th Ave Hamilton, MI 49419

Dip-net in a Creek (at Leighton Township)
2026-05-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Leighton Township, 4475 Kalamazoo Ave, Caledonia, MI, United States
Join us for a hands-on dip-netting program as we explore the hidden world of aquatic macroinvertebrates in a local creek. We’ll use nets to sample the water while learning what macroinvertebrates are, where they live, and why they are important indicators of water quality and ecosystem health. Along the way, we’ll practice basic observation skills and try to identify some of the small aquatic creatures we discover.
For all ages.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program location: Leighton Township, 4475 Kalamazoo Ave, Caledonia, Michigan 49316

Black Birders Week - Birding Hike with Jessica Austin (at Huff Park)
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Huff Park, 1435 Aberdeen St NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Join ODC Network in partnership with Jessica Austin, founder of Cultivate the Community, in celebrating Black Birders Week with a birding hike. Black Birders Week strives to bring ‘equitable access to nature’. Together we will learn to identify birds by sight and sound as we explore the trails, with tips from an ODC naturalist. All experience levels are welcome.
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: Huff Park, 1435 Aberdeen St. NE Grand Rapids, MI

Knee-high Naturalists (at ODC)
2026-05-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-12 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

Garlic Mustard Removal
2026-05-30 10:00 - 12:00 | DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI, United States

Krazy for the Kazoo River Cleanup
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | MI
Help clean up and celebrate the Kalamazoo River at Krazy for the Kazoo! We have 4 different ways to volunteer during the event. You can clean up the river by picking up trash along the shoreline, from a single kayak, or from a double kayak. We’ll also be holding an invasive species pull nearby if that’s how you’d like to volunteer instead! After volunteering, enjoy food, fun, and community at Wade’s Bayou!
Shoreline or Invasive Species Pull Volunteer (for all ages!): Click here to register.
Single Kayak Volunteer (for 18 years and up): Click here to register
Double Kayak Volunteer (one paddler must be 18): Click here to register
Anyone under 16 years old must be with an adult. All bags, gloves, grabbers, boats, paddles, and life vests will be provided.
Please email lexie@outdoordiscovery.org with questions!

Cookies & Canvas - CANCELLED (at ODC)
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Come enjoy an afternoon of creativity and cookies at the Outdoor Discovery Center! Cookies & Canvas is a fun, interactive workshop where individuals, couples, and families can spend quality time together while indulging in delicious cookies and exploring their artistic talents. With the guidance of our instructors, participants will be led step by step in creating their very own masterpiece on canvas. For ages 10 and up. This program has been cancelled. Cookies and materials will be provided. Fee: $25 per participant, 20% discount for members

Family Birding (at ODC)
2026-06-02 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

VoLes Volunteer League (at ODC)
2026-06-02 15:30 - 17:00, 2026-06-13 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/

Knee-high Naturalists (at Dragonflies)
2026-06-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-19 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

Banquet for the Birds (at ODC)
2026-06-05 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

Tales and Trails (at Virginia Park)
2026-06-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Virginia Park, 669 Harrington Avenue, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join us for a fun-filled adventure at Virginia 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: Virginia Park, 669 Harrington Avenue Holland, MI 49423

Homeschool program - Food Webs (at ODC)
2026-06-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Discover how nature’s dinner table really works! Join us for our monthly homeschool program, where you will get to explore food webs and learn how plants, animals, and decomposers are all connected. 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

Nature for Tykes - Wild Wetlands (at ODC)
2026-06-09 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

Kayaking (at Dumont Lake)
2026-06-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Dumont Lake Park, 2417 31st St, Allegan, MI, United States
First time paddlers will enjoy the casual exploration of Dumont Lake from single or double kayaks. Look for wildlife including birds, reptiles and amphibians with your naturalist guide. Personal water bottle recommended. Paddlers must be at least 8 years old to use a boat on their own. All equipment provided.
For ages 8 and up.
Registration required – boats limited.
Click here to register for a double kayak.Click here to register for a single kayak.
Fee: FREE – Sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program location: Dumont Lake, 2417 31st St, Allegan, MI 49010-9259

Creek Stomp (at Leighton Township)
2026-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | 4475 Kalamazoo Ave, Caledonia, MI, United States
Get ready for a wild adventure! Families are invited to join a naturalist at a creek near Green Lake for a fun-filled exploration of amphibians, insects, and all kinds of amazing aquatic life. We’ll provide all the collection tubs and dip nets you need – just bring your curiosity! Make sure to wear old shoes or boots that are good to get wet (no sandals or bare feet, please). Get ready to splash, search, and discover nature up close!
For all ages.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is required.
Fee: FREE – Sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Leighton Township, 4475 Kalamazoo Ave, Caledonia, Michigan 49316

Summer Craft Day (at The Hangar)
2026-06-11 11:00 - 12:00 | 1269 Ottawa Beach Road. Holland, Holland, MI, United States
Join us for a crafting session – sponsored by Park Township – filled with fun summer-themed projects! We’ll take inspiration from the sights, colors, and textures of the season, using nature as our guide to create bright and beautiful crafts. Please dress for the weather, as this program will take place outdoors. Let’s get creative and celebrate summer together!
For ages 6 and up.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is required for supplies. Please register for all attending children.
Fee: $5 per participant (discounted from $12 thanks to Park Township sponsorship).
Program location: The Hangar, 1269 Ottawa Beach Road. Holland, MI 49424

Mammal Munchies (at ODC)
2026-06-12 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

Fishing (at ODC)
2026-06-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Come wet a line during this catch-and-release free fishing day. All materials are provided including fishing poles, tackle, and bait. This is an open format program where participants can fish as long as they would like. Dress to be outside for at least one hour. Participants will be able to use the provided equipment until 2:00 PM.
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Location: Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423

Frog Catching! (at Farview Park)
2026-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Farview park, 6213 138th Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Get ready for a wild adventure! Families are invited to join a naturalist at Farview Park for a fun-filled exploration of amphibians, insects, and all kinds of amazing aquatic life. We’ll provide all the collection tubs and dip nets you need – just bring your curiosity! Make sure to wear old shoes or boots that are good to get wet (no sandals or bare feet, please). Get ready to splash, search, and discover nature up close!
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
Registration is not required, but appreciated.
Fee: FREE – Sponsored by Laketown Township
Program Location: Farview Park 6257 138th Ave. Saugatuck, MI

Family Kayaking (at Stu Visser)
2026-06-15 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 section of Lake Macatawa. Along the way, participants will learn about local river wildlife, ongoing efforts to improve area watersheds, and enjoy time on the water with a naturalist.
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)
2026-06-16 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)

Adult Archery Night (at ODC archery range)
2026-06-16 18:00 - 19:30 | 5675 142nd Ave, Holland, MI, United States
Hey grown-ups – ever wanted to shoot an arrow at a dinosaur? Or a polar bear? Maybe even a giant mosquito? Now’s your chance! Join us at the ODC to learn the fundamentals of archery or fine-tune your technique.
All equipment is provided (sorry, no outside bows).
For ages 18+.
Registration required.
Fee: FREE – sponsored by Allegan County Parks and Recreation
Program Location: Meet at the ODC Archery Range – 5675 142nd Ave Holland, MI

Unplugged Book Club: How to Know a Person by David Brooks
2026-06-17 18:30 - 19:30 | DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Rd, Holland, MI, United States
The Unplugged Book Club is a collaborative book discussion series between ODC Network and Herrick District Library. Throughout 2026, we invite you to read books related to disconnecting from unhealthy tech habits and reconnecting with our community and nature. Join us to discuss How To Know A Person by David Brooks.
Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect speaker series – ODC Network invites the West Michigan community to disconnect from overuse of technology and reconnect with nature and each other, while reintroducing the simple idea that outdoor and community connection is central to thriving people, thriving families, and thriving communities. Learn more at outdoordiscovery.org/unplugged

Evening at the ODC
2026-06-18 17:30 - 21:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
We’re excited to announce that Evening at the ODC is returning to the Outdoor Discovery Center at a new time of year! This special evening celebrates the impact of ODC Network and the people who make it possible.Attendees will be among the first to explore exciting updates to our preserve, including a newly renovated Spoelhof Family Visitor Center, DeVisser Family Discovery Pavilion, and Haworth & Klow Family Imagination Forest.Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details as we plan a memorable evening honoring nature, community, and connection. Register Here

Snake Snacks (at ODC)
2026-06-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI, United States
Have you ever wondered what snakes eat? What about frogs? Snakes and adult frogs are carnivores and only eat other animals. Come to the ODC this summer to find out what's on the menu as you watch our resident reptiles and amphibians enjoy a meal.
All ages welcome.
Guardians stay with the class.
No registration necessary.
Fee: FREE
