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 classRegistration is not required, […]
Events
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
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1 event,
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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 […]
$10
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2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
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2 events,
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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 […]
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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, […] |
1 event,
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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 5-6:30 to help for 20 minutes or 2 hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May!For ages 10-99, minors must be accompanied by an adult.No […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
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0 events,
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2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
1 event,
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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 and light snack, and dress for the […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
Free
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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 […]
$10
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3 events,
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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, […]
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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 5-6:30 to help for 20 minutes or 2 hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May!For ages 10-99, minors must be accompanied by an adult.No […]
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Women in Nature is a program series designed to motivate women to be more healthy, active and passionate about the natural world surrounding them.Discover the hidden life beneath the water’s surface in this hands-on, hour-long program! Participants will use dip nets to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates and learn how these fascinating creatures help scientists understand water […] |
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2 events,
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Explore the trails with a naturalist and learn to recognize some truly remarkable birds as spring migrants return. From warblers and vireos to flycatchers and shorebirds, this program is perfect for birders of all levels, from beginners to experts.Binoculars and field guides are available for use during the program.For ages 10 and up.Guardians stay with […]
Free
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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 may take place outdoors.For ages 7 […] |
1 event,
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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 5-6:30 to help for 20 minutes or 2 hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May!For ages 10-99, minors must be accompanied by an adult.No […] |
1 event,
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Bring the little ones out to West Side Park and enjoy a story and a stroll as we find out who’s awake for spring, who came back for warm weather, and how the animals that stayed all winter are getting ready for the new season. You will be able to meet some live animals too! […]
Free
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2 events,Join us on a three-day, two-night camping trip focused on birding! Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, this event is perfect for all skill levels. We will be traveling to the southern shores of Lake Erie, which is known as one of the top birdwatching locations in the country, and receives more […]
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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 […]
$10
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4 events,
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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 5-6:30 to help for 20 minutes or 2 hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May! For ages 10-99, minors must be accompanied by an […]
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Join us for an hour-long guided walk as we explore the fascinating world of fungi right here in Michigan. We’ll stroll through the area looking for mushrooms and other fungi while learning what fungi are, how they differ from plants and animals, and the important roles they play in our ecosystems. Along the way, we’ll […] |
1 event,
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Get the family together and explore the outdoors on a spring scavenger hunt! Join one of our naturalists and hike the trails of Ransom Street Park in search of bright colors, buzzing insects, birds, plants, and more. Along the way, discover how plants and animals are thriving in the warm weather. For ages 3 and up.

Guardians […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
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Join ODC Network in partnership with Jessica Austin, founder of Cultivate the Community, in celebrating black birders week with a birding hike. 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, […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
2 events,
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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 5-6:30 to help for 20 minutes or 2 hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays in May!For ages 10-99, minors must be accompanied by an adult.No […]
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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 […]
$25
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0 events,
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0 events,
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2 events,
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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 […]
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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, […] |
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
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 […]
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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 […] |
0 events,
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