Events

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Join us for the Grand Reopening of the Outdoor Discovery Center! Over the past year, we’ve made exciting updates to our facilities, and now it’s time to celebrate! Bring your friends and family for a FREE day filled with animals, activities, and food. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, explore what’s new, and connect […]

Get an up close look at the Kalamazoo River ecosystem as we paddle through its waters on this unique birdwatching kayak adventure! As we paddle, we will focus on identifying by sight and by sound the various bird species that call this river home. We will also learn the roles they play in making this […]

Join us for a fun-filled adventure at Wolters Woods! Bring the kiddos out to enjoy a lively story time with one of our naturalists, and meet some of our amazing ambassador animals up close! Afterward, put on your explorer hats and take a short hike to discover cool plants and critters hiding in the wild. […]

Join us for a relaxed morning hike at New Richmond Bridge Park. We’ll explore the trails while observing local plants and wildlife. A naturalist will be on hand to answer questions and point out interesting flora and fauna along the way. This hike is designed for seniors and will move at a comfortable pace.For ages […]

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 […]

Paddle Littlejohn Lake with naturalists from the ODC Network. Kayaks, paddles, and vests are provided. The group will launch from the beach and paddle around the shore line.  Lakes are the perfect place to learn to paddle for the first time or to get in some practice. Paddlers must be at least 8 years old […]

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 […]

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 […]

In celebration of Independence Day, the whole family is invited to meet one of our nation’s most iconic symbols in the feather. Get an up-close look at our resident bald eagle and their cousin, the golden eagle. Learn about what these awesome animals like to eat, where they live, and how strong they are.Plan on […]

Join us for a crafting session 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 […]