Events

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 […]

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, […]

First time paddlers will enjoy the casual exploration of Gilligan 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. A limited number of double kayaks are available. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Women in Nature is a program series designed to motivate women to be more healthy, active and passionate about the natural world surrounding them.Participants will paddle from Pink Creek to Pine Creek Bay, exploring a scenic section of Lake Macatawa. Along the way, women will learn about local river wildlife, ongoing efforts to improve area […]

Join us as we introduce students to the fascinating world of vertebrates. Participants will learn what makes an animal a vertebrate, explore the five major vertebrate groups, and enjoy the unique opportunity to meet live vertebrate animal ambassadors up close.This drop-off program is geared for home schoolers ages 6 - 12. Please bring a water […]

Get ready for an adventure! Join us for an action-packed program where you’ll sharpen your outdoor skills and become a true nature pro! Learn how to build your own shelter and start a fire with the help of a naturalist. Leave the pocket knives, weapons, and matches at home – we’ve got all the gear you’ll […]

Learn about blueberries and how they have become a West Michigan industry. Bring collection buckets to take home some free blueberries from the u-pick, organic blueberry patch! Sturdy shoes and insect repellent are encouraged.All ages welcome.Guardians stay with the class.Registration is not required, but appreciated.Fee: FREE - program sponsor Laketown TownshipProgram location - Huyser Farm […]

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 […]

This program invites children to explore and connect with the natural world by using all five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and, when safe, taste. Through guided activities and observations, participants will slow down and discover the details of nature that are often overlooked, such as the rustling of leaves, the texture of tree bark, […]

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 […]

Join us as we create a wearable work of art. Participants will use pressed plants and flowers to transfer natural dyes onto fabric, learning the basics of botanical printing along the way. Guided through the process step by step, you’ll design and create your own one-of-a-kind floral scarf to take home. This creative experience is […]

The 2026 Macatawa Water Festival will be held at Holland’s Kollen Park. This free community event is designed to help people of all ages learn about our most precious natural resource, Lake Macatawa and its watershed. The festival benefits Project Clarity's work to improve water quality of the lake. Over 20 community partners and sponsors […]

July 18th VoLes volunteers will assist with the Macatawa Water Festival in Kollen Park. Times are TBD, and volunteer opportunities will occur in shifts with a variety of activities to choose from. Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes") is a service club for teens to experience what it takes to maintain a natural area and captive wildlife. […]

Get ready for an adventure! Join us for an action-packed program where you’ll sharpen your outdoor skills and become a true nature pro! Learn how to build your own shelter and start a fire with the help of a naturalist. Leave the pocket knives, weapons, and matches at home – we’ve got all the gear you’ll […]

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 […]

Cast your line and reel in the excitement! Join us for the third annual ODC Fishing Derby at the Outdoor Discovery Center on Tuesday, July 21, where kids can participate in friendly competition fishing in one of ODC’s ponds. This is a buddy-style derby, so each team must be comprised of 1 adult and 1-2 […]

Join us for a morning birding hike at Ely Lake Park! 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 […]

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 […]

Don't forget to bring your Park Passport when you head to River Junction Preserve! You'll get a stamp at this delightful free open house event, which counts as an extra park visited. Plus, you can grab some fun swag and have the wonderful chance to see an animal up close! Fee: FREE - No registration […]

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, […]

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 […]