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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 help […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 necessary. Fee: FREE

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hike the trails of Cooper-Van Wieren as we search for some 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 […]