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We invite you to join us for a workshop where you will learn how to have beautiful landscaping while reducing outdoor water use!This workshop is free to attend, but we […] |
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1 event,
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Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll have the chance to create beautiful fur earrings. You’ll learn how to make your own pair of earrings using real fur - […] |
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 […] |
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Students will explore the early signs of spring, including bird migrations and emerging wildflowers. They will learn about the parts of a tree and discover how trees produce sap. Participants […] |
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What secrets does nature hold for helping kids unplug, play, and thrive?Don’t miss this free, one-of-a-kind speaker series presented by ODC Network! Join nationally recognized experts as they uncover the […] |
1 event,
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Join us Wednesday, March 4, from 8:30am – 12:00pm for a dynamic, hands-on workshop with Adam Bienenstock and Scott Sampson, two leading voices in nature-based communities, learning, and play. Together, […] |
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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 […] |
1 event,
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This family-friendly event takes place at the City of Holland’s Van Raalte Farm where the sap will be flowing and the sugar house steaming! Join us as we tap trees, […] |
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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 […]
$6
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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 […] |
1 event,
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This family-friendly event takes place at the City of Holland’s Van Raalte Farm where the sap will be flowing and the sugar house steaming! Join us as we tap trees, […] |
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2 events,
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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 […]
$6
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What if letting kids take risks could actually make them safer and stronger?Don’t miss this free, one-of-a-kind speaker series presented by ODC Network! Join nationally recognized experts as they uncover […] |
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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 […] |
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 […] |
1 event,
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Join us in this introductory class perfect for those curious about birding. You’ll learn identification techniques, basic terminology, how to use a guidebook and binoculars, and more before putting your […] |
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In this program, participants will use field journals to observe and record phenology, or seasonal changes in the natural world. They will learn how to note visible changes in the […]
Free
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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 […]
$10
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1 event,
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MaplePalooza is the celebration of the completion of our 20th season making syrup in the VanRaalte Farm Sugarbush! We invite adults to join us for a fun evening of live […] |
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2 events,
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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 […]
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Lesser Celandine is an emerging invasive plant in West Michigan. Help us locate where it's growing to better inform invasive removal efforts and prevent it from spreading further! For ages 18 […] |
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Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance are eligible for:
• A full refund
• A credit toward a future program of the same price
• Donate your fee to ODC
Cancellations made within 48 hours are not refundable.
If you’re unable to attend due to illness, please reach out to discuss possible options.
We offer a wide variety of programs from archery to kayaking to bird watching. Our programs are geared towards all ages and knowledge levels. Check out our calendar as we update our programs frequently.
This booklet guides you to 16 local parks and natural areas within our nature-rich community. Learn about each site while exploring forests, beaches, dunes, lakes and trails.
Need a new and unique space to hold your meeting or event? The Outdoor Discovery Center has indoor and outdoor facilities available to rent. There is also a rentable space at Dragonflies Discovery Preschool in the Dragonflies Learning Lab.
We offer a wide variety of Natural and Cultural History programs for all grades and class sizes. Field trip registrations begin on the first Monday of August.
Are there dinosaurs hiding right here in Michigan? You might be surprised! Step back in time, and we’ll learn about what made dinosaurs so unique and exciting. Then, leap forward to today, and we’ll meet dinosaur relatives and neighbors in real life!
Join us as we visit with Outdoor Discovery Center’s animal ambassadors, including modern-day feathered raptors, dinosaurs’ fellow reptiles, and ancient bugs who lived long before even the dinosaurs!
Live animals will be present throughout our program, and may be available for closer visits during or after the presentation, depending on the size of the audience.
The Center’s birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons, will be used to share their life history and habitat. Depending on the group size, birds will be walked around or brought out after the presentation for viewing. Hands-on artifacts will include skulls, feathers, pelts, and talons.
Michigan is home to a diversity of reptile species. We are fortunate to house a number of live, native reptiles that can be used in educational programs. Audiences will learn how a reptile differs from other animal groups and how to identify them. Hands-on artifacts include skins, skulls, eggs, and shells of several species native to Michigan.
A wetland is a home for a wide variety of plants and animals. Our staff will share live examples of both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms that can be found in and near wetlands in Michigan. Animals may include toads, frogs, salamanders, fish, leeches, dragonflies, damselflies and more. Our naturalist will offer insight into the organism’s life history and habitat. A number of animals will be used and available to touch during the program.
This program focuses on introducing audiences to Michigan wildlife. Live animals including reptiles, amphibians and birds will be used during the presentation. People will learn unique characteristics of animals and how they fit into our diverse ecosystems. Hands-on artifacts include skins, skulls, wings, feathers and talons of several species native to Michigan.
Owls capture the attention of almost anyone who is lucky enough to encounter them in the wild. This live bird program will highlight several common owl species and show participants how they can encourage them to live in their backyard. Hands-on artifacts include feathers, pelts, skulls, and talons.
Free – Ottawa, Allegan, Kent Counties
$100 – Muskegon, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Barry, Ionia Counties
$150 – Oceana, Newaygo, Montcalm, Eaton, Calhoun, Joseph, Cass, Berrien Counties
$200 – Branch, Jackson, Ingham, Clinton, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, Mason Counties
$250 – Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Livingston, Shiawasee, Saginaw, Midland, Clare, Missaukee, Wexford, Manistee
Other county pricing as requested
Our wildlife booth will be sure to excite guests at any event, young or old. Our naturalists will bring animals that can be touched or viewed in containers, touchable artifacts like skulls or furs, and a variety of interesting items meant to invoke wonder about the natural world. Pictures can be taken with our animals and our naturalist staff are always happy to answer any wildlife questions people may have.
Have your group visit one of our natural areas, meet us at a local park, or we can visit your site in this truly customizable experience. Design a program to fit your needs that could include activities like a guided nature hike or wildlife like our birds of prey. These programs are great for scouting groups, daycare centers, church groups, senior centers, and more.
