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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 […]
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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 […] |
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2 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 […]
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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 […] |
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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 […] |
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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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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 […] |
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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.Participants will paddle from Pink Creek to […] |
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3 events,
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […] |
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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 […] |
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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, […] |
3 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 can […]
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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 […]
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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 […] |
3 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
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1 event,
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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 […] |
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 […]
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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 […] |
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1 event,
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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 […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
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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 can […]
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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 […] |
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Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance are eligible for:
• A full refund Â
• A credit toward a future program of the same priceÂ
• 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.Â
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.
Saturday, June 20
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Outdoor Discovery Center
A FREE community event celebrating the completion of exciting new updates and the importance of helping people, nature and communities thrive in West Michigan.
