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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 […] |
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1 event,
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Have you ever wondered what an owl eats? Find out first hand as you become a real forensic scientist and extract bones from an owl pellet to discover the prey […] |
3 events,
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This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals and plants native to Michigan and the habitats where they live at the Outdoor Discovery […]
$110
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Does your little one like to look for bugs and play in the mud? Would they like to explore for the day and discover what lives here at the Outdoor […]
$110
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Explore the nature preserve with a naturalist in search of two bird species most people don’t get the chance to see: American Woodcock and Wilson’s Snipe. Dress in dark clothing […] |
3 events,
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This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals and plants native to Michigan and the habitats where they live at the Outdoor Discovery […]
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Does your little one like to look for bugs and play in the mud? Would they like to explore for the day and discover what lives here at the Outdoor […]
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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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2 events,
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This camp is for kids crazy about wildlife. They will study a variety of animals and plants native to Michigan and the habitats where they live at the Outdoor Discovery […]
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Does your little one like to look for bugs and play in the mud? Would they like to explore for the day and discover what lives here at the Outdoor […] |
3 events,
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Learn to identify some amazing birds as you hike the trails with a naturalist in search of spring migrants such as warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and shorebirds. This program is open […]
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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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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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3 events,
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Animals have amazing ways of surviving in their environments, from icy winters to hot summers and everything in between. Through special body features, behaviors, and habitats, animals adapt to meet […]
$10
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Want to live more sustainably but don't know how to start? Join us for an interactive presentation covering the basics of eco-friendly living from a sustainability professional. We will cover […]
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Join us for an exciting adventure into the wild world of Michigan’s mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds with an expert naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center! This engaging, family-friendly presentation […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
0 events,
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3 events,
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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 […]
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Join us for a workshop where we will discuss the benefits of rainscaping on your property to manage runoff, reduce outdoor water usage, keep landscaping healthy, and using native plants […]
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Explore nature after dark in a hike inspired by Leigh Ann Henion’s book, Night Magic. Radar Hill Hiking Club and the Outdoor Discovery Center invite you to experience the night, […] |
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 […]
$10
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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 […] |
1 event,
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Calling all elementary teachers and homeschool educators who want to add new teaching tools regarding Michigan's Indigenous Peoples.Join Myriah Williams M.Ed., Potawatomi Pokagon Band Citizen, Cultural and Environmental Educator at […] |
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1 event,
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Join us for a collaborative discussion during our next environmental book club! We will be reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Copies of the book will be available for […] |
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 […] |
1 event,
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What a better way to celebrate Earth Day than joining Noble Twist in supporting ODC Network! Visit Noble Twist on Wednesday April 22nd between 4:00-9:00 pm for great food, even better […] |
1 event,
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ODC Network is partnering with the Holland Museum to host a workshop on Responsible Fashion! Featuring Lori Faulkner, Professor and Founding Chair of the Fashion Studies Program at Kendall College […] |
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 […] |
3 events,
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Learn all about the world of birds during a morning of mist-netting and bird banding. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours. No prior knowledge is necessary and […]
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April 25th VoLes volunteers will assist with the Lake Macatawa Clean-Up at Howard B. Dunton Park. Our Volunteer League (nicknamed "VoLes") is a service club for teens to experience what it […]
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Help keep Lake Macatawa clean! We'll meet at the Dunton Park boat launch. Depending on the group size, there may be a crew on the shores of the lake and […]
Free
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1 event,
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Visit Sanctuary Woods to explore the sights and sounds of spring. This time of year brings migrating birds, beautiful wildflowers, and active mammals. We will hike the lower loop of […] |
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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2 events,
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Join ODC Network in partnership with Sergio Cira-Reyes, the founder of Latino Outdoors GR, for a birding hike around a local birding hotspot! Learn to identify birds by sight and […]
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Help us pull invasive garlic mustard to clear room for native plants on the trails at DeGraaf Nature Center! Gloves, wheelbarrow, and trash bags will be provided. Show up anytime […] |
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.
