We believe the future lives outdoors
Getting outside changes everything. At ODC Network, we’re building a nature-rich community, one where people and nature thrive. That starts by making it easier for people to spend time outside, whether that’s exploring local trails, enrolling in programs, or connecting through nature-based learning.
This page is your starting point. Find simple ways to get outside, get involved, and be part of what we’re building together.
What's New
Stories, ideas, and inspiration to help you spend more time outside.
The Power Behind Native Plants
Being easy to grow is a surface-level benefit of native plants. At a deeper level, planting natives can have a powerful impact on the health of natural ecosystems.
Why Outdoor-Based Experiences Are Essential to Education Right Now
In a world shaped by screens, artificial intelligence, and constant connectivity, one of the most powerful tools for healthy development remains surprisingly simple: time outside.
Designing What’s Possible at Duneside
What if the spaces where children learn were designed as intentionally as the lessons themselves?
Get Outside
Start small. Attend a community program, walk a local trail, or spend more time outside with your family.
Or go further. Bring outdoor learning to your school, redesign your yard with native plants, travel the world on a conservation expedition, or partner with us to restore land at your home or workplace.
We’re building a nature-rich community together, inch by inch, acre by acre.
Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect
Resources from our Speaker series
We’re setting down screens and stepping outside. This spring, thousands joined us for a speaker series tackling the negative effects of screen time—and the restoration and repair time outdoors can bring. Join us in turning a moment into a community movement.
Events and Programs for everyone
Events
Calendar of Events
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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 […] |
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2 events,
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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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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 […] |
1 event,
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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 […] |
1 event,
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Come help us investigate the health of our area streams by collecting the aquatic macroinvertebrates that live there. These critters give us a general idea of the water quality. Plus, […] |
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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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 […] |
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2 events,
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Wetlands are some of the most important habitats on Earth! From frogs and turtles to birds and insects, wetland animals have incredible ways of surviving in watery environments. Join us […]
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Volunteer with the Allegan Conservation District to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant threatening our local ecosystems, at Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve. During this program, you’ll learn […] |
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 […] |
2 events,
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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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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 […] |
1 event,
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Parents, enjoy a three-hour break while your kids spend the evening at the Hangar with ODC Network naturalists. During this Kids Night Out program, naturalists will lead a variety of […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
Free
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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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3 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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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 […]
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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.Discover the hidden life beneath the water’s […] |
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0 events,
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2 events,
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Explore the trails with a naturalist and learn to recognize some truly remarkable birds as spring migrants return. From warblers and vireos to flycatchers and shorebirds, this program is perfect […]
Free
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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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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 […] |
1 event,
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Bring the little ones out to West Side Park and enjoy a story and a stroll as we find out who’s awake for spring, who came back for warm weather, […]
Free
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2 events,Join us on a three-day, two-night camping trip focused on birding! Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, this event is perfect for all skill levels. We will […]
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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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4 events,
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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 […]
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Join us for an hour-long guided walk as we explore the fascinating world of fungi right here in Michigan. We’ll stroll through the area looking for mushrooms and other fungi […] |
1 event,
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Get the family together and explore the outdoors on a spring scavenger hunt! Join one of our naturalists and hike the trails of Ransom Street Park in search of bright […] |
1 event,
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Volunteer with the Allegan Conservation District for the opportunity to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant threatening our local ecosystems. During this program, you’ll learn to identify garlic mustard, […] |
2 events,
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Join us for a hands-on dip-netting program as we explore the hidden world of aquatic macroinvertebrates in a local creek. We’ll use nets to sample the water while learning what […]
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Join ODC Network in partnership with Jessica Austin, founder of Cultivate the Community, in celebrating Black Birders Week with a birding hike. Black Birders Week strives to bring 'equitable access […] |
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 […] |
3 events,
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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 […]
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Help clean up and celebrate the Kalamazoo River at Krazy for the Kazoo! We have 4 different ways to volunteer during the event. You can clean up the river by […]
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Come enjoy an afternoon of creativity and cookies at the Outdoor Discovery Center! Cookies & Canvas is a fun, interactive workshop where individuals, couples, and families can spend quality time […]
$25
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0 events,
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2 events,
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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 […]
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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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0 events,
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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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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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