Mark your calendars! Santa Claus is coming to the Weaver House

on December 7.

Natural Features Inventory ProjectOn October 1, Ottawa County Parks began a project to survey and document the natural features at six of its Lake Michigan coastal properties. The first step in protecting our resources is to learn what we have. Botanist Bill Martinus, Herpatologist David Mifsud, volunteers from the local Audubon Clubs and Parks staff will survey the birds, plants, reptiles and amphibians at Rosy Mound Natural Area, Hiawatha Forest, Port Sheldon Natural Area, Macatawa Greenspace, Hemlock Crossing, Pine Bend and North Ottawa Dunes.

Public involvement is a critical part of this project. Next spring there will be a Herpathon held at Hemlock Crossing to educate participants on herps (reptiles and amphibians) and get their help to survey herps at the park. Additionally, there will be numerous public presentations next fall on what species were found throughout the project and recommendations on how to manage coastal areas for these species. We are grateful for a $35,000 grant from the Coastal Zone Management Program administered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality plus funding support from the Ottawa County Environmental Fund, the parks millage and the efforts of numerous volunteers who are making this possible.

Grand Haven High School biology students learned about the impact of invasives first

hand by removing invasive honeysuckle and autumn olive from Hiawatha Forest. With over 230 students, they proved that many

hands make l ight work!

Picture Your Kids with Santa!

Santa is coming to the Weaver House on Sunday, December 7 from 1-4PM. Bring your camera to capture the magical moment when your child meets Saint Nick. Punch and cookies will also be served. The Weaver House is located north of Holland in Pine Bend Park. From US 31, travel west on Croswell Street to 156th Avenue. Proceed south on 156th and follow signs into the park. This free event is sponsored by:

Grand Ravines UpdateAlthough the parking lot at Grand Ravines South was constructed over the summer, most improvements for the 187-acre Grand Ravines County Park will not begin until spring of 2015. Improvements envisioned for the site include a new entrance drive to Grand Ravines North (off 42nd Ave.) plus parking, picnic sites, hiking trails, a ravine overlook, waterfront access, fishing dock, interpretive signs, and a 7,000 foot paved trail connecting Grand Ravines North and South. Renovations are expected to begin soon which will convert the former riverfront residence on the property into a park lodge to host both programs and rentals. The structure will also encompass decks with dramatic river views and public restrooms.

Comments received at a recent public meeting helped fine tune plans for an off-leash dog park at Grand Ravines South. An approximately 20-acre fenced area is envisioned for off-leash dog walkers, with both open grass play areas and hiking trails.

The bulk of funding for the new park will come from the county parks millage but several private donors are also assisting with the project. A small grant for the project is still a possibility with a decision expected late this fall. The final package of improvements will depend on obtaining good bids, grant approval and donor support. Donors interested in assisting with the new park, which will be one of the most scenic in the entire park system, should contact the parks office.

Hunting in the County Park System

Hunting is a time-honored tradition for many Ottawa County residents who can find a wide range of opportunities for their sport in the county park system. A recent survey revealed that Ottawa County Parks, with 3818 of its 6395 acres open to some form of hunting, is a leading county park system in the state in offering hunting opportunities. Ottawa County offers hunting on 60% of its park lands, compared to 25% statewide in other county park systems. Much of the land open to hunting in Ottawa County Parks is limited to archery deer hunting (2808 acres). The remaining 1010 acres for the sport are open to a full range of hunting within DNR regulations.

Determining how much hunting to offer and where to allow it is a delicate balancing act. The Parks Commission held a special meeting in September to focus on hunting issues. The meeting was partly in response to requests to open the Upper Macatawa Natural Area to waterfowl hunting. Currently the site is limited to archery deer hunting. After much discussion, the Commission opted not to change hunting rules at the park. Expanding recreational uses at Upper Macatawa Natural Area include the new paved bike trail, growing use by mountain bikers and local schools, and the increasing popularity of the site with bird watchers in the region.

On the other hand, the Parks Commission recently completed purchase of 46 acres to expand Grand River Open Space, now a 279-acre site open to a full range of hunting and known for good waterfowl hunting. The Parks Commission will also consider opening some of its more remote Grand River open space lands to waterfowl hunting over the next year.

Hunters unable to drive north to state and federal lands face declining hunting opportunities locally as suburban development has reduced lands available to hunters. Ottawa County Parks will strive to expand hunting opportunities when possible as it balances the recreational use of its park and open space lands. A brochure describing hunting opportunities offered by Ottawa County Parks is available from the Parks Office and on the parks website.

The new kiosk highlighting the rich history of the Ottawa Beach Hotel is well worth a stroll on the Black Lake Boardwalk. The now completed waterfront walkway along Lake Macatawa at Historic Ottawa Beach features a fascinating

four panel historic interpretive display focusing on Hotel Ottawa, the huge resort hotel that

operated on this site from 1886 to 1923. Audio on the display is powered by solar panels.

The new parking lot at Grand Ravines South was completed

in late summer. The lot was constructed ahead of other park improvements in response to a parking

shortage at the site.

An accessible kayak launch and water trail map are now amenities at Grand River Park.

The seasonal launch is the fourth on the river and contributes to creating a recreational

greenway along the Grand.

Parks Staff UpdateScott Stinebower, Park Operations Manager, retired after a long association with Ottawa County Parks. Scott was a founding member of the Parks Commission in 1987 and then stepped down to take a position with the Parks Department in 2002. He rose to second in command of the Maintenance and Operations Division, serving seven years as the Park Operations Manager. Scott will be missed for his focus on quality and attention to detail. As Scott departs, the Parks Commission is happy to announce the promotion of Robert "Bob" Reichel to the Park Operations Manager position. Bob has served as Lakeshore Park Supervisor since 1996. Congratulations to both Bob and Scott!

Grand Valley State University provided a boost to the Grand Ravines County Park project when it donated a trail easement of over 1,000 feet of property located adjacent to the park site. “The easement allows us to avoid a costly bridge over a large ravine as we link the north and south portions of the park with a paved trail. We truly appreciate the support of the University in establishing what we feel will become one of the most popular trails in the area,“ said Bobbi Sabine, Parks Commission President.

Photo Credit: Ed Post

Photo Cred i t : Josh Zu iderveen

Historic River Road

Historic River Road is a driving tour showcasing interesting sites along the Grand River. The popular driving tour has been improved with better signs and updates to the tour booklet. The tour was the brainchild of local historian Marjorie Bethke Viveen. Funding assistance was provided by the Drake Middlemist Heritage Fund through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Tour booklets are available for $3 from the Parks Office, the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing, the Tri-Cities Historical Museum and other locations.

O utdoors ttawa County

Winter 2014

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission

Bobbi J. Sabine, President David VanGinhoven, Vice President Philip Kuyers, Secretary Roger E. Jonas Jim Miedema Ray Statema Tom Werkman Tom Elhart James Holtvluwer Joe Bush

Activities and programs are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.

Jim Holtrop, Chair Joe Baumann, Vice Chair Stu Visser Matthew Fenske James Holtvluwer Philip Kuyers Roger Bergman Allen Dannenberg Greg DeJong Dennis Van Dam Don Disselkoen

Have this newsletter delivered to your inbox or mailbox. Contact us to subscribe. Weekly NaturE-mail also available.ocparks@miOttawa.org miOttawa.org/parksMain Office: 616-738-4810 #OttawaCountyParks Nature Center: 616-786-4847

Ott

aw

a C

ou

nty

Pa

rks

&

Rec

rea

tio

n C

om

mis

sio

n1

22

20

Fil

lmo

re S

tree

tW

est

Oli

ve,

Mic

hig

an

4

94

60

The quarterly newsletter of theOttawa County Parks & Recreation Commission

Pictured: Hemlock Crossing County Park8115 West Olive RoadWest Olive

Winter 2014-15 Programs Preregistration or fee may be required. See descriptions. Call 616-786-4847 to preregister.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 12 Dec 13

Pictures with SantaPine Bend

1PM

$ Twig ArtHemlock Crossing

2PM

Coffee & Birds Hemlock Crossing

10AM

Dec 14 Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20

$ Winter's Gift Hemlock Crossing

2PMDec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27

$ Winter Walk Hemlock Crossing

2PM

MerryChristmas!

Wildlife Encounter: SquirrelsHemlock Crossing

3PMDec 28 Dec 29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1 Jan 2 Jan 3

$ Story Time Hemlock Crossing

2PM

Winter Break FunHemlock Crossing

1PM

Snowshoeing Upper Mac

2PM

Happy New Year!

Winter Open HouseHemlock Crossing

1PMJan 4 Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 10

$ Scavenger Hunt Hemlock Crossing

2PM

$ Beginner Skiing Pigeon Creek

6PM

$ Beginner Skiing Pigeon Creek

10AM

Coffee & Birds Hemlock Crossing

10AMWildlife Encounter: Bears

Hemlock Crossing 3PM

Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14 Jan 15 Jan 16 Jan 17

$ Snow Secrets Hemlock Crossing

2PM

$ Skate Skiing Pigeon Creek

6PM

$ Intermediate Skiing Pigeon Creek

10AMWildlife Encounter: Otters

Hemlock Crossing 3PM

Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21 Jan 22 Jan 23 Jan 24

$ Coyotes Hemlock Crossing

2PM

$ Skate Skiing Pigeon Creek

6PM

$ Beginner Skiing Pigeon Creek

10AMWildlife Encounter: Mink

Hemlock Crossing 3PM

SAAA Dark SkyHemlock Crossing

7PMJan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31

$ Critter Clues Hemlock Crossing

2PM

$ Skate Skiing Pigeon Creek

6PM

$ Intermediate Skiing Pigeon Creek

10AM

$ Birding Trip Hemlock Crossing

10AMFeb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 4 Feb 5 Feb 6 Feb 7

Ski Waxing Clinic Hemlock Crossing

3PM

$ Beginner Skiing Pigeon Creek

6PM

$ Birding Trip Hemlock Crossing

10AM

$ Skate Skiing Pigeon Creek

10AM

Snowshoeing Macatawa Greenspace

2PMFeb 8 Feb 9 Feb 10 Feb 11 Feb 12 Feb 13 Feb 14

$ Raccoons Hemlock Crossing

2PM

$ Beginner Skiing Pigeon Creek

6PM

$ Intermediate Skiing Pigeon Creek

10AM

Coffee & Birds Hemlock Crossing

10AMFeb 15 Feb 16 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20 Feb 21

$ Owls Hemlock Crossing

2PM

Wildlife Encounter: FoxHemlock Crossing

3PMFeb 22 Feb 23 Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28

$ Porcupines Hemlock Crossing

2PM

Snowshoeing Pine Bend

2PM SAAA TelescopesHemlock Crossing

7PMMarch 1 March 2 March 3 March 4 March 5 March 6 March 7

$ Scat & Tracks Hemlock Crossing

2PM

$ Owl Trip Hemlock Crossing

4PM

Wildlife Encounter: OwlHemlock Crossing

3PMMarch 8 March 9 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13 March 14

$ Signs of Spring Hemlock Crossing

2PM

Coffee & Birds Hemlock Crossing

10AM

Pigeon Creek: Hours & Ski Clinics Visitors flock to Pigeon Creek when the snow falls. The groomed and lit cross county ski trails and two large sledding hills are the area’s best. The lodge offers ski and snowshoe rentals, concessions and warm hospitality. Hours rely on Mother Nature, so it can be tricky. Keep this newsletter and the hotline number near.

Park Hours: 7AM-8PM daily; Open until 10PM with trails and hills lit during satisfactory snow conditions.

Lodge Hours: (During satisfactory snow conditions)Monday-Thursday: 4-8PM • Friday: 1-10PM • Saturday: 9AM-10PM • Sunday: 9AM-8PMLodge hours from December 22-January 4: 9AM-10PM daily (Closed December 24 & 25)Rentals: Available during lodge hours, up to two hours before close.Skis-Two Hours: $8 Adults • $5 Youth • $2 for each additional hour. Snowshoes-Two Hours: $6 • $3 for each additional hour. Snowshoe rental also available at Hemlock Crossing.

New to cross country skiing or wishing to hone your skills? Clinics are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during January and into February. See the calendar to the right for the dates. Preregistration is required and space is limited. The fee is $8 for the 1 ½ hour lesson. Skis are not provided, but can be rented at the lodge for an additional fee. Rental is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed. To register, call 616-738-4810, sign up at the lodge, or email ocparks@miottawa.org. More details will be sent prior to class. Three levels are offered:

• Beginner: Learn about equipment and basic techniques. Those ten and older are welcome. Every two children must be accompanied by an adult.• Intermediate: For experienced adult skiers wishing to refine their technique and ski more efficiently. • Ski Skating: For experienced adult skiers who want to learn the basics of several skate techniques. Skate skis are required and a limited number are available to rent in the lodge.

The Moxie Strings wil l be be playing at the Nature Education Center open

house on January 3. The group puts a fresh,

enticing spin on Celt ic and Americana music playing

feel-good, toe-tapping rhythms.

Pigeon Creek Winter Sports Hotline: 616-738-9531

The Nature Education Center received 50 pairs of Eagle Optics binoculars, thanks to several local community organizations. Ottawa County Parks purchased 25 binoculars with $2,396 in donations from: the Holland Audubon Society, the Grand Haven Owashtanong Islands Audubon Club, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, the Friends of Ottawa County Parks and the Nature Education

Center Endowment fund. Eagle Optics matched the purchase with an additional 25 pairs. The purchase provides high-quality experiences and programs for both adults and children. These binoculars will always be available to borrow at the Nature Education Center. Stop by at the visitor services desk to borrow a pair.

Spec

ial

Than

ks!

Sunday Family Programs: Various Dates, 2-3:30PM, Hemlock Crossing. These programs are designed for families with children ages five and up. Preregistration is required at least two days in advance. A fee of $1 per child will be collected at the door for those who preregister. A $2 per child fee will be charged for late registrants and walk-ins. Due to space limitations, we may not be able to accommodate walk-in guests. For detailed descriptions, like us on Facebook, sign up for NaturE-mail or call the Nature Education Center.

• December 7: Branches & Twig Art• December 14: Winter's Gift• December 21: Winter Wonder Walk• December 28: Fireside Storytime• January 4: Winter Scavenger Hunt• January 11: The Secret Language of Snow • January 18: Curious About Coyotes• January 25: Critter Clues• February 8: Raccoons Rock• February 15: Calling All Owls• February 22: Pondering Porcupines• March 1: Scat & Tracks• March 8: Signs of Spring

Coffee with the Birds: Various Saturdays, 10-11:30AM, Hemlock Crossing. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some baked goods as you observe the feeders and discuss various birding topics with a naturalist. Bring your questions, curiosities, stories and favorite mug.

• December 13 • January 10• February 14 • March 14

Wildlife Encounters: Various Dates, 3-4PM, Hemlock Crossing. Thanks to nature shows and the internet, we know more about animals in other countries than those in our region. These 30-minute, mixed-media presentations will provide insight and appreciation for the wildlife found in our own yards, parks and state. An optional guided nature hike will follow each program.

• December 27: Squirrels • January 10: Bears• January 17: River Otters • January 24: Mink• February 21: Fox • March 7: Barred Owl

Winter Break Fun: December 30, 1-4PM, Hemlock Crossing. Keep your kids engaged and active during the holiday season. The Ottawa County Parks Nature Education Center will have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for all to enjoy during this open house event including crafts, snowshoe walks, winter investigations and much more. Watch for details in the NaturE-mail and on Facebook.

Snowshoe Hikes: Various Dates, 2-4PM, Various Locations. Explore the parks by snowshoe as a naturalist guides the way. Preregistration required; snowshoe rentals available for a fee of $6.

• December 31, Upper Macatawa Natural Area-84th Ave• February 7, Macatawa Greenspace• February 28, Pine Bend

Winter Open House: January 3, 1-4PM, Hemlock Crossing. Start the New Year with activities, music and refreshments at the Nature Education Center. Along with children's activities, there will be display boards and staff to talk with about new developments and projects happening in 2015. Local band, Moxie Strings, will be playing toe-tapping music as part of the entertainment. Watch for details in the NaturE-mail and on Facebook.

Park AddressesHemlock Crossing: 8115 West Olive Road, West OliveMacatawa Greenspace: 1230 Paw Paw Drive, HollandPigeon Creek: 12524 Stanton Street, West OlivePine Bend: 15400 Polk Street, West OliveUpper Macatawa Natural Area: 1300 84th Avenue, Zeeland

Indicates preregistration required. $ Indicates fee required.

Call 616-786-4847 to register.

International Dark-Sky Association: January 24, 7-8:30PM, Hemlock Crossing. The International Dark-Sky Association is an organization dedicated to the preservation of dark sky areas and the reduction of unnecessary and inefficient lighting throughout the world. The talk will cover their efforts and successes.

Winter Birding Field Trips: Various Dates, 10AM-5PM. Go beyond your backyard to explore several birding hotspots in search of winter songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. Preregistration and a $20 fee required. Additional information and meeting location will be emailed to participants prior to the trip.

• Saturday, January 31 • Friday, February 6

Ski Waxing Clinic: February 1, 3-4PM, Hemlock Crossing. Do my cross-country skis need wax? What kind of wax? When and how do I apply wax? Ski instructor Jeff Faber will cover these ski waxing fundamentals and more followed by a live demonstration of the waxing process. He will focus more on the glide waxing technique, but will also touch on kick waxing for classic skiing.

Ground-based Telescopes: February 28, 7-8:30PM, Hemlock Crossing. Advances in glass technology and manufacturing enable today’s astronomers to build larger, multi-mirror telescopes. These instruments are being installed in areas of the world which are as high as possible and free of light pollution.

Owls of Ottawa Field Trip: March 4, 4-9PM. Join us to search for a variety of owls inhabiting Ottawa County in winter. Preregistration and $20 fee required. Additional information and meeting location will be emailed to participants prior to the trip. Save March 5th as a back-up date.

Herpathon™: April 11, 10AM-4PM, Hemlock Crossing. A Herpathon™ is a volunteer event to identify amphibian and reptile diversity and distribution within Michigan’s unique landscapes. Information is provided to the Michigan Herp Atlas and the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. This information will be used to assess the distribution and richness of reptiles in areas where data is lacking and aid in best management strategies. The program includes a briefing on Michigan’s amphibian and reptile species, a lesson on the Herp Atlas, and how to submit observations. Adults and children 12+ are encouraged regardless of your level of expertise. Free but preregistration is required.

Lyme Disease-What All Nature Enthusiasts Should Know: April 18, 12-4PM, Hemlock Crossing. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are an emerging concern in western Lower Michigan. This program will discuss the ecology of ticks, the current knowledge of impacts on Michigan citizens and the prevention of tick-borne diseases. This information will be valuable to anyone who works or plays in natural areas in West Michigan.

Don’t let the snow keep you trapped indoors. The Nature Education Center has top-of-the-line snowshoes available to rent. The cost is $6 for two hours. This year, we have added 15 pairs of snowshoes designed for small feet, so parents can introduce

snowshoeing to children as young as five years old. After enjoying time on the trails, warm-up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa or

apple cider that can be purchased at the gift shop.