Outdoors OTTAWA COUNTYOttawa County Parks Quarterly Newsletter | Spring 2016

Step it Up! Walking ChallengeJoin us for a free 8 week walking challenge sponsored by Ottawa County Department of Public Health & Ottawa County Parks Department.We will virtually “walk” from St. Ignace (over the Mackinac Bridge) to Connor Bayou in Grand Haven, covering 288 miles. This program is designed to help you commit to getting fit after a long Michigan winter. Participants will report steps taken on a weekly basis. Join us for one or all of our group walks as we explore the different parks in Ottawa County! Each walk will have a naturalist to help participants enjoy the natural beauty of the park at a leisurely pace, as well as a fitness leader for those that want to get their heart rate pumping! The program includes a wrap up party at the Woodland Cabin at Connor Bayou Park on June 16 at 5:30 PM. You do not have to join the group walks to participate in the challenge. Track your mileage (steps taken) for 8 weeks to be eligible for weekly raffle prizes. A tracking form will be provided to you upon registration.Get started! To register, email asheele@miottawa.org or call 616-393-5799. Join the fun as we explore Ottawa County Parks, get outside to enjoy the spring weather, and commit to getting fit! Dates and locations of the group walks can be found on the program calendar (page 4).

The Friends of Ottawa County Parks are sponsoring their annual Grand Lady Cruise on May 19, 2016. This tour is one day only, with choice of launch times at 1:30 PM or 4:00 PM. The boat departs from Grand River Park in Jenison.On this trip, Parks’ staff and Captain Bill Boynton will share their knowledge of the environmental and historical stories of the Grand River. Enjoy a close-up view of wildlife, and learn about plans for the park properties along the way. The Grand Lady riverboat is constructed in the style of steamboats that served the communities along the Grand River during the 1800’s. Although she is a modern vessel, she has many of the characteristics which made the early steam-powered riverboats so successful on the Grand River. The boat is handicapped accessible.The afternoon cruises are family friendly, and all ages are welcome. The cost of the trip is $10 per person. The registration form can be found and downloaded online: friendsofocp.org. Register early as reservations for the trips often fill up fast!

All aboard! Grand Lady Riverboat CruiseSPRING SPECIALS

Parks Updates | page 2Park & Trail DevelopmentMillage Q & A

Environmental Stewardship | page 3Natural Features InventorySuccess Stories

Program Calendar | pages 4-5Program Descriptions | pages 6-7

Subscribe to our e-newsletter: miOttawa.org/Connectocparks@miOttawa.org •miOttawa.org/parks

Main Office: 616-738-4810 • Nature Center: 616-786-4847

Ottawa County Parks &Recreation Commission

David Van Ginhoven, PresidentRay Statema, Vice President

Philip Kuyers, SecretaryJoe Bush

Tom Elhart

Where might a trail lead you? Better health? A new park?

Matthew FenskeJames Holtvluwer

Roger E. JonasKelly N. Rice

Tom Werkman

Joe Baumann, ChairGreg DeJong, Vice ChairMatthew FenskeJames HoltvluwerPhilip KuyersRoger Bergman

Allen DannenbergMike HaverdinkStu VisserDennis Van DamDon Disselkoen

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

This newsletter is printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper

Environmental Stewardship

Q. What will the restoration and renewal of the millage cost the average homeowner in Ottawa County?It will cost the average homeowner* in Ottawa County $26.17 per year.

Q. How much I will pay per year if the millage is renewed?A. Use the following formula: Divide the taxable value of your home by 1,000, then multiply that number by 0.33. The taxable value of is half of its market value. You can find the taxable value of your home by looking at your tax bill.

Q. Is the millage the only source of funding for Ottawa County Parks?A. No. While the millage is the cornerstone, Ottawa County Parks diversifies its funding by charging user fees where appropriate, use of partnerships, efforts to secure gifts and donations (with formation of the Ottawa County Parks Foundation currently underway), and continued aggressive efforts to secure state and federal grants. Ottawa County Parks is able to stretch the budget due to the generous support of volunteers who contribute more than 10,000 hours of their time and energy to Ottawa County Parks every year.

*Median value of home is Ottawa County is $158,600. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 American Community Survey

Park & Trail DevelopmentGrand RavinesWork continues at Grand Ravines! Here’s an overview of what we have planned for 2016, please note that some components of this project rely on funding and permit approval:

• Completion of paved trail connection from the south parking area to North Grand Ravines, including connection to the Ravine Overlook Deck and Grand Ravines Lodge.

• Pending permit approval, construction of a paved path connection from the lodge to riverfront, including an accessible viewing and fishing deck on the Grand River.

• The Grand Ravines Lodge will be unveiled to the public this spring! It will be open every Sunday in May and June from 12-4 PM. Due to the construction, the facility will not be available to rent until fall of 2016.

• Dog park improvements could include: additional paved paths, shelters, benches, and trees; expanded and paved parking area; and modern restrooms. The addition of many of these amenities is dependent upon donations. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact the parks office or visit us online: miOttawa.org/Parks

Dog park visitors can expect area closures in the spring while we patch up major puddles, lay grass seed, and add paved paths.

Paw Paw ParkIn 2015 Ottawa County Parks entered into a long-term lease agreement with the City of Holland to begin managing Paw Paw Park. Ottawa County Parks has committed to complete the following this year:

• Renovation of existing picnic shelter• Trail Improvements• Construction of a small play area• Improved riverfront access area

The Ottawa County Parks Commission is seeking a renewal and restoration of the county parks and open space 10 year millage in 2016. Ottawa County Parks has been funded by a millage since 1996 (renewed in 2006).The Parks Commission has submitted the millage proposal to the Board of Commissioners, requesting that the millage be included on the August 2, 2016 ballot. The proposal will be reviewed for approval by the Board of Commissioners in March. Q. How will the millage funds be used? A. The restoration and renewal of the Ottawa County Parks millage will keep park land and facilities well-maintained, as well as provides public access to our county’s natural resources. Specifically, residents can expect further improvements at Grand Ravines, Paw Paw Park, Historic Ottawa Beach, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, and the completion of the Grand River Greenway. Basic park amenities will be added to Crockery Creek Natural Area and more progress will be made on the Macatawa River Greenway. These projects can be reviewed in detail in the 2016 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space plan available online: miOttawa.org/Parks

Get dog park updates: facebook.com/grandravinesdogpark

View of North Beach Park. Photo by Instagram user @briantimmer. We would love to share your park photos,

use the tag #ottawacountyparks to give us permission.

Ottawa County Parks Millage Renewal

August 2, 2016

North Beach Dune Stair ReconstructionFunded by the parks millage and the Michigan Coastal Management Program, this $90,000 project will reconstruct and improve the oldest segments of boardwalks, decks, stairs, and trails traversing the large dune on the east side of North Beach Park. The current walkway, constructed in the early 1980’s, is part of a popular loop trail that provides access to the outstanding views at the top of the dune. Weather permitting, the project will start in early spring and be completed by early summer, 2016.

Red Pine Plantation ManagementIn recent years, Ottawa County Parks has thinned and removed red pine plantations on park land to restore native forests. This increases bio-diversity by creating higher quality habitat for local wildlife.During the survey, a greater diversity of species were discovered in areas where the forests have been managed.

Most exciting is the return of many species designated by the DNR as species of greatest concern. The Black-billed Cuckoo and the American Woodcock are both designated as such and were both were discovered at Port Sheldon Natural Area! Also at home in this park is the Chestnut-sided warbler, which is not a species of greatest concern, but is uncommon.

The Natural Features Inventory Project was a year-long survey launched in October 2015, targeting six coastal zome parks: Hemlock Crossing/Pine Bend, Port Sheldon Natural Area, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Paw Paw Park (formerly Macatawa Greenspace), Hiawatha Forest, and North Ottawa Dunes. The survey was completed in partnership with a local botanist, herpetologist, the local Audubon Club, and other volunteers.

Success Discovered

In the past, Ottawa County Parks has conducted plant surveys, but grant funding allowed our most recent inventory project to encompass a survey of many other species, providing deeper understanding of the natural resources at six of our coastal zone parks.

“You can know you have a high quality site with rare species, but plants don’t always reflect that,” commented Natural Resource Management Supervisor, Melanie Manion. “A great example is Rosy Mound. If you only survey the plant life, it doesn’t quite capture how special the site is. Anecdotally, we know these sites are home to rare species, but when it comes to securing funding to protect these species, anecdotes are not enough.” In addition to the intrinsic value of having diverse park lands, finding other types of rare species allows for more state and federal dollars for further habitat restoration and protection.

“It really is about taking inventory, just like a store owner would. Our findings serve as the baseline telling us what is there now and how much work we have to do. It will also become our indicator of progress.”Surveys in these parks have also allowed us to take a similar approach to invasive species management. These studies help us find small areas of invasives before they become a problem, allowing our Stewardship Crew to proactively manage areas. Early detection of invasives is the most cost-effective method of treating them. The data from this survey helps Ottawa County Parks make well-informed resource management decisions and secure grant funding for the protection of our special park lands and the wildlife that inhabits them.

A very special thank you to our birding volunteers! Cal & Carolyn Pomarius Judi & Carl Manning Liz Notman Robert Vanderkamp

These expert birders can identify rare birds by call alone. Without their participation, the grant funding for this project would not have been secured, as the donation of their time and skillset was matched for the grant.

Become a volunteer!Are you interested in protecting the state’s most rare species, creating wildlife habitat, or removing invasive plants? Fill out our volunteer application online at: bit.ly/ocp-volunteer. Or, join us for a workday! Dates and information are on page 7.

Black-billed Cuckoo

Lance-leaved Violet

Youth Herpathon volunteer holds a Blandings Turtle

American Woodcock

Eastern Box Turtle, photo by Brad Ensing

Chestnut-sided Warbler

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Astronomy at the Nature CenterVarious Dates, 7:00-8:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing• April 9: Latest News from Unmanned Spacecraft• May 14: Observing Programs for Amateur Astronomers

Bald Eagle HikeMarch 20, 12-1 PM • Grand Ravines North (Lodge)Bald Eagles frequent areas along the Grand River and can often be seen from the scenic bluffs overlooking the river. Join a naturalist on this hike for a chance to view these majestic birds!

Birding Field Trips $ Various Dates, Times, & LocationsHow many bird species can we find in Ottawa County in one outing? We will search several locations for waterbirds, raptors, songbirds and more! • May 13: Big Day Field Trip, 7 AM-4 PM• May 14: Big Morning Field Trip, 7 AM-12 PM

Bird WalksVarious Dates, Times, & LocationsAges: Adults & children 10+Whether you are an avid birder or desire to experience birds beyond your backyard, join us and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring bird migration. Beginner bird walks will introduce you to binocular use, bird identification, field guides, and the common birds in our parks! Binoculars and field guides provided. Weekends:• April 2: Grand River Park, 8-10 AM• April 9: Hemlock Crossing, 10-12 PM (Beginner)• April 16: Paw Paw Park (West), 8-10 AM• April 17: Grand Ravines (North), 3-4:30 PM (Beginner)• April 30: Eastmanville Farm, 8-10 AM• May 21: Hemlock Crossing, 10-12 PM (Beginner)• May 28: Pine Bend, 8-10 AM• May 29: Grand Ravines (North), 3-4:30 PM (Beginner) Wednesdays:• April 6: Paw Paw Park (East), 8-10 AM• April 13: Pine Bend, 8-10 AM• April 20: Crockery Creek, 8-10 AM• April 27: Grand River Park, 8-10 AM• May 4: Rosy Mound Natural Area, 8-10 AM• May 11: Paw Paw Park (West), 8-10 AM• May 18: Hemlock Crossing, 8-10 AM• May 25: Grand River Park, 8-10 AM

Equinox ExpeditionMarch 20, 3-4 PM • Hemlock CrossingThe days are getting longer, and spring has officially arrived! Celebrate the “Vernal Equinox” by joining this walk to find signs of spring.

Family Nature Walk: Caterpillars & ButterfliesJune 5, 2:30-4 PM• Hemlock Crossing

Full Moon Night Walk March 23, 8:30-9:30 PM • Hemlock CrossingWatch the full moon rise and take a short walk to hear the early sounds of spring and experience the meadow in moonlight.

Full Moon Owl Prowl Various Dates & Locations, 8:30-10 PMAges: Adults & children 8+After an introduction to the owls of Ottawa County, you’ll quietly prowl the park by moonlight in an attempt to encounter them first-hand. • April 22: Grand Ravines North (Lodge)• April 23: Hemlock Crossing

Frog Call ChorusApril 16, 8-9 PM • Grand River ParkAdult & children 8+As night falls, experience the overwhelming sounds of the frog call chorus.

Grand Ravines Lodge Open HouseEvery Sunday in May & June, 12-4 PMThe newly renovated lodge at Grand Ravines North will be open, and Ottawa County Parks staff will available to answer questions.

Learn to Draw Trees $ March 12, 10 AM-12 PM • Hemlock CrossingCost: $20; registration requiredAdults & children 10+Art instructor Nancy Berg will teach tree drawing techniques meant to capture the details of tree textures using graphite, charcoal, markers, pen and ink. Materials are included.

Marsh Dawn Kayak Trip $ June 11, 5:30-8:30 AM, Pigeon RiverFee: $8 per person; registration requiredThere’s no better way to experience the dawn song of the marshes along the Pigeon River than from your kayak. Experienced participants only; no kayak rental available.

Michigan’s Coastal DunesMarch 29, 7-8 PM • Hemlock CrossingPresented by: Carla Kocher of the Ottawa Conservation District Michigan’s coastal dunes are unique and important both locally and globally. This presentation discusses the ecological role of sand dunes, explaining why some are called “critical dunes”.

Mountain Bike 101 April 23, 1-2:30 PM • Riley TrailsAges: Adults & children 10+Learn basic mountain biking skills through a step-by-step process beginning on the easiest trail loop. Participants will need a hybrid mountain bike with six gears and are required to wear a helmet. Velo City Cycles will provide helmets and mountain bikes, if requested during the registration process; there is no rental fee.

Mountain Bike Group Ride April 23, 2:30-3:30 PM • Riley TrailsAges: Adults & children 10+Ride all of Riley Trails with a group. There will be a fast-paced and a slower-paced group. Participants will need a hybrid mountain bike with six gears and are required to wear a helmet. Velo City Cycles will provide helmets and mountain bikes, if requested during the registration process; there is no rental fee.

Native PlantsApril 30, 12-2 PM • Hemlock CrossingPresented by: Vern Stephens, Designs By NatureThis program will focus on the value of planting native wildflowers, site selection, plant selection, planting techniques, and maintenance of native landscapes. The slideshow will showcase several wildflowers and grasses.

Native Plant Sale May 6, 3-6 PM • Hemlock CrossingPlant selection available in our online calendar.

Spring Programs

For more information or to register online visit: miOttawa.org/OCPEventsQuestions? Call the Nature Education Center: 616-786-4847

Newcomb’s Wildflower Workshop May 21, 2:30-4 PM • Hemlock CrossingThis session begins indoors with instruction on how to use the Newcomb’s plant key. Later we head outside, keying out wildflowers found in the forest. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide is required and will be available to purchase. Some loaner guides will be available to borrow.

Pigeon River Kayak Trip $ Various Dates & Times • Hemlock CrossingFee: $8 per person, kayak rental is $26; registration requiredEnjoy the sights and sounds of spring along the Pigeon River by kayak as you paddle the 3.5 mile stretch to Sheldon Landing. Return transportation is via carpool. Each trip includes a basic kayaking lesson. No experience is needed. • May 28, 12:30-4:30 PM• June 4, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM

Search for Skunk CabbageMarch 26, 3-4 PM • Hemlock CrossingSkunk Cabbage is one of the earliest and most unusual of our spring wildflowers. Join this hike to take a close look at this plant, as well as other plants and animals along the trail.

Spring Wildflower WalksVarious Dates, Times, & Locations• April 24: Hager Park, 3-4:30 PM• May 1: Grose Park, 3-4:30 PM• May 2: Hager Park, 10-11:30 AM• May 6: Tunnel Park, 10-11:30 AM

What Skull is That? April 3, 3-4:30 PM • Hemlock CrossingAges: Adults & children 8+A skull can be identified by looking at its size, teeth and other characteristics. Learn to identify the skull of ten common Michigan mammals. Become a skull detective!

Wildlife Encounter - Kids! ☻ Various Dates, 3-4:30 PM • Hemlock CrossingAgest 5-12The Wildlife Encounter-Kids! series aim to connect young children to the amazing natural history of the wildlife found in our own yards, parks, and region through stories, engaging activities, and crafts. • March 13: Bald Eagle • April 10: The Secret Life of Salamanders• May 15: Bird Migration

Wildlife EncounterVarious Dates, 3-4 PM • Hemlock CrossingThe Wildlife Encounters series aims to introduce people to the amazing natural history of the wildlife found in our own yards, parks, and region. These 30-45 minute presentations are geared for older children and adults. An optional guided nature hike or local field trip will follow after the program.• March 19: Bald Eagle• April 16: Secret Lives of Salamanders• May 14: Bird Migration

Woodcock Walk Various Dates & Locations, 7:30-9 PMAges: Adults & children 12+Introduce yourselves to Woodcocks with a short presentation, then enjoy watching the sun set to the twitter of displaying Woodcocks! Bring a small outdoor chair to carry along. April 1: Grand Ravines North, LodgeApril 2: Hemlock Crossing

Registration required $ Includes program fee

☻For kids

Summer CampsSummer Camp (Pre-K - 3rd Grade) $ ☻Various Dates, 9:30-11 AM • Hemlock CrossingCost: $5 per child, per campDay camps are designed to engage kids with nature through activities including outdoor games, stories and crafts. Each date will have classes the following age groups:Early Sprouts: Children 3 years old to pre-school, with caregiverNature Buds: Children entering K-1st gradeYoung Discoverers: Children entering 2nd grade to 3rd grade

• June 22: Wonderful Wetlands• June 29: Talk’n About Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians)• July 6: The Circle of Life (Life Cycles)• July 13: Goin’ Geo (Geology)• July 20: Feathered Friends (Birds)• July 27: Towering Trees• August 3: Survival!• August 10: Weather Watchers

Adventure Summer Camps $ ☻Various Dates, 9 AM-12:30 PMCost: $15 per child, per camp / **Multi-day camp is $404th-8th Grade

• June 21: Outdoor Games, Hager Park• June 23: Fish ‘n Paddle, Connor Bayou• July 28: Outdoor Games, Hemlock Crossing• August 8-11: Outdoor Survival Day Camp**• DATE TBD: Art in the Outdoors

5th-8th Grade• July 20: Map & Compass 101, Riley Trails• August 2: Map & Compass 201, VanBuren Dunes

6th-9th Grade• June 28: Kayaking, Hemlock Crossing• July 7: Fire Building, Pigeon Creek• July 12: Mountain Biking 101, Riley Trails• July 21: Mountain Biking 101, Riley Trails• July 26: Kayaking, Hemlock Crossing• August 4: Mountain Biking 201, Upper Macatawa Natural Area• August 16: Fire Building, Pigeon Creek• August 18: Kayaking, Hemlock Crossing

Volunteer WorkdaysFree to join, no registration needed! Workdays are canceled if it’s raining. Bring work gloves (preferably leather), insect repellent and appropriate outdoor gear. All ages welcome; anyone under 16 must have an adult supervisor. Questions? Contact Georgia Meyer: gmeyer@miOttawa.org

Spring Grove Garden Clean UpSaturday, April 9, 1-3 PM

Hemlock Crossing Garden Clean UpSunday, April 10, 1-3 PM

Port Sheldon Natural AreaSaturday, April 16, 1-3 PM

Hager Park Garlic Mustard Pull Saturday, May 14, 10 AM-12 PM

Hemlock Crossing Garlic Mustard PullSaturday, May 14, 2-4 PM

Historic Ottawa Beach Garlic Mustard Pull Black Lake Boardwalk EastSaturday, May 21, 2-4 PM

Tunnel Park Garlic Mustard PullSaturday, May 21, 10 AM-12 PM

Save the date! Grand River Clean UpSaturday, May 7, 8:30AM-1PMEach spring, volunteers convene in Grand Haven to clean up along the Grand River’s banks in Ottawa County. Join us for a fun day. More details to follow. Advanced registration is required.

• May 9: Mt. Pisgah, 10-11:30 AM• May 17: Rosy Mound, 3-4:30 PM• May 26: Riley Trails, 10-11:30 AM

Pest to Pesto!Join us for a special program and demo on how to turn the invasive Garlic Mustard into a delicious meal!

May 14, 3-4 PM Hemlock CrossingMay 21, 12-1 PMTunnel Park

Ottawa County ParksQuarterly Newsletter

Spring 2016

Outdoors OTTAWA COUNTY

Explore your

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission12220 Fillmore StreetWest Olive, Michigan 49460