Indoor Nature Presentations

Explore our Indoor Nature Presentation catalog! These presentations are typically 1 hour. Ready to get started? Fill out a program request form.

Title	Description	Locations	Month
Go Explore! An Introduction to Ottawa County Parks	Want to know more about Ottawa County Parks and what we have to offer? Then this is the perfect introduction for you. You'll learn about our park properties, their management, and the various activities you can engage in at them, whether by yourself or through our programming. This is a FREE introductory program.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	ANY MONTH
Fostering Backyard Habitat to Attract Birds	How can we create an intentional habitat structure in our own gardens that will benefit and attract birds for viewing, as well as meet the birds' own needs? What unique birds could your yard attract depending on your location and habitat? This program aims to motivate you to maximize your yard’s potential as a bird habitat by going beyond seeds in the feeder.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	ANY MONTH
Winter's Ghosts - Snowy Owls	Snowy Owls inhabit the arctic tundra during the summer, but did you know that during most winters a few reside right here in Ottawa County? We'll explore the natural history of these arctic visitors, the phenomenon of their winter irruptions to the south, and where you might be able to view one yourself!	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	January
Birding Story	Engage in a fun and interesting story about the birding adventures of Parks Naturalist and Birder, Curtis Dykstra. He'll entertain and inform you with stories of his various travels to see birds across the United States and beyond.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	January/February
Bald Eagles: Beyond the Symbol	Freedom, hope, glory—eagles symbolize so much in our human ethos. What makes them so special? Dive deep with our national symbol, and you'll discover much more about this amazing creature than meets the eye!	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	February
Wood Ducks & other Waterfowl of West Michigan	Investigate the odd, non-duck-like behavior of one of North America’s most beautiful birds: the Wood Duck. Then, be introduced to the diversity of waterfowl that visit Ottawa County throughout the year and where you can find them.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	March
The Secret Lives of Salamanders	Discover the secret, double lives of salamanders. You'll explore the life cycle and habits of these seldom seen creatures as well as be introduced to the 12 species that call Michigan home.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	March
Wood Frogs & Other Frogs & Toads	A sure sign of spring is the return of singing frogs to the newly thawed wetlands. Investigate the unique life history of our earliest emerging Wood Frog and be introduced to the diversity of our other local frogs & toads as well.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	April
Woodpeckers: Peck'n Out a Living	How and why do woodpeckers "peck out a living" in our forests? You'll find out this and more about our area's 7 woodpecker species.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	April
Whistlers in the Night - Woodcock & Whip-poor-will	Each spring at sunset our woodlands and meadows become a concert hall of wild whistling from two unique bird species. The American Woodcock and the Eastern Whip-poor-will both wind up and get ready to go as we wind down and get ready to rest. Dive into the unique lives of these two nocturnal performers as we look into their natural and cultural history.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	May
The Wonders of Bird Migration	Ever ponder how and why birds fly thousands of miles in migration twice in a year? You'll explore the details of accomplishing this task, how we can study migration, and be introduced to a few local examples of the birds that perform this annual feat.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	May
Teacher of the Woods - The Ovenbird	While small, hidden and often overlooked, the Ovenbird's song is a part of the symphony of summertime woodlands in Michigan. While this presentation will focus on the Ovenbird, we'll dig deeper than that. The Ovenbird, as well as all things natural, wild and untamed often deeply impact us and sometimes even teach us important and invaluable things. Just what did the Ovenbird teach me? And how did it end up with a special place in my heart? That's what I plan to share with you in this presentation. And maybe the Ovenbird has a lesson for you too!	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	June
Turtles in a Nutshell	You’ll be introduced to the life histories and unique features of the turtles of Michigan. Dive in with us to explore just how many secrets these creatures hold and what makes them unique in the animal kingdom.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	June
In Tune with Hummingbirds	Unique to the Western Hemisphere, Hummingbirds are tiny flying jewels to behold! Beyond just their brilliant colors, the amazing things they do just to stay alive will leave you in awe of this pugnacious creature weighing less than a nickel. Come find out more, including how to attract and feed them in your own backyard.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	July
Piping Plover: A Great Lakes Emblem	Many shorebirds make their way through our area during migration, but none so locally distinguished as the Piping Plover. Explore the life history and recovery efforts of this endangered species that is so emblematic of our Great Lakes.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	July
Meadow Predators - Dragonflies & Praying Mantis	Meadows are a dangerous place to live…if you’re an insect! Dwelling there are some of the most efficient and ferocious predators in the animal world: Dragonflies and Praying Mantis’. Find out how they make a predator’s living in the miniscule world of the meadow and be introduced to the locally common species.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	August
The Buzz on Bees & Wasps	These buzzing insects cause much fear but yet do so much valuable work for us and the environment. Inform yourself on what role they play and how we can safely enjoy these admirable creatures!	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	August
The Hognose - Serpent of the Sand & Other Snakes	Hognose Snakes, a.k.a. “spreading cobra”, or “puff-adder”, are nature’s little actors. You'll discover how they got these misleading names and discover to what lengths this incredibly talented creature goes to in order to dissuade would-be predators.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	September
On the Move: Monarch Butterflies	Monarchs embark on a momentous migratory journey each fall. Discover how they do it, what troubles they face, and what we can do to help. Then go for a hike to watch for them as they head south to Mexico for the winter.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	September
Michigan's Marsupial: The Virginia Opossum	When you think of marsupials, images of kangaroos and koala’s likely come to mind. But did you know that Michigan is home to a marsupial as well? The Virginia Opossum is one of the most unique and bizarre creatures around, and it may be lurking in your own backyard! You’ll be amazed at the role these creatures play in nature and how they get the job done!	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	October
Squirrels: Woodland Acrobats	Squirrels entertain us with their antics in our backyards and local parks. The acrobatic abilities and ingenuity of these nutty neighbors of ours comes with purpose. Just how and why do they do the things they do? Find out this and more about the 7 species of squirrels that call Ottawa County home.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	October
The Winsome White-tailed Deer	Admired for so many reasons and yet sometimes regarded as a pest, the White-tailed deer holds an iconic place among Michigan's wildlife. Deepen your knowledge of the natural history of this common mammal of which many are only merely acquainted.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	November
Busy Beavers	Beavers are industrious creatures, to both the chagrin and delight of many people and wildlife. How do they perform their job and what role do they fulfill in the ecosystem? We’ll look at how beavers impact humans and how can we live alongside this species that can be seen as both a problematic pest and a beneficial "keystone" species.	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	November
Hunters in the Night - The Owls of West Michigan	Did you know that 7 species of owls can be found in Ottawa County? So don't be left in the DARK, come to get en-LIGHT-ened on all 7, plus where they can be found, what they sound like, how they hunt at night and more!	Hemlock Crossing, Grand Ravines, Hager Park, Various Private locations	December