ODC Network's Outdoor Discovery Center

08/07/2026

🌱 Did you know food waste is the single largest source filling Michigan's landfills?

We've partnered with the City of Holland and Ottawa County Environmental Sustainability to launch the Holland Master Composter Training—a 6-week, hands-on course led by local experts. Learn everything from composting basics to soil biology, and walk away ready to compost in your own backyard.

📅 Mondays, Aug 17–Sept 28 (no class Sept 7) | 9–11 AM
📍 DeGraaf Nature Center
💰 $60/participant (scholarships available)
🔞 18+

Registration includes a composting manual, vermicomposting bin, and cohort t-shirt. Complete the course + 10 volunteer hours to earn your Master Composter certification!

Spots are limited. Get more details and registration information at: https://outdoordiscovery.org/events/holland-master-composter-training/

07/24/2026

Need some invasive trees cleared fast? You’re going to want to call this team from Motus Integrated Technologies 😉 A group of volunteers came out to our main site today to remove Autumn Olive and Buckthorn, helping us expand and preserve dune habitat along a new trail.

As an ODC Network Corporate Partner, employees can participate in meaningful, hands-on, volunteer projects that support local conservation efforts, outdoor education, and public access initiatives. Interested in opportunities for your team? Contact [email protected]

07/17/2026

The Macatawa Water Festival has been POSTPONED! Air quality levels are unsafe due to wildfire smoke, and the wellbeing of attendees, volunteers, our animal ambassadors, and staff is our top priority.

The good news is we have rescheduled for September 26, right back at Kollen Park 🎉 We’re looking forward to hosting the fun-filled event you know and love, and we hope to see you there!

07/17/2026

Most days, our preschoolers are out and about—soaking up sunshine, splashing in puddles, and hiking to find frogs, butterflies, and other natural treasures. On unique weather days like we’re having this week, our team of Early Childhood Naturalists are ready to support teachers and students through tailored, in-classroom experiences, instead. 

Ms. Sheila visited our Woodlands classrooms yesterday with three snakes, and returned in the afternoon with a rabbit—bringing nature directly to our students while it’s not safe to be outside. 

These visits are possible, even at a moment’s notice, because each of our preschools has an Early Childhood Naturalist, like Ms. Sheila, on staff. Throughout the year, naturalists can help guide nature-based curriculum, provide professional development to teachers, and expand our students’ knowledge of the natural world. 

Our naturalists are deeply important to creating high-quality nature-based programming for our littlest learners. We appreciate them every day—and especially on days like today 💛

07/13/2026

If you haven’t spent a little time outside today, consider this your sign.

Whether you’re climbing, digging, building, splashing, or simply exploring, there’s something special about seeing the world through curiosity.

Our nature play spaces were designed to inspire exploration, imagination, and connection for kids and grown-ups!

07/10/2026

Discover the beauty of nature through art during ODC’s Floral Print Scarves program on July 17!

Participants will use flowers and leaves to create unique printed scarves while exploring the patterns, colors, and textures found in the natural world. Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and hands-on learning.

Learn more and register at https://loom.ly/9QweYJ4

07/09/2026

Real-time lake conditions are now at your fingertips!

The Lake Macatawa monitoring buoy, installed through ODC Network’s Project Clarity, now has its very own app. Whether you’re heading out to paddle, fish, boat, or you’re simply curious about the health of the lake, you can now check current conditions anytime, anywhere.

The buoy collects real-time water quality data that helps our team better understand Lake Macatawa and guide restoration efforts throughout the Macatawa Watershed.

Download Seagull Coast today by searching for it in the Apple App Store or Google Play and see what’s happening on Lake Macatawa in real time!

07/08/2026

Whether you're looking to paddle, explore, learn something new, or simply spend more time outside, there's something for every age and experience level!

See what's coming up on our program calendar: https://outdoordiscovery.org/programs/

Kayakers fanned out over Gilligan Lake on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as part a free program led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission. Read more at https://laketowntwp.org/kayakers-enjoy-peaceful-evening-on-gilligan-lake/

07/08/2026

This white-tailed deer fawn was caught enjoying a rainy day in one of ODC’s streams, and we couldn’t help but share!

If you’ve been looking for a sign to get outside, this is it. Join our July Reconnection Challenge by getting outside and spending time around water!

07/07/2026

At Woodlands Discovery Preschool, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Thanks to incredible community partners like Eighth Day Farm our explorers are planting seeds, harvesting fresh produce, and discovering where food comes from through hands-on experiences.

They're also learning that caring for the earth can be as simple as composting yesterday's snack to help nourish tomorrow's garden. These moments spark curiosity, build confidence, and help children develop a lifelong connection with the natural world.

We're grateful for partners like Eighth Day Farm who help us create meaningful opportunities for children to learn, explore, and grow, one experience at a time!