ODC Network's Outdoor Discovery Center

06/06/2026

Restoring ecosystems starts with the right plants. Through an innovative partnership with Rebel Cultures, ODC Network is exploring new ways to propagate rare native species that are often difficult to grow through traditional methods.

By combining conservation expertise with cutting-edge propagation techniques, we're helping strengthen habitat restoration efforts across West Michigan and increasing the availability of native plants that support wildlife, pollinators, and healthy ecosystems.

Learn how this unique partnership is helping grow the future of restoration: https://loom.ly/_Wogxq8

06/05/2026

Happy summer!

Explore ODC Network’s trails and preserves, join a camp or summer program, and make the most of the season. Our trails are always free and open to the public from dawn to dusk!

https://outdoordiscovery.org/thefuture/

06/04/2026

It's time for a wild adventure!

Bring the whole family for a wild adventure at the creek near Green Lake, where we’ll explore the hidden world of amphibians, insects, and all kinds of amazing aquatic creatures. With dip nets and collection tubs we’ll search, observe, and then safely release local wildlife.

This is hands-on adventure requires no experience, just curiosity and a sense of adventure! All materials will be provided, please wear shoes that can get wet and muddy!

Get more information for this FREE program! https://loom.ly/X-kJsUw

06/03/2026

A special sighting at the ODC!

Visitors recently spotted this snapping turtle laying her eggs.

Late spring and early summer are nesting season for snapping turtles, Michigan's largest turtle. Females leave the water in search of a suitable nesting site, where they may lay 20–50 eggs.

If you're exploring outdoors this season, keep an eye out for turtles on the move!

06/02/2026

The Reconnection Challenge Starts Now!

This summer, we're inviting you to spend more time outside reconnecting with nature, community, and the people you care about.

Each month, we'll feature a new outdoor challenge and giveaways!

June's Reconnection Challenge is all about PLAY.

Here's how to participate:
✔ Get outside and play
✔ Share a photo tagging ODC Network's Outdoor Discovery Center
✔ Be entered to win this month's prize package

Need inspiration? Join us on June 20 at the ODC Grand Reopening and experience the new Haworth and Klow Family Imagination Forest.

What goes better with outdoor play than ice cream? We're excited to partner with Hudsonville Ice Cream to help make June's adventures even sweeter!

Stay tuned for more!

06/01/2026

Redlum Farm Preserve remains temporarily closed as we complete trail maintenance and chip sealing improvements throughout the property.

We know many of you are eager to get back out on the trails, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience. These improvements will help create a safer, more accessible, and more sustainable experience for everyone who visits.

Thank you for your patience as we finish this work. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and sharing an even better Redlum Farm Preserve for the summer season.

Stay tuned for updates on reopening!

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Children today spend an average of just 7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play, while spending nearly 7 hours on screens for entertainment.

This summer, take a break from the screens and reconnect with the world around you. Climb, splash, hike, explore, imagine, and discover.

At ODC, we’re here to help families reconnect with nature through trails, programs, renovated play spaces, and outdoor experiences designed to inspire curiosity and adventure. https://loom.ly/a1tE63k

05/27/2026

Healthy rivers begin with community stewardship.

Through the Kalamazoo River Greenway, ODC Network and community partners are working together to strengthen West Michigan’s river corridors through invasive species management, habitat restoration, native landscaping, and environmental education. These collaborative efforts help create healthier ecosystems, protect wildlife habitat, and deepen connections between people and the natural spaces around them.

Want to get involved firsthand? Join us May 30 for the Krazy for the Kazoo River Cleanup at Wade’s Bayou! Volunteers will help remove litter, support river health, and celebrate the Kalamazoo River and the community that surrounds it.

Registration and more information can be found on our website: https://loom.ly/Ygh5arc

05/26/2026

What a special year it has been for our Dragonflies, Little Hawks, and Seedlings students!

This year was filled with exploration, discovery, friendship, and meaningful connections to the people beside us and the nature all around us. From muddy adventures to hands-on learning, we are so proud of all the little learners and grateful for the families who shared this journey with our team. We hope you all have a fun and adventure-filled summer!

While the school year may be wrapping up, learning continues all summer long at Woodlands Discovery Preschool and Gentex Discovery Preschool, where our year-round programs provide high-quality, nature-based care and education for children ages 0–5!

You can learn more about these programs on our website! https://outdoordiscovery.org/odc-preschools/