Outdoor Discovery Center
Outdoor Discovery Center and Macatawa Greenway Partnership
The Outdoor Discovery Center and Macatawa Greenway Partnership in collaboration with Zeeland Recreation will be offering several learning opportunities for youth. Classes are either held at the Zeeland Wetland Pavilion or at Poppen Woods. The wetland pavilion can be accessed by parking at the baseball fields located off 96th Street and walking the paved path to the pavilion. Poppen Woods can be accessed from Adams Street just east of 88th Avenue and the Macatawa River Bridge. An emergency information card will be mailed with receipt. Please return to the Recreation office by the start of class.
Spring Awakenings
Instructor: ODC staff
Explore the Zeeland Wetland for signs of spring including insect activity, plant growth, amphibians and birds. Children will explore with nets, magnifiers and microscopes. Dress for the weather and bring a personal water bottle. All investigation materials will be provided. Min: 8 Max: 20
Cost: $10r/$22nr
Time: 10:00-12:00pm
Location: Zeeland Wetland Pavilion
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Session
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Date
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Age
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Code
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1
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Thursday, April 8
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6-10 yrs old
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200920S1
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Go Fly a Kite
Instructor: ODC staff
Learn what about weather makes wind and learn how to use it to fly a kite. Children will create their own kite and try to fly it over the soccer field. Dress for the weather and bring a personal water bottle. All materials will be provided. Min: 8 Max: 20
Cost: $12r/$24nr
Time: 12:30-2:00pm
Location: Zeeland Wetland Pavilion
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Session
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Date
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Age
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Code
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1
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Saturday, April 17
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6-10 yrs old
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200920K1
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Poppen Woods Bird Watching
Instructor: ODC staff
Explore the floodplain along the Macatawa River Greenway with a naturalist learning about bird life. Learn what songbirds eat, where they live, and how they survive in the ever-changing floodplain forest. Sturdy hiking shoes recommended. Bring a personal water bottle. Binoculars will be available for lending. Min: 8 Max: 20
Cost: $12r/$24nr
Time: 2:00-4:00pm
Location: Poppen Woods
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Session
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Date
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Age
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Code
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1
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Saturday, May 15
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8-12 yrs old
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200920B1
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Introduction to Nature for Preschool-aged Children
Instructor: ODC staff
In their formative years, children develop interests that they will pursue for the rest of their lives. Future stewards of our natural resources need to learn about and appreciate those resources at an early age. Additionally, studies have shown that providing nature experiences to children can help reduce the effects of Attention Deficit Disorder and inspire curiosity and creativity. The goal of these programs is to create a comfort level with the out-of-doors in young children through games, activities, and exploration. Live animals, use of simple tools, and literature will be incorporated into these programs. Each session will have a different theme and related activities. Please note: Classes are available to 2-5 year olds. A parent or guardian MUST attend class with their child. Personal water bottles recommended. Min: 8 Max: 20
Cost: $11r/$23nr
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Location: Zeeland Wetland Pavilion
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Session
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Date
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Age
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Code
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1
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Thursday, June 24
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2-5 yrs old
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200920P1
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2
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Thursday, July 15
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2-5 yrs old
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200920P2
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3
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Thursday, August 5
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2-5 yrs old
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200920P3
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Up a Creek
Instructor: ODC staff
Explore the Macatawa River at Poppen Woods with a naturalist for aquatic insects, fish, crayfish, frogs, and other floodplain wildlife. The group will use sampling nets including D-nets and kick seines. Shoes that can go into the river must be worn: NO bare feet will be permitted. Bring a personal water bottle. All sampling equipment will be provided. Min: 8 Max: 20
Cost: $12r/$24nr
Time: 10:00-12:00pm
Location: Poppen Woods
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Session
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Date
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Age
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Code
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1
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Tuesday, July 6
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8-12 yrs old
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200920U1
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All About Insects
Instructor: ODC staff
Insects are everywhere! In this class, students will explore the field and wetlands for insect life. The will learn what makes an insects different from any other animal. All sampling equipment, including nets and collection tubs, will be provided by the ODC. Please Note: Personal water bottle recommended. Mon: 8 Max: 20
Cost: $10r/$22nr
Time: 10:00-12:00pm
Location: Zeeland Wetland Pavilion
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Session
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Date
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Age
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Code
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1
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Tuesday, July 27
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6-10 yrs old
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200920C1
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