Outdoor Programs

Spring & Summer

walking support group - health habits one step at a time 

Come to walk and discuss challenges and strategies related to healthy eating, weight management, wellness and handling stress... all while getting your steps in for the day! This group is FREE and led by Heidi Lynema, a registered dietitian with Corewell Health. They walk in various outdoor and indoor locations (based on weather) in Holland, Zeeland, Hudsonville and Jenison. Whether you are trying to stay motivated in your health journey, want a walking partner, or are looking to discover new places to walk in the area... this group is for you. All are welcome to join... show up when you can!

nature journal club

18 Yr Olds +

Do you love spending time in nature? Join this warm, curious, kind group of people who gather together each month to investigate various natural phenomena, enjoy community connection, and learn new techniques for observing, exploring, and recording our adventures in nature. Each session will begin indoors, with some having optional outdoor portions. If interested in going outside, please dress for the weather. No prior experience in art, science, or nature journaling is required—just bring your journaling supplies (something to write/draw on, write/draw with, and your preferred tools for adding color). If you don’t have supplies, we’ll have extras available. Everyone is welcome, whether you choose to stay indoors or venture outside!

  • Register Here
  • Cost Per Session: $10
  • Cost for Membership (All Sessions): $80 
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Session 1: Sat, April 18 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 2: Sat, May 16 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 3: Sat, June 20 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 4: Sat, July 25 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 5: Sat, August 29 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 6: Sat, September 19 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 7: Sat, October 17 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 8: Sat, November 21 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Session 9: Sat, December 12 | 10:00-11:45 AM
  • Location: Zeeland East HS - LGI Area & Occasional Zeeland Wetlands Use

intro to nature journaling

18 Yr Olds +

Many of us seek ways to better connect with nature. We want to learn its languages, patterns, and secrets, help protect its inhabitants, and find our place within the natural community. Nature journaling offers a unique way to engage with all that’s around us through intentional observation, investigation, and playful curiosity. In this program, you’ll learn how to start a nature journal, the art of observation, some of the common hindrances and pitfalls, and helpful prompts, drawing, and writing techniques to support you wherever you are, whether in the field, on the move, or at home. All supplies will be provided.

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $20r/$35nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Session 1: Sat, April 18 | 1:00-2:45 PM
  • Session 2: Sat, July 25 | 1:00-2:45 PM
  • Session 3: Sat, October 17 | 1:00-2:45 PM
  • Location: Zeeland East HS - LGI Area & Occasional Zeeland Wetlands Use

drawing in nature series

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world through our Drawing in Nature series! Perfect for amateurs, artists, and nature enthusiasts alike, this program combines field exploration with hands-on drawing. Participants will learn to capture the intricate details of the natural world using close observation, curiosity, and a few fundamental sketching techniques. Whether you want to enhance your art skills or simply enjoy a peaceful outdoor activity, this program is for you! Please bring drawing supplies (paper, clipboard, journal, pencil, pen, coloring tools, etc.) and an easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. All experience levels are welcome. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Field Sketching: Thur, June 25 | 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Botanical Drawing: Thur, July 16 | 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Little Landscapes: Thur, July 30 | 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464  - 84th Ave Entrance - Meadow Path)

watercolor in nature - beginners

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Join us to explore nature’s beauty while learning the techniques of watercolor painting! Participants will learn a few field sketching and watercolor techniques to help get what you notice onto your paper as we look closely, ask questions, and develop our skill of observing the world around us. All supplies will be provided and participants will go home with a watercolor journal, watercolor field kit, and water brush. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $75r/$90nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Fri, July 17
  • Time: 5:30-7:30 PM

  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - Meadow Path)

watercolor in nature - intermediate

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Build on your watercolor experience and enjoy the community of other watercolor enthusiasts as we look closely, ask questions, share ideas and techniques, and develop our skill of observing the world around us through painting what we see. Bring your own preferred watercolor supplies and a comfortable, easy-to-carry folding chair. The path is accessible for wheelchairs and participants will have the option to sit in one place or meander. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Ria VanderKlok
  • Date: Sat, July 18
  • Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area (1300 84th Ave, Zeeland - Meadow Path)