Nature Programs

Summer, Fall & Winter

floral design workshop - seasonal vase arrangement

16 Yr Olds-Adults

This floral design workshop teaches participants how to create beautiful vase arrangements using fresh, locally grown flowers—skills they can easily take home and use to enhance their own living spaces. Through hands-on instruction with a local flower farmer, participants will learn foundational design techniques, how to work with seasonal materials, and how to use floral mechanics to build arrangements that last. The workshop also covers key design principles like balance, proportion, color harmony, and focal emphasis, giving participants the confidence to create arrangements that elevate their home décor, brighten everyday spaces, and even boost mood and reduce stress through the presence of fresh flowers.

  • Register Here
  • Registration Deadline: Sat, July 18
  • Cost: $75r/$90nr
  • Instructor: Jenna Leigh Flora
  • Date: Thur, Aug 6
  • Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Location: Zeeland West HS - Room D107

fREE Yoga in the Park (Parent-Child + Adults)

All Ages

Join us for FREE yoga classes on the Lawrence Street Park greenspace! We offer a “Family” option for guardians/children as well as an “Adults” option. Join us to get a great workout or to make great family memories! No yoga experience is necessary. Please bring your own mat or towel. Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather… follow us on social media for weather decisions. 

  • Cost: FREE... just show up!
  • Instructors: Deb Weiss-Gelmi
  • Dates: Thur | Aug 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Family Yoga (All Ages): 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Adults Yoga (12 Yr Olds-Adults): 10:00-11:00 AM
  • Location: Lawrence Street Park (100 W Lawrence Ave, Zeeland)

west michigan 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 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

insect catching (free)

14 Yrs & Younger (+ Guardian)

Register Each Family Member Separately

Fall is the perfect season to explore the fascinating world of insects! Join a naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) as we venture through the Upper Macatawa Natural Area with sweep nets in hand, discovering the hidden lives of these incredible creatures. Learn about their life cycles, habitats, and unique adaptations that help them thrive. All materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Guardians stay with the class. 

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: Free (Registration Still Required)
  • Instructor: Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Staff
  • Date: Tue, Sept 22
  • Time: 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Location: Upper Macatawa Natural Area

nocturnal creatures (Free)

All Ages

Register Each Family Member Separately

Discover the fascinating world of nocturnal wildlife! Once the sun sets, a whole new group of animals comes to life. Join the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Network to learn how nighttime creatures use unique adaptations to hunt, survive, and avoid predators. This interactive program features live reptiles, amphibians, and birds, along with taxidermy specimens and other animal artifacts, giving participants an up-close look at the amazing animals that thrive after dark. All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Cost: Free (Registration Still Required)
  • Instructor: Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Staff
  • Date: Mon, Oct 5
  • Time: 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Location: Lawrence Street Park

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 3: Sat, October 17 | 1:00-2:45 PM
  • Location: Zeeland East HS - LGI Area & Occasional Zeeland Wetlands Use

traditional potawatomi looped beaded earrings class

14 Yr Olds-Adults

Create a beautiful pair of handcrafted earrings while learning the art of Traditional Potawatomi beadwork. In this intermediate-level class, you'll use seed beads, needle, and thread to create elegant looped earrings inspired by traditional Potawatomi designs. Follow a provided pattern or personalize your project with your own creative touches. Leave with a unique, wearable piece of art and new beading skills to continue your craft at home. 

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Registration Deadline: Mon, Nov 16
  • Cost: $25r/$40nr
  • Instructor: Myriah Williams - Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC)
  • Date: Tue, Nov 17
  • Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
  • Location: Cityside MS - ELA Room

snowshoe hike (free)

8 Yr Olds-Adults (Children Under 8 Are Welcome, If Pulled On A Sled)

Register Each Family Member Separately

Discover the beauty of winter on a family snowshoe adventure! Join a Naturalist from the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) Network as you explore the trails of Paw Paw Park, search for animal tracks, and learn about the plants and wildlife that call winter home. Traditional wooden, Ojibwa-style snowshoes are provided for participants ages 8 and older. You're also welcome to bring your own snowshoes, and families with younger children are encouraged to bring a sled for little ones. If there isn't at least 4 inches of snow, we'll still enjoy a guided winter nature walk. This free program is open to all ages, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is required, as space is limited.

  • Register Here (Online Registration Opens Mon, Aug 3 @ 10:00 AM)
  • Registration Deadline: Thur, Jan 28
  • Cost: Free (Registration Still Required - Register Each Family Member Separately)
  • Instructor: Naturalist - Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC)
  • Date: Sat, Jan 30
  • Time: 10:00-11:00 AM
  • Location: Paw Paw Park - East (1230 Paw Paw Drive)