Free parks programs begin in April

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission is sponsoring outdoor programs in coordination with the Outdoor Discovery Center starting in April.

The free outdoor programs run each month through October and include wildflower walks, bird watching, frog catching (and releasing), kayaking and blueberry picking.

“Laketown Parks has been partnering with the ODC since 2006. We’re excited to share this opportunity with our residents and guests once again this summer,” said Brad Laninga, parks and recreation chairperson. “It’s a great way for people of all ages to explore our beautiful parks!”

For more information or to register, visit the Outdoor Discovery Center.

This year’s free programs are:

Woodland Wildflower Walk
Tuesday, April 29, 5-6 p.m.
Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66^th St.

Visit Sanctuary Woods to explore the sights and sounds of spring. This time of year brings migrating birds, beautiful wildflowers, and active mammals. Participants will hike the lower loop and upper loop of this dune ecosystem to see what animals and plants are ready for spring. This hike does include about 170 stairs up a dune with other sets of stairs throughout the upper loop.

Suggested age range: 6 years old and up. Guardians stay with the class

Registration not required but appreciated.

Migratory Birds
Tuesday, May 20, 4-5:30 p.m.
Farview Nature Park, 6257 138^th Ave.

Participants will learn to identify birds as they hike the trails with a naturalist in search of spring migrants such as warblers, vireos, flycatchers and shorebirds. Hikers will also clean up the trail as they walk, helping the habitats these birds need to survive. This program is for any level of birder, from interested to expert. Binoculars and field guides are available for loan.

Suggested age range: 8 years old and up. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration not required but appreciated.

Frog Catching!
Monday, June 16, 10-11 a.m.
Farview Nature Park, 6257 138^th Ave.

Families are invited to join a naturalist at Farview Park for a fun-filled exploration of amphibians, insects, and all kinds of aquatic life. Organizers provide all the collection tubs and dip nets. Wear old shoes or boots that are good to get wet. No sandals or bare feet.

Suggested age range: Open to all ages. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is not required but appreciated.

Little Explorers
Monday, June 23, 10-11 a.m.
Wolters Woods, 6281 147^th Ave.

Explore the nature trails as only a preschooler could. Find colors, shapes, and textures on the easily accessible trails of Wolters Woods. All materials will be provided. At the conclusion of the program, feel free to make time to play on the playground.

Suggested age range: Up to 6 years old. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is not required but appreciated.

Family Kayaking
Tuesday, July 8, 5:30-7 p.m.
Gilligan Lake, 66^th Street north of 142^nd Avenue

First-time paddlers will enjoy the casual exploration of Gilligan Lake from single or double kayaks. Look for wildlife including birds, reptiles and amphibians with a naturalist guide. Personal water bottle recommended. Paddlers must be at least 8 years old to use a boat on their own. A limited number of double kayaks are available. All equipment provided.

Suggested age range: 8 years old and up.

Registration required. Boats limited.

Blueberry Fields Forever
Monday, July 21, 11 a.m.-noon
Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St.

Learn about blueberries and how they have become a West Michigan industry. Bring collection buckets to take home some free blueberries from the u-pick, organic blueberry patch. Sturdy shoes and insect repellent encouraged.

Suggested age range: All ages welcome. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is not required but appreciated.

Incredible Insects
Thursday, Aug. 21, 10-11 a.m.
Shore Acres Park, 6602 138^th Ave.

Get ready for an exciting adventure on the dune trails of Shore Acres Township Park. Hunt for incredible insects hiding in the wild with nets and bug boxes to explore these amazing creatures.

Suggested age range: 5 to 13 years old. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is not required but appreciated.

Hawk Watch
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2-4 p.m.
Laketown Beach Park, 6710 142^nd Ave.

Hike to the top of the steps leading to the beach to watch for migrating raptors. Though songbirds may be spotted along the way, the focus of this program is bird of prey migration. Once at the top of the boardwalk steps, the group will be stationary as they watch for migrants riding the thermal air currents along the dune ridge. Some binoculars will be available for lending.

Registration required.

Night Hike
Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St.

Step into the woods after dark for a night-time adventure. Use your senses to discover how much you can feel, hear, touch, and see in the dark. Along the way, you’ll learn how nocturnal animals rely on their heightened senses to navigate the night and survive. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will open your eyes to the wonders of the night.

Suggested age range: 6 years old and up. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is required.