Saturday, April 4th - 12:00 pm
Plant a garden. Grow the future.
The Connected County Park initiative is a regional movement created by Ottawa County Parks to create healthier, more resilient landscapes by bridging the gap between people and nature. It empowers individuals to take simple, meaningful actions that restore ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity across private properties.
By offering practical tools, native plants, design guidance, hands-on training, and more, the program removes barriers and makes stewardship accessible to all.
- Mission: To inspire and empower individuals to take simple steps that heal local landscapes, connecting people and nature in a shared mission of restoration.
- Vision: A future where people and nature thrive together – clean air, clean water, and vibrant ecosystems sustained by communities for generations.
Celebrate the official launch of the Connected County Park Initiative, a movement dedicated to creating a thriving, connected web of life where people and nature flourish together. Our vision is simple yet powerful: cleaner air, cleaner water, and a healthier ecosystem for generations to come. This event will inspire and empower you to take meaningful action at home, while connecting with a community of environmental stewards. Together, we can transform isolated efforts into a collective impact that heals local ecosystems.
What to Expect:
• Keynote Talk & Q&A: Learn about the initiative’s vision and mission, and discover simple, practical ways you can make a difference.
• Partner Organization Tables – Connect with local conservation groups and explore resources for native planting and habitat restoration.
• Door Prizes – Enter to win unique items and experiences that support conservation efforts. You must be registered for this program to be eligible for door prizes.
• “Create Your Own Seed Mix” & Community Seed & Plant Swap – Bring seeds or plants to share and take home something new for your home habitat. Browse Ottawa County Park’s “Native Seed Bar” to create your own seed mix from scratch. Seed from 20+ native wildflowers and grasses, all collected and processed by volunteers, will be provided to create your own custom seed mix.
• Native Plant Trivia with Prizes – Test your knowledge of local ecology and win fun, eco-friendly prizes!
Join us to be part of a movement that turns small actions into big change—creating healthier habitats for wildlife and people alike. Donations are welcome.
Thank you to our partners at the Ottawa Conservation District, Outdoor Discovery Center, Careerline Tech Center, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, River City Wild Ones, and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.
When: Saturday, April 4th, 2026 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Where: Hemlock Crossing Park (Nature Center), 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive, MI, 49460
Registration: https://miottawa.org/parks/connectedcountypark/