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Some "Friends" are for Life

Friends of Ottawa County Parks
is an organization dedicated to connecting people with nature, recreation and community by partnering with the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission. Organized in 2005, the Friends group sponsors programs to build public awareness of the Ottawa County Parks system by hosting events and providing information about Ottawa County parks and open spaces. Click this link for more info and and membership application.

Quick link to Facebook Posts about OC Parks
Barb Brown provided this link so folks can see what's posted on her Facebook group for Friends of Ottawa Co Parks, OC Parks Foundation, and from the parks staff publications:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1591321254541102  

 

Stewardship Grants
The Friends’ goal for the Statema Stewardship Grants is to support stewardship education opportunities as well as completing worthwhile projects in the parks system. Do you know a teacher or youth group leader who wants to lead a stewardship program in OC parks? They need to coordinate the project with Parks staff (through the volunteer coordinator or the NEC staff). If they could use a bit of financial help (for tools, transportation, study materials, etc.), please encourage them to apply for a grant from the FOOCP’s Statema Stewardship Fund.

The grant application process is simple. Send a brief email to ajhoban@aol.com or to info@friendsofocp.org describing the project, amount being requested, what the funds would be used for, and any other financial sources involved. The Grants Committee will consider each application, confirm with parks staff, may request some additional detail or clarification, and will try to respond promptly.

Recent grant projects that were awarded and successfully completed:

Arbor Day program for youngsters to read a specific book about trees then complete a project of planting saplings in the park. Imagine if they return to the park in future years to see how their trees may have grown! And the children in the program were able to take home a small sapling to plant at home.

Living History at Connor Bayou - including a trip in the Gabagouache. A Holland school had an unexpected opportunity to attend the program when another group had to cancel. But the new group did not have budget for transportation of the 60 students. The Statema Stewardship Fund provided enough $ to allow that group to participate. We received rave reviews for the program from the teacher and the students! And the parks staff & volunteers were able to serve a full schedule for the day instead of having a gap caused by a cancellation. Win, win.

 

For information on Ottawa County Parks, visit: www.miottawa.org/parks