County launches ‘Connected County Park’ to turn private backyards into wildlife corridors
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission is asking residents to help transform their backyards into sanctuaries for wildlife.
WEST OLIVE — The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission is asking residents to help transform their backyards into sanctuaries for wildlife.
The commission said its Connected County Park initiative, announced this week, is a regional strategy aimed at connecting fragmented ecosystems by encouraging homeowners to swap traditional lawns for native habitats.
The program seeks to bridge the gap between public parklands and private residential lots to create a more resilient landscape against environmental pressures.
“Connected County Park is about creating a shared vision where small, individual actions contribute to a larger, lasting impact,” said Tyler Allyn-White, stewardship supervisor for Ottawa County Parks and Recreation. “By working together, we can build a future where natural systems thrive across property lines.”
By providing residents with training and resources, the county hopes to help residents effectively combat invasive species and bolster local biodiversity.
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A key component of the launch is the Certified Habitat yard sign program, which allows homeowners to display their commitment to native planting. The signs serve as both a badge of honor and a conversation starter for neighbors, creating a "visible network" of conservation across the county.
To kick off the initiative, the county will host a free public celebration designed to give residents the tools they need to get started:
- When: Noon-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4
- Where: Hemlock Crossing Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive
- Requirements: The event is free, but registration is required to be eligible for door prizes.
The event will feature a keynote presentation and Q&A session on local ecology, a hands-on station where attendees can mix their own native seeds and an opportunity for gardeners to exchange native species.
Representatives from the Ottawa Conservation District, Outdoor Discovery Center Network, and MSU Extension will also be on hand to provide professional guidance.
To register, click here.
— Submitted by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
