UPCOMING EVENTS
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Fall Migrants at Black Lake Park
This trip will visit Black Lake Park on Little Black Lake in Muskegon County. Located on the east side of the lake, directly across from Hoffmaster Park, this site is known for attracting warblers and a variety of other fall migrants. Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Essentials:
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Boy Scout Headquarters, located just north of I-96 on the west side of Walker Avenue. This is the Greenstone driveway before you reach the Girl Scout property. Participants may wish to bring a snack and beverage for the morning.
Safety Considerations:
Traveling in a caravan can present hazards. Please obtain directions from the trip leader before departing for the next stop rather than relying solely on following other vehicles. Exercise caution at all times while driving. If radio or phone communication is needed, please have a passenger handle it so drivers can remain focused on the road.
“Teacher of the Woods” by Curtis Dykstra (September Member Program)
"Ovenbird: Teacher of the Woods" by Curtis Dykstra, Ottawa County Parks
The theme for this year's programs for Grand Rapids Audubon Club will center around birds themselves - their behaviors with each other as well as how they relate to us humans in their world. We'll take a more intimate look at the lives of our feathered friends. What better way to start off the season as the school year begins than to look at the little bird who proclaims, "Teacher, Teacher, TEACHER!" While small, hidden and often overlooked, the Ovenbird has a
song that’s part of the symphony of summertime woodlands in Michigan.
While this presentation focuses on the Ovenbird, Curtis will dig much deeper than that. The Ovenbird, as well as all things natural, wild and untamed often deeply impact us and sometimes even teach us important and valuable lessons. Just what did he learn from this little bird? And how did it end up with such a special place in his heart. That’s the story Curtis will share with us. Maybe the little Ovenbird has a lesson for the rest of us, too!
Curtis Dykstra serves as Program Supervisor for Ottawa County Parks where he coordinates educational programming and activities for adults. He has worked in the Outdoor Education field for over 25 years and for Ottawa County Parks since 2013. Curtis is an avid birder and traveler who delights in sharing his passion for birds and nature with others.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Fall Migrants at Ball Perkins Park
A new parking area at Ball Perkins Park is expected to open soon, creating an exciting opportunity for a field trip to one of the area's top migration hotspots. In recent years, Ball Perkins has become well known for attracting large numbers of warblers and other migratory birds. Limited parking has previously made organized field trips difficult, but with the new lot scheduled to open on September 19, we plan to take full advantage of this improved access. Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Essentials:
Meet at 8:00 a.m. in the new Ball Perkins parking lot on Plymouth Avenue, north of Leonard Street. We plan to continue birding as long as we are finding birds.
Safety Considerations:
Please use caution while driving to and from the park. While on the trails, be alert for cyclists and share the path courteously.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Lake Shore Migrants
This trip will focus on finding the best late-season birds being reported along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Potential targets include late shorebirds, wintering waterfowl, gulls, and winter finches. By this time of year, many ducks have arrived, while other migrants are still making their way south. These conditions can provide opportunities to see species that are otherwise difficult to find in our area.
We'll monitor recent bird reports and plan our route around the most promising sightings. Likely starting points include Holland State Park, Oval Beach, or Douglas Beach. From there, we may work inland with stops at Lake Macatawa, the Kalamazoo River, or the Todd Farm Unit of the Allegan State Game Area. If a notable rarity is reported, we may adjust plans and travel farther afield to pursue it.
This is planned as a morning trip, though we may extend the outing with a lunch stop if birding conditions are favorable. Birders of all experience levels are welcome.
Essentials:
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the McDonald's in Hudsonville. We will leave extra vehicles in the carpool lot just north of I-196. Please arrive ready to depart at 7:30. Bring a drink or snack to keep you going until lunch, dress for cold weather, and consider bringing a spotting scope if you have one.
Safety Considerations:
Cold temperatures and winter road conditions are the primary hazards for this trip. Severe weather may require cancellation. If traveling in a caravan, obtain directions from the trip leader before leaving each stop rather than relying on following other vehicles. Drive cautiously and maintain awareness of surrounding traffic at all times. Any radio or phone communication should be handled by a passenger so drivers can remain focused on the road.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Trail Meetup: Riverside Park
Take a break, hit the trail, and connect with your community!
West Michigan Trails (WMT) invites you to join the next Trail Meet-Up.
Meetup Point: Riverside Park - We will meet at the South end of Riverside Park at the Knapp Street NW entrance/roundabout. Meet at the trailhead near the river.
Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, all are welcome — this casual, all-levels event is all about getting outside and enjoying the fresh air!
What to Expect:
Guided trail experience with the WMT and the GR Audubon Club
Choose your pace: leisurely walk, energizing run, or scenic bike ride
Connect with fellow trail lovers
Learn about upcoming projects and events
What to Bring:
Trail-Tracking Water Bottle (or one of your own if you don't have one yet)
Comfortable shoes/gear for your activity
Sunscreen or hat (weather depending)
A good attitude and love for the outdoors!
No registration needed — just show up!
Whether you're new to the trail or a seasoned explorer, this is a great way to get active, meet others, and support West Michigan’s growing trail network. We'll meet at 5:00 PM and plan to head out around 5:30 PM to give people time to join us!
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
September Birdy Book Club
September’s book:
"Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life," by Barbara Kingsolver, Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver (2007)
Our new meeting location is The Pink House in Cherry Park, 131 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. And please note that we're meeting on a Tuesday for September.
About the book:
Author Barbara Kingsolver and her family abandoned the industrial-food pipeline to live a rural life—vowing that, for one year, they’d only buy food raised in their own neighborhood, grow it themselves, or learn to live without it. Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an enthralling narrative that will open your eyes in a hundred new ways to an old truth: You are what you eat.
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About the club:
-Buy or borrow the book and complete the reading before the meeting.
-There’s no cost to participate (apart from any books you opt to purchase). And you don't need to be a club member, or a birder, to join us for the discussion! We love meeting new people.
-Book club meets 6 to 7 p.m. generally on the second Monday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November) except in the case of scheduling conflicts.
-Titles for the 2026 book club schedule (and past picks) are available on our website: https://www.graud.org/membershipmeetings-1
-This is a space for mutually respectful, curious and sometimes challenging conversations. Happy reading!
This book club is open to all readers -- you're not required to be a member of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club (though we're happy to welcome you to that club, too!)
Birding Donald J. Lamoreaux Park
Join us for a walk through one of the less-visited parks as we look for fall migrants. This park is a great place to look for warblers with species such as Black & White, Tennessee and Nashville Warblers making frequent appearances, but also migrant Northern Parula, Black-Throated Green and Blue Warblers and Canada Warbler. If we're really lucky we might even catch sight of Connecticut or Mourning Warblers which have passed through in previous migrations.
Essentials: Meet at the parking lot of Lamoreaux Park on Coit, just north of 4 Mile Rd. No registration required; just show up!
We'll start gathering at 5 p.m. and head out at around 5:30 p.m. to give people a chance to join us
All levels welcome.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Grand Rapids BioBlitz 2026
During Friends of Grand Rapids Parks’ BioBlitz 2026, we’re going to document as many different plants, insects, fish, birds, and other wildlife species in Riverside Park as possible in one day! This record will help us track restoration efforts by establishing a baseline of species present through the power of citizen science!
There will be scientist-led activities throughout the day for participants to join in and contribute to the scientific process. Events will be family- and kid-friendly! In addition to other fun science-based activities, attendees will help to find, identify, and record various species of flora and fauna identified during the event in the iNaturalist app! If you don’t have the app, you can always talk to one of our staff or event partners about what you have found, and they can enter it into the app for you. Educational activities and resources provided by our partners will help participants learn more about the incredible species you might encounter in the park, and our scientist experts can help with confirming which species you’re noticing as you enjoy Riverside Park!
Join us at 6:30 a.m. for a pre-event bird hike!
Find full details here.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park (Copy)
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Trail Meetup: Branstrom Park
Take a break, hit the trail, and connect with your community!
West Michigan Trails (WMT) invites you to join the next Trail Meet-Up.
Meetup Point: Branstrom Park in Fremont, MI
Whether you prefer to walk, run, or bike, all are welcome — this casual, all-levels event is all about getting outside and enjoying the fresh air!
What to Expect:
Guided trail experience with the WMT and the GR Audubon Club
Choose your pace: leisurely walk, energizing run, or scenic bike ride
Connect with fellow trail lovers
Learn about upcoming projects and events
What to Bring:
Trail-Tracking Water Bottle (or one of your own if you don't have one yet)
Comfortable shoes/gear for your activity
Sunscreen or hat (weather depending)
A good attitude and love for the outdoors!
No registration needed — just show up!
Whether you're new to the trail or a seasoned explorer, this is a great way to get active, meet others, and support West Michigan’s growing trail network. We'll meet at 5:00 PM and plan to head out around 5:30 PM to give people time to join us!
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
July Birdy Book Club
This book club is open to all readers -- you're not required to be a member of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club (though we're happy to welcome you to that club, too!)
About the book:
July's book: "The Urban Naturalist: How to Make the City Your Scientific Playground" by Menno Schilthuizen
In May's book club, we went global, delving into the tale of one man's around-the-world pursuit of a record-breaking big year. In July, we'll get hyper-local and talk about opportunities for wonder and discovery in your own backyard.
About the book:
A manifesto—and a field guide—for a new dawn of natural history, practiced by community scientists in their own urban jungle.
Imagine taking your smartphone-turned-microscope to an empty lot and discovering a rare mason bee that builds its nest in empty snail shells. Or a miniature spider that hunts ants and carries their corpses around. With a team of citizen scientists, that's exactly what Menno Schilthuizen did—one instance in the evolutionary biologist's campaign to take natural science to the urban landscape where most of us live today. In this delightful book, The Urban Naturalist, Schilthuizen invites us to join him, to embark on a new age of discovery, venturing out as intrepid explorers of our own urban habitat—and maybe in the process do the natural world some good.
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About the club:
-Buy or borrow the book and complete the reading before the meeting.
-There’s no cost to participate (apart from any books you opt to purchase). And you don't need to be a club member, or a birder, to join us for the discussion! We love meeting new people.
-Book club meets 6 to 7 p.m. generally on the second Monday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November) except in the case of scheduling conflicts.
-Titles for the 2026 book club schedule (and past picks) are available on our website: https://www.graud.org/membershipmeetings-1
-This is a space for mutually respectful, curious and sometimes challenging conversations. Happy reading!
Summer Saturdays: Birds of the Great Lakes
Curious about the birds in your backyard or local park? Join experts from the Grand Rapids Audubon Club for an introduction to bird-watching! Learn how to identify species, connect with fellow bird lovers, and birdwatch along the new riverfront outdoor classroom.
The Grand Rapids Audubon Club will share conservation initiatives and lead bird watching tours throughout the day. Guests are welcome to bring their own binoculars, but they will also be provided.
Bird watching tours will start at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Daniel Goldberg will present an Introduction to Birding interactive lecture at 11:30am on the 3rd floor for curious beginners.
Additionally, the Roger B. Chaffee planetarium will show the documentary Beyond Our Senses: Bank Swallows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This 30-minute film brings animal behavior, ecosystems, and sensory biology to life on the Planetarium dome. At the conclusion of the film, producer/ director David Andrew Busse will join virtually for a short Q&A.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Birding Allegan State Game Area with Audubon Society of Kalamazoo
Join the Grand Rapids Audubon Club and Kalamazoo Audubon Club for our second collaboration this season for a morning of birding within the Allegan State Game Area! We will have coffee and pastries to share.
Join our organizations as we sample a variety of habitats within Allegan State Game Area, starting with some woodland birding along Swan Creek. We will hike 1-1.5 miles along Swan Creek, looking for warblers, flycatchers, and other woodland species in their breeding territories. After this, we will check the farm unit, hoping to find grassland species such as Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow.
Hiking will be on fairly level dirt trails, with the remainder being roadside birding along both gravel and paved country roads. Mosquito repellent is advised, and sunscreen may be required.
Leaders: Kent Martin (256) 751-3358, Susan Creager
All levels welcome.
GR Participants: Meet the group in the Family Farm & Home parking lot, 1596 Lincoln Rd, Allegan, MI 49010.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.
Tuesday Evening at Roselle Park
Led By: Steve Minard
Roselle Park is a good birding area right here in Kent County. It’s on the Grand River, and has wetlands, wooded edges, and open areas. At this date, warblers should still be moving and many of the sparrows and woodland birds should be present. We will plan to stick to the paved trails and avoid the water if there is flooding.
Essentials: Meet at the Roselle Park parking lot by the visitor center. It’s entrance is across from Michigan Ave and north of the south parking lot entrance. This is west of Ada and south of Knapp along Grand River Dr.
Safety Hazards: Drive safely to meet the group. Watch for traffic on the pathway.
NOTE: While we love dogs, we ask you to please NOT bring your pup(s) on club field trips, as it can stress/frighten away the birds. Thank you!
May Membership Meeting
Join us for our May Membership Meeting and celebrate the 2025-2026 season with us! We will be meeting at Roselle Park to gather as a community, bird together, share some laughs over a meal and learn about our upcoming project, Bird City. We will also vote to appoint our 2026-2027 budget and board officers.
Schedule of Events:
5:00 - 6:30pm: Optional
Birding with fellow Grand Rapids Audubon Club Members. We will be wandering, come anytime and join the fun!
6:30 - 7:00pm: Optional
Picnic Dinner and Social Hour - We will supply sandwiches and drinks. Bring a dish or dessert (or, your own meal) to share if you'd like, no pressure!
7:00 - 7:15pm: Annual Meeting - Club Membership votes on 2026-2027 GRAUD Budget and Board Officers
7:15 - 7:45pm: Bird City Presentation
Bird Watching at Ken-0-Sha Park
Explore the beauty of Ken-O-Sha Park and the bird life it supports alongside local nonprofit Friends of Grand Rapids Parks! Guided by Cynthia Maas, Dr. Daniel Goldberg, and Cliff Hodge of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club, participants will hike the Ken-O-Sha Park trails along Plaster Creek, observe and record the bird population in the park, and learn about their unique ecology. This event is kid friendly and will include a special pine cone bird feeder craft! Light refreshments will be provided.
We ask that attendees follow the link to register for this free event. Thank you!
Weekly Hike at Millennium Park
Hike Millennium Park to see what's hanging around! The walk meets at the cul de sac of Veterans Memorial Drive about .5 miles east of Maynard SW. It is a 3-4 mile flat walk through a variety of habitats. The walk begins at 8 a.m. May through September and 9:00 a.m. October through April. We do not have a set time limit and walks may last from 2-4 hours depending on what birds are seen as well as the weather. The walk occurs under most weather conditions year round except for major holidays that fall on Thursdays. There are options for shorter routes if you prefer.