This year's newsletter series will focus on the dedicated Parks staff who work tirelessly to maintain, manage, and enrich these treasured spaces. The Ottawa County Parks staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to their roles. From park operations to natural resource staff to educators and parks planners, their passion for the environment and commitment to visitor experience create an inviting atmosphere for all.

Jessica VanGinhoven, Coordinator of Community Engagement

Jessica started with Ottawa County Parks in 2015 as the Communications Specialist. She transitioned to her current role in 2021. As Coordinator of Community Engagement, Jessica oversees programming, education, communications, and the volunteer program. 

What drew you to working for parks?

As a latchkey kid, I spent a lot of time outdoors and cherished my experiences in parks. My senior pictures were taken at Riley Trails, and my husband proposed to me there during a snowy hike. We chose North Beach Park for our wedding because it's the most accessible beach for our family. My late father-in-law was on the Parks Commission and encouraged me to apply for the Communications Specialist role, which felt like the stars were aligning!

What are your day-to-day tasks?

Every day is different, and I love that! I supervise a talented team at the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing, focusing on programming, communications, events, and volunteer opportunities. I ensure we collaborate effectively with other divisions and that my staff have the tools they need. Though I spend more time on the computer than outdoors, it’s rewarding work!

What is the best part of your job?

As a newer supervisor, I underestimated the joy of watching my team come together to achieve our goals. I love reading survey responses from community members after our programs and seeing how much they enjoy engaging with the parks.

What is your favorite Ottawa County Park?

I frequently visit Eastmanville Bayou with my family, especially on Mother's Day to see a large stand of Virginia bluebells. We also help remove encroaching garlic mustard while we’re there.

What is a hidden gem in Ottawa County Parks?

In spring, Grand Ravines can be muddy, but taking the staircase through the forest to see the spring ephemerals is worth it. Also, Port Sheldon Natural Area has a lovely patch of meadow beauty that blooms in August.

Working in parks has transformed my perspective. I now appreciate them as homes to countless living things. I hope to inspire others to deepen their connection to these special places.

Rylie Dorman, Communications Specialist

Rylie started with Ottawa County Parks in 2022 as a Project Support Specialist and transitioned to a full-time role as Communications Specialist in 2023. Rylie is the person behind the posts, emails, and communications to the public.

What inspired you to work in parks?

Growing up along Lake Michigan north of Ottawa County, I developed a strong appreciation for the shoreline. Living and working near the lake while supporting a park system is fulfilling. My time at Grand Valley State University strengthened my connection to Ottawa County Parks.

What is your role and daily task?

I manage the communication strategy for Ottawa County Parks. My daily tasks include:

- Writing and editing press releases, blog posts, and newsletters.

- Scheduling and posting content on various platforms. - Monitoring and responding to comments and messages. - Updating the website as needed.

- Handling media inquiries and coordinating interviews.

- Designing flyers and park signs as requested.

What is the best part of your job?

Helping people connect with nature is incredibly rewarding. I promote our parks, trails, and programs, encouraging exploration and appreciation of these spaces. Plus, I often get to experience the parks firsthand through events and photography.

What is your favorite Ottawa County Park and season to visit?

I love North Ottawa Dunes in the fall.

What is a hidden gem in Ottawa County Parks?

Olive Shores is a fantastic summer spot—shh, don’t tell anyone!

Be sure to follow us on social media or subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter for updates on Ottawa County Parks!

Featured Park: Eastmanville Bayou

Eastmanville Bayou is 157 acres with 1.77 miles of Grand River frontage, wetlands, a bayou and floodplain forest. The property is a great site to put in for your paddle on the Grand River Heritage Water Trail.

Learn more

by Bobbi Jones Sabine

Downy rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubescens) is an evergreen native forb with distinctively patterned leaves you can still see in March. It’s found throughout Michigan in almost any kind of forest. It thrives in a wide range of habitats, from mixed forests to swamps. It also grows throughout most of the eastern United States and eastern Canada.

Plants are low growing, with stems that creep along the ground to form new colonies. The leaves are 1.5 to 2.5 inches long, and downy with a white or pale green midrib and a network of pale veins crossing the entire leaf, with an effect somewhat like snakeskin. In summer, it puts up a single 8-12” tall flower spike covered with tiny white flowers resembling orchids, and in fact, it is considered to be an orchid.

Other names for this plant include adder’s violet, net-leaf plantain, networt, scropula weed, and spotted plantain. Though not legally protected in this state, it is listed as Endangered in Florida. It is a popular plant for indoor terrariums.

Native Americans used it to treat snakebites, burns, and many other ailments. The fresh leaves and root made an external poultice for sores, rashes, bruises, and insect bites. The leaves were brewed into a tea sometimes served with whiskey, used to improve appetite and to treat colds, burns, skin ulcers, kidney ailments, toothaches, and as a blood tonic. Physicians used fresh leaves steeped in milk as a poultice for tuberculous swelling of lymph nodes while the patient simultaneously drank tea brewed from the leaves.

Get Involved

How would you like to get involved?

• Volunteer on a Foundation committee.

• Join Parks Sustainers Club. 

• Join Parks for Life.

• Make an IRA or Stock contribution.

• Purchase a commemorative bench.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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