County park wins national award

Jul 7

Ottawa Sands County Park has received a 2025 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials Award in the Conservation category. This national honor recognizes efforts to acquire, restore, and preserve natural areas, as well as initiatives that foster public awareness and appreciation of conservation.

A former sand-mining site, Ottawa Sands is now a 345-acre ecological and recreational treasure in Ferrysburg, Michigan. Nestled where the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway meets the Grand River Greenway, the park completes a six-mile stretch of uninterrupted public land along the Lake Michigan shoreline—providing vital habitat corridors for wildlife and expanded opportunities for people to connect with nature.

“This award is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to a regenerative approach. This recognition is not just a celebration of what Ottawa Sands has become—it’s a reflection of the transformation that began years ago,” said Jason Shamblin, Parks Director, Ottawa County . “We’re proud to build on the restoration efforts initiated by the mining operation, whose thoughtful reclamation laid the groundwork for today’s regenerative approach. By combining that legacy with science-driven stewardship and inclusive design, we’ve created a model for how former industrial landscapes can be reimagined into vibrant, resilient ecosystems that serve both people and nature.”

The conservation and enhancement work at Ottawa Sands is part of a $30 million master plan, which includes restoring 238 acres while ensuring equitable access and sustainable recreation. The park’s inclusive design incorporates green infrastructure and aims to welcome visitors of all abilities to experience this remarkable landscape for generations to come.

Conservation efforts were made possible through extensive collaboration with partners, including Audubon Great Lakes, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and MDNR’s Fisheries Habitat Grant Program. Together, these organizations have supported a wide range of habitat enhancement projects designed to benefit fish, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.

Key conservation achievements at Ottawa Sands include:

Creation of six acres of interdunal wetlands, a rare and vital habitat unique to Lake Michigan’s coastal dune ecosystem.
Shoreline sculpting using GPS-guided equipment to expand the littoral zone, promoting fish spawning and improving aquatic habitat. The littoral zone is the shallow, down-sloping area of land close to the shore of a lake.
Installation of over 200 woody structures around the inland lake, enriching environments for fish, turtles, and amphibians.
Extensive native plantings and removal of invasive species to restore natural communities and strengthen biodiversity.
Placement of educational signage throughout the park to inform visitors about ecological enhancements and their lasting benefits.

For additional information about Ottawa Sands County Park, visit: https://miottawa.org/park-locations/ottawa-sands/.

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