The 21-acre off-leash dog park or miles of hiking trails through scenic ravines or a stunning 275-foot extension bridge would be enough to draw crowds for miles. But what attracts tourists and families to this park is the chance at seeing Ottawa County’s most famous Bald Eagles.
Where Are They?
Upon entering the north side of the Grand Ravines Park, you can park down by the lodge and take the walking trail at the side of the ravine to the covered bridge. Along this walkway you will have a great chance of seeing Georgetown’s famous pair of Bald Eagles. Many residents have given them names, but nothing formal has come of it. Residents like Randy Swieringa gave the birds their own names and he likes to call them Ezra and Esther for reference in his Facebook posts. He has been to the park many times and has his photography on his Facebook page for all to enjoy.
Why The Obsession?
Ottawa County residents are surrounded by farmland, parks, rivers, lakes and stunning views. They never tire of taking in Gods’ beauty and natural creation. But Bald Eagles weren’t always a symbol of thriving wildlife in Ottawa County or the U.S., so their rarity over the years has created much excitement.
The Dark Days: Near Extinction
In the mid-20th century, these majestic birds were on the verge of extinction throughout much of their range. Habitat loss and degradation, illegal hunting, and, most critically, the widespread use of the insecticide DDT played a devastating role. DDT, used extensively in agriculture, contaminated the eagles’ food sources, and, crucially, caused their eggshells to become dangerously thin, leading to widespread reproductive failure. By 1963, there were a mere 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states, painting a bleak picture for America’s national bird.
The Turning Point: Conservation Efforts
The 1970s marked a turning point for the Bald Eagle. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 provided crucial protection, placing the Bald Eagle on the endangered list. The 1972 ban on DDT was another critical victory, allowing eagles to once again successfully reproduce. Furthermore, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act provided legal frameworks to prevent hunting and harm to eagles and their nests. These combined measures, alongside intensive conservation efforts, created a foundation for recovery and are the reason why you are seeing Bald Eagles come back in the U.S. and Ottawa County.
So Much To Enjoy
Aside from the Bald Eagle phenomenon at the park, Grand Ravines is a 202-acre Ottawa County Park with a half mile of frontage on the peaceful Grand River. This park can be accessed on the north and south sides, and it has county-wide natural beauty with deep ravines and wildlife around every turn. A county-wide natural features inventory completed in 1988 identified the extensive system of deep ravines—that extends along the GVSU riverfront and through what is now park property—as one of the most significant natural features in Ottawa County. The deep ravines feature unique plant communities, including a variety of ferns and trees uncommon to the area, such as Kentucky coffeetrees, paw paws and towering tulip trees
If you drive by the south entrance on any given day, you will see a dog park full of furry friends along with a dog wash station and clean restrooms. This 21-acre off-leash dog park is far from disappointing for any dog enthusiast. But, if you’re not into dogs or Bald Eagles, there is still plenty for you to do at the Grand Ravines Park. Miles of hiking trails, fishing, a restored barn and windmill for family photos, ravine overlook, interpretive signage, a 275-foot suspension bridge and treehouse await you for your next adventure. The small lodge with scenic views of the Grand River is a stunning location for a small wedding or event. With spring on the horizon, this park is a must for any nature-loving enthusiast.
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