Meet Amal in Oakland County

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Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has traveled across 13 countries and met more than a million people, is making a stop in Ferndale this Sunday as she travels 6,000 miles across the United States.

She began her journey from the Syrian border and carries a message of hope for immigrants, refugees and displaced people everywhere, especially children who have been separated from their families. Her urgent message is simple – “don’t forget us.”

Her stop at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, where Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter will greet her, illustrates Oakland County’s commitment to the Welcoming America movement, promoting inclusive communities around the United States that believe when everyone feels safe and accepted, then the community thrives.

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Cider Mills in Oakland County

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The best part of fall is here! Temperatures are starting to drop, and you can enjoy the delightful taste of apples, cider, and donuts, oh my! It’s the season that brings friends and families together to enjoy the crisp air on breezy days and cooler nights while indulging in the flavors and aromas of fall. Colorful trees make the perfect backdrop for a trip to a local cider mill. Oakland County is home to several cider mills using locally grown apples. Whether you want to stop by for a quick taste or spend the day, check out our full list of locations or use our interactive story map for Oakland County cider mills.

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Oakland County Parks Natural Resources Team Hard at Work

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The Oakland County Parks (OCP) Natural Resources team is working diligently year-round to promote healthy ecosystems in our communities. This includes surveying, monitoring and – when appropriate – taking strategic action to protect natural spaces and sensitive species across the county. Here are some highlights of the important work OCP Natural Resources staff focused on this spring and summer:

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A Walk on the Wildest Side

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Cold misty rain was falling, sections of the trails were slippery, and mosquitos were ferociously feasting on any exposed flesh they could find. Before you get discouraged, it was atypical to encounter so many mosquitos; however, at times they even swarmed the lens of my camera, which allowed for some interesting photos. Certainly not my favorite conditions for hiking and exploring nature’s way, but I trudged on ignoring the fact that I had become an involuntary blood donor. I think the mosquitos were equally pleased that I kept hiking.

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Join Oakland County for a Welcoming Week Celebration

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As a member of Welcoming America, Oakland County is participating in a movement of inclusive communities around the United States that believe when everyone feels safe and that they belong, then the community is more prosperous.

In April 2019, Commissioner William Miller delivered the very first Welcoming Resolution to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. This was a pivotal moment because it kicked off what was to become Welcoming Oakland, a consortium of agencies and organizations that operate in the immigrant and refugee space within the county. In early 2020, County Executive David Coulter directed the county to become a member of Welcoming America.

Welcoming Oakland’s roadmap for the county includes participation in Resilience and Emergency Management for Inclusive Communities seminars; working to fill food security needs in immigrant communities; translation assistance; and connecting immigrants in need with much-needed services in the county.

The roadmap to a more inclusive, welcoming, and safe Oakland County with access and open doors for everyone is never far from our hearts.

Welcoming Week Celebrations

Welcoming Week is a time to bring together organizations, communities and neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places. Honor the vast array of cultures that make up the fabric of our communities by attending a local Welcoming Week celebration below:

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