Oakland County Parks Natural Resources Team Hard at Work

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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An Early Morning Meander

One need not travel far to embrace nature’s way and come home with a smile. That’s what I did this morning to beat the heat and possible storms expected later in the afternoon. As for the words “this morning,” I am referring back to Wednesday, August 9 – a day when the afternoon temperatures flirted with the 90-degree mark. With those thoughts in mind, I armed myself with a mug of iced coffee, my camera, and a notepad and headed off to the 2.2-mile-long River Loop Trail of Independence Oaks County Park expecting to be the only trail user. I could not have been more wrong. I probably encountered two dozen people on my intentionally slow-paced trek and suspect they had the same idea to hike early to beat the afternoon heat.  

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Outdoor Concerts and Movies in Oakland County

The sounds and sights of music and film are set to be seen in parks across Oakland County this summer. Whether you want to dance the night away or watch your favorite movie under the stars, pack up a blanket, a pillow or two, a picnic basket, and use our list of outdoor summer concerts and movies to plan an evening of outdoor entertainment.

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Picnic Shelters at Oakland County Parks

The weather is warm, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping – picnic season is here! Think about hosting your next family reunion, graduation party, company picnic, birthday party or other special event at an Oakland County Parks (OCP) picnic shelter.

  • Different sites can accommodate 20-500 guests
  • Sites include large outdoor cooking grills, sand volleyball and horseshoes pits
  • Special packages for mobile recreation units – including climbing towers and inflatables – are available (call Mobile Recreation at 248-858-0916 for more information)
  • Individuals/groups bring their own food or caterer for picnics and parties
  • Please note that any merchandise to be sold, banners, etc. must obtain prior OCP approval

Check out photos of OCP’s picnic shelters.

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