I remember a time about three decades ago when, if someone saw a bald eagle in Oakland County or most anywhere else in Michigan, it would be extremely exciting news. I live in northernmost Oakland County and for the past few months, hardly a day goes by without me and many others seeing eagles. That fact leaves me with a very good feeling and serves as a reminder that sometimes nature does find a way with a little help from her friends.
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Medical professionals write prescriptions for ailments and illnesses. That fact is very well known. But did you know land managers write prescriptions for igniting fires in our fields, woodlands and marshes? Today’s Wilder Side of Oakland County nature blog was inspired by a resident asking me why there was a fire at Independence Oaks County Park a few weeks ago and “the fire department never showed up.” I was tempted to simply say, “They had a prescription to burn,” but instead I explained the fire situation they witnessed in an abbreviated version of today’s blog. I was a bit surprised by the question since the contractor’s fire suppression equipment was on site, just not the local fire department, which in this case would have been Independence Township Fire Department.
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Oakland County’s NoHaz Collection team is here to help residents safely dispose of household hazardous materials ranging from pesticides, paints, air fresheners, propane cylinders, cleaning solutions, prescription medicines, and more. Though these items have made our lives easier, they can also be toxic to our health and environment when we use and dispose of them in our regular trash. Unlike industrial hazardous wastes, household hazardous wastes are not regulated.
Because so many items contain hazardous components, most people can identify a few products in their homes that are hazardous. Do you have items in mind that you want to properly dispose of? No commercial, contractor, business or institutional waste will be accepted. All liquids must be in sealed 5-gallon or smaller containers. Do you have items that you’re unsure about? View lists of accepted and non-accepted materials in the FAQ section of Advantage Oakland’s NoHaz web page or call the NoHaz Hotline at 248-858-5656.
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Happy Earth Day! Annually, April 22 marks the anniversary of the environmental movement that was established in 1970. Inspired by student anti-war protests and concern of environmental pollution, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson tapped U.S. Rep. Pete McCloskey of California to co-chair a movement. They enlisted the help of Dennis Hayes, an activist, to form a national environmental network and to organize events, including teach-ins on college campuses.
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“The bluebird carries the sky on his back” is perhaps one of the most known and loved quotes of Thoreau’s many musings on bluebirds. A lesser-known quote clearly exposes his deep appreciation of bluebirds. “If there is no response in you to the awakening of nature – if the prospect of an early morning walk does not banish sleep, if the warble of the first bluebird does not thrill you -know that the morning and spring of your life are past.”
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