Photo credit: Taylor Reynolds WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY We knew winter really was over and spring was firmly taking hold on the wilder side of Oakland County when my hiking companion and I unexpectedly encountered an ancient amphibian ritual deep in the woods of Bald Mountain Recreation Area. Although light rain fell the evening … Continue reading Oakland County’s Vernal Ponds – Alive With Wood Frogs!
WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY The days are short, and darkness comes all too soon. The dawn of winter draws near. We may feel sleepy at times, but there is no long winter nap awaiting the beaver (Castor canadensis,) the largest rodent of North America. Contrary to the belief of some, beavers do not hibernate. … Continue reading Beavers: Oakland County’s Best Dam Builders!
WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY October brings falling leaves, ripening pumpkins, and roving raccoons. Raccoons are among the most widespread mammals of Michigan, and have adapted extremely well to life in Oakland County. These clever creatures can be found everywhere, from our farmlands and wildlands, to the city streets and suburbs of Rochester, Southfield, and … Continue reading Raccoons: Masked Bandits of Oakland County
WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY As summer heat begins to fade, Pokeweed, a native shrub-like plant, accelerates its growth and draws attention to the edge zones of many of our most popular trails and woodlands of the Oakland County landscape. It often appears under power lines and is rather common in sections of our larger … Continue reading Trailside Pokeweed of Summer’s End
WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY White-tailed deer are the smallest members of the deer family, which include moose and elk, but without a doubt, they are the largest and one of the most frequently seen mammals of Oakland County. Love them or hate them, they are here to stay. Our diverse natural habitats, landscaping practices, … Continue reading Oakland County’s White-Tailed Deer
