Animals

Nature’s Way Almanac 2021

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment
4x3 tiles in a collage of nature scenes

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

“January observations can be almost as simple and peaceful as snow, and almost as continuous as cold. There is time not only to see who had done what, but to speculate why.” A Sand County Almanac (Leopold, 1949)

We are two weeks into the new year, and with increased hours of daylight, we have more time to both observe and to speculate about the “whys” of nature’s way. For some of the answers, naturalists look to phenology: the study of how the life cycles of all animals and plants change in response to seasons and varying conditions such as temperature, length of daylight, soil moisture, and climate change. Here’s a look ahead to a new year of nature’s way in the world of phenology.

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Navigating Nature Centers in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

If you’d like to learn about the wilds surrounding your everyday life, you’ll love our map of nature centers in Oakland County. This interactive map, created by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team, will lead you on a journey across the county, from center to center, helping you plan a trip to any one of these great locations to learn about the natural world. Sunshine or rain, summer or winter, these nature centers are there for you to help grow your pool of knowledge!

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Heritage Park in Farmington Hills. Photo credit: Jonathan Schechter

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Enjoy Halloween Festivities at “Zoo Boo”

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

If your family is looking for a Halloween destination with all of the fun, but none of the fright, “Zoo Boo” is the place for you!

Held the first three weekends in October, the Detroit Zoo’s “Zoo Boo” offers a diverse selection of festive Halloween attractions. Live entertainment acts include daring acrobatics, magic acts, and extreme pumpkin carving demonstrations.

Guests of all ages are invited to wear their costumes* and collect some sweets by trick-or-treating along the pumpkin-lined “unlucky” 13-station trick-or-treat trail.

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Spring at Kensington Metropark Farm Center

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

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Spring is in the air and that means baby animals are on their way. Kensington Metropark Farm Center gives visitors a glimpse of life on the farm that includes the birth of new animals in the Spring. The 150-year old restored barn is located in Milford, inside Kensington Metropark, and features special programs on animals, historic farm techniques, and other farm-related topics.


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It’s Hot Outside – Don’t Leave Pets in the Car!

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

AC HOT PSA 2

As temperatures peak in the summer months, we are all at risk – including our pets. Did you know the temperature inside your vehicle can rise above 120 degrees in a matter of minutes? That’s even with the windows partially open. In just 15 minutes, your dog can suffer brain damage, heat stroke, suffocation or death.

Take a look at Oakland County Animal Shelter’s video to learn more.

If you see an animal locked inside a vehicle, we urge you to call your local police department or the Oakland County Animal Shelter immediately at 248-858-1090!

For more information, visit Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center’s website and follow them on Facebook and on Twitter.