Fresh Water Forum of the Cranbrook Institute of Science

“Slow Row LO” Adventuring on Lakeville Lake

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

There are many ways to explore the wilder side of Oakland County during the sultry days of summer. Paddling our lakes and meandering rivers is one of the most exciting ways. The ever-changing views, sounds, and scents noted from within a canoe or kayak captures the wildness of nature, and of course it’s a healthful activity as well. I recently had the opportunity to explore a paddling location that was new to me, at a later time of day than I normally paddle. Today’s adventuresome and rather fun tale from the wilder side of Oakland County shares details from that exploration and starts with an introduction to Slow Row LO. Continue reading →

An Early Morning Lake Sixteen Environmental Adventure

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

150 Tennis Balls, 91-Acres of Water, 18 Volunteers, and the Ghost of Mastodons: An Early Morning Lake Sixteen Environmental Adventure

Oakland County would be a lesser place if it was not for our beautiful lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams. With those thoughts in mind, I loaded my kayak onto the roof of my jeep on the last Wednesday of August for a bit of participatory, investigative reporting on Lake Sixteen.

The early morning fog lifted just as I pulled into the small parking area near a fishing pier and a non-motorized boat launch site on Lake Sixteen, a 91-acre lake on the east side of Orion Oaks County Park. Lake Sixteen is one of the hundreds, or some say more than a thousand local lakes that sparkle in the early morning light of fading summer. Here’s what Oakland County’s Prosper Magazine wrote last October about the numerous lakes that enrich our lives, and provide diverse habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife and great outdoor recreation for residents of our county.

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