Michigan

A Green Heron Hideaway

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

Early October is an exciting time to explore nature’s way and enjoy the crisp days of autumn in Oakland County, or wherever your travels may take you as the kaleidoscope of leaf colors unfolds. It’s the season to embrace the quickening pace of nature as days shorten, leaves cascade downwards and mosquitoes vanish. If you walk slowly, stop often, look and listen, and keep your eyes scanning, every twist and turn on a trail brings discoveries even if it’s a trail you trek frequently. 

A few weeks ago I was on one of my usual slow-paced nature-embracing solo treks around Crooked Lake at Independence Oaks County Park. The park is only a few miles from me, and it has been my go-to location if I feel the desire to get outside and meander without driving very far. I usually walk around that lake several times a week with no particular goal in my mind, beyond a wish to be outside.  

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Spooky Spots and Halloween Adventures in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Woman dressed as witch in a cornfield.

Oakland County is full of haunted houses, spooky trails and seasonal adventures to get your fill of fright this season! Whether you’re looking to scream, heighten your heartbeat, or have fun with your friends and family, Oakland County is the place to be.

Use our interactive map and list below to find a spooky spot and thrills near you. Interested in Halloween fun for kids and families? Check out our 2023 Oakland County Family-Friendly Fall Fun or Cider Mills lists, where you’ll find the perfect place for cider, donuts and activities for a not-so-frightening fall day.

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Goodbye Summer – Greetings Autumn

Oakland County, MI Government 4 Comments

Autumn has arrived. The exact moment of the Autumnal Equinox occurred on September 23 at 2:50 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time. On that day we had equal amounts of day and night. Hours of daylight are ever so slowly decreasing and will continue to do so until the arrival of the Winter Solstice when days once again begin to lengthen.

There is a noticeable quickening of the pace of nature and although the temperatures are above the norm it’s the decreasing hours of daylight that set the pace. The dawn of autumn is one of my favorite times to explore our parks, walk our trails, or just set up my lawn chair and watch and listen to nature’s way. Here are just a few signs of the season that bid farewell to summer and greet the splendor of autumn in Oakland County.

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Join Oakland County for a Welcoming Week Celebration

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

As a member of Welcoming America, Oakland County is participating in a movement of inclusive communities around the United States that believe when everyone feels safe and that they belong, then the community is more prosperous.

In April 2019, Commissioner William Miller delivered the very first Welcoming Resolution to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. This was a pivotal moment because it kicked off what was to become Welcoming Oakland, a consortium of agencies and organizations that operate in the immigrant and refugee space within the county. In early 2020, County Executive David Coulter directed the county to become a member of Welcoming America.

Welcoming Oakland’s roadmap for the county includes participation in Resilience and Emergency Management for Inclusive Communities seminars; working to fill food security needs in immigrant communities; translation assistance; and connecting immigrants in need with much-needed services in the county.

The roadmap to a more inclusive, welcoming, and safe Oakland County with access and open doors for everyone is never far from our hearts.

Welcoming Week Celebrations

Welcoming Week is a time to bring together organizations, communities and neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places. Honor the vast array of cultures that make up the fabric of our communities by attending a local Welcoming Week celebration below:

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The Wilder Side of Groveland Oaks

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment

Groveland Oaks County Park is an extremely popular summer destination for recreational vehicle users who wish to camp with the luxury of creature comforts, want full hookup campsites, and like being close to camping neighbors to chat and perhaps dine with. If you are seeking solitude and just the music of nature or looking for a pristine location for your backpacking tent, Groveland Oaks is not the place to go. 

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