The 2016 Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester drew record-breaking crowds with over 50,000 attendees last weekend. The ice carving competition, ice tree, and outdoor activities kept attendees entertained all weekend. 177 volunteers from the Oakland County Parks and Recreation department helped the festival run smoothly, and provided many entertaining activities. Continue reading
The Wilder Side of Oakland County
Cross-country skiing is perhaps one of the very best ways to embrace the wild and wonderful side of winter, especially with the abundant trails in Oakland County. Nordic skiing is not only great fun and easy to get the knack of, but this low-impact, nature-embracing, sport also relieves stress, increases endorphins and brightens moods. It’s a rare sight to encounter a cross-country skier scowling or frowning. Even after a spill, a smile quickly reappears, especially when enjoying the sport with friends. More likely than not, a cross-country ski adventure will leave you with a feeling of exhilaration and a darn good story to share. However, it is hard to partake in this calorie-burning, smile-inducing workout for all ages and fitness levels when Oakland County snow remains sadly lacking, and that is where this tale of two trail systems kicks off. Continue reading
The Wilder Side of Oakland County
White-tailed deer, the largest wild mammal in Oakland County, are well adapted to life in the cold. They thrive in parklands, wildlands and suburban areas. Deer populations have endured harsh winters, ice storms and blizzards for thousands of years. The key to their survival is energy conservation and behavioral adaptations. White-tails of the “north country,” including Michigan, are significantly larger than their kin in the southern states. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife states,
Northern deer have larger body size than deer further south. This is true of all mammals, in that body size increases as we progress northward. Large body size conserves energy better because of a lower surface to mass ratio.
An adult white-tailed buck from the north may reach 300 pounds , while an adult buck from Florida weighs about 125 pounds.
The Fire & Ice Festival, running January 22-24, is one of the premier Oakland County quality of life events that brings entertainment to residents and visitors. In its 9th year, the festival expects to draw more than 40,000 visitors to Downtown Rochester, and surrounding areas. There are events for the entire family including sledding, ice skating, live musical performance, Chill at the Mills 5K and more. Continue reading
The Wilder Side of Oakland County
Oakland County seasons do not always begin and end when the calendar says they should. The dawn of this winter was no exception as the temperature soared back into the sixties, leaving the landscape without snow, and lawns green. For those who appreciate winter’s subtleties and many moods, Winter remains a splendid time to embrace the great outdoor recreation opportunities found within our Oakland County Parks and around the county. Continue reading
