Oakland County Parks

A River Runs Through It

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment

The Nels Kimball Preserve is a true jewel of Oakland County. After exploring the preserve’s trails recently, I discovered that even some of my most ardent nature-embracing friends are unaware of its existence. 

The preserve is a primitive site just minutes from downtown Clarkston. It’s a pleasure to explore in any season; perhaps with one exception. Don’t go there in shorts and t-shirts on a very humid August day as I did last year. If you do, the mosquitos will be thankful for your presence.

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Chills and Thrills at the Nature Center

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
nature center staff with family

Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) is home to two amazing nature centers – Red Oaks Nature Center in Madison Heights and Wint Nature Center in Clarkston – and both offer exciting indoor and outdoor programming all winter long!

Featured Programs

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Where Did They Go? A Tale of Two Creatures 

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

While the weather outside may be frightful, as the old saying goes, winter is one of the most exciting times to hike and explore. Winter adventures often lead to cool encounters and memorable discoveries in the “wilds” of Oakland County; especially near the shorelines of our lakes and marshes. 

Your outdoor adventuring can be enhanced by slowing down, looking about, and listening to what Mother Nature is saying. Last week, a child asked me where all the animals go in winter. Today I’ll share the tale of two creatures that some incorrectly call cousins, but both went “mostly missing” at the dawn of winter — beavers and muskrats. We’ll start with a look at the largest rodent of Oakland County, the beaver!

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Flurries of Fun All Winter Long with Oakland County Parks and Recreation

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
family sledding

Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) provides opportunities for you to stay active and enjoy nature all year – so don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors this winter! From cross-country skiing to fat tire biking, and birdwatching to participating in a hands-on program at one of the nature centers, there is always a reason to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, beautiful scenery, and fresh snow.

For a list of winter recreation opportunities by park, click here.

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Knocking on Winter’s Door

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snow-covered trees in the woods

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

December 21st brought us the Winter Solstice, the first day of winter. Perhaps you heard winter knocking at your door? That moment in time officially arrived at 4:48 p.m. EST. It was the shortest day of the year with only 8 hours and 46 minutes of daylight. Hours of daylight are now slowly increasing as we creep towards the dawn of spring; just three months away but still well-hidden over the horizon. The dawn of winter, however, is an exciting time. It reminds me to get my cross country skis out of hibernation to be ready for winter adventure in our parks and to plan northern adventures.

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