Natural wonders of spring are appearing along the trails and in the woods of Red Oaks Nature Center in the City of Madison Heights. If you are a birder, this hotspot of biodiversity is one of the best places to be in these early days of May. I was there earlier this week on an overcast morning that hinted of rain to come. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a watchful snacking squirrel perched on the edge of the parking lot fence.
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Winter hiking is an exhilarating experience, especially after a blanket of overnight fresh snow. Don’t let cold weather hold you back! The “dead of winter” is an oxymoron. Winter is never dead; it only looks that way to those who don’t explore the great outdoors. Join me on the trails in Oakland County!
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“Each year, after the midwinter blizzards, there comes a night of thaw when the tinkle of dripping water is heard in the land. It brings strange stirrings, not only to creatures abed for the night, but to some who have been asleep for the winter. The hibernation skunk, curled up in his deep den, uncurls himself and ventures forth to prowl the wet world, dragging his belly in the snow. His tracks marks one of the earliest datable events in that cycle of beginning and ceasings we call a year.”
Aldo Leopold’s words in A Sand County Almanac highlight the science of phenology: the observation and study of the timing of periodic life cycle events of nature’s way that are influenced by climate and seasonal change. With those thoughts in mind, this special edition of the Wilder Side of Oakland County explores the monthly phenology of 2022.
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Today is the day you can tell anyone to “go take a hike!” and not worry about any repercussions (if they know that November 17th is National Take a Hike Day).
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Set yourself up for an adventurous year by purchasing an Oakland County Parks and Recreation 2022 annual vehicle permit.
Crunch some fall leaves on a hike, enjoy the sparkling snow on a fat tire bike ride, treat your pup to a day at a dog park or make friends on the playground. Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers something for every park guest during each season.
Explore the great outdoors and all the amenities the parks have to offer by purchasing a permit online, in-person, or by mail. Plus, they make the perfect gift for the nature lover in your life.
The park system provides free permits to Oakland County residents who are 62-years-old or older, active military, veterans and persons with permanent disabilities as a result of the passing of the 2020 millage.
Discounts are also available for eligible non-Oakland County residents, a second permit for another vehicle in the same household, and groups.
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