Outdoor Activities

Knocking on Winter’s Door

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
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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Oakland County Parks and Recreation Seeks Input on New 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
photo of wetlands at Independence Oaks North

We want your feedback! The new Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan is available online and OCPR is encouraging Oakland County residents to continue to share their feedback. Their plan will help build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future for OCPR by updating the strategic plan vision and mission by adding four core values to the 2023-2027 Recreation Plan.

The plan will guide OCPR staff and the Parks Commission in their efforts to provide high-quality recreational opportunities to Oakland County residents over the next five years. It follows the Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plans provided by the Grants Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and will replace the previous 5-year plan, which expires on December 31, 2022.

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Conifers, Evergreens, and Christmas Trees

Oakland County, MI Government 1 Comment
black bear in tree

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

I will assume you started reading today’s Wilder Side of Oakland County because of the black bear in the tree. I’ll confess: I used that photo to draw attention to today’s blog. However, I captured that image about 10 years ago in northern Ontario when a black bear yearling took shelter in the lofty branches of a spruce tree, one of many types of conifer trees in North America. It was retreating from humans, myself included, and we wisely went our separate ways.

The season of the annual Christmas tree hunt has arrived. But just what is a “Christmas tree?” The last few weeks had questions coming my way inquiring about “wild” Christmas trees of Oakland County. One question had an obvious error that had me laughing. The writer meant to inquire about different kinds of conifers that grow in Oakland County that would make good Christmas trees. A spell check error had him asking about good carnivorous trees for his home. Conifer trees do however provide excellent ambush habit for carnivorous birds such as Cooper’s hawks that wait for prey to fly by.

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‘Tis the Season for Celebrating in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Tree lighting festival

Can you feel the excitement and anticipation in the air? The holiday season is officially here and we’re thrilled to share our list of holiday events happening in Oakland County. There are so many ways to delight in the magic of the season during this special time of year.

View our list of Holiday Happenings. You’ll find everything from parades and seasonal excursions to performances, holiday markets, and craft fairs. Kids, young and old, are sure to have a jolly time!

Oakland County Holiday Events

Bundle up and have a blast this holiday season in Oakland County! Please check event websites for dates and times. Some events are one day only and others are on weekends only.

Do you know of any other Holiday Happenings in and around the Oakland County area? Let us know about them by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com or leaving a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.