A Riverside Nature Ramble in Rochester Hills

A river cuts through the land. One side is grassy and tall trees run along the far side. The sky is blue with white puffy clouds.

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

The Ice Age was coming to an end. Shuffling its 8-ton frame, a shaggy mastodon crossed a steep moraine and lumbered down to the edge of a bend in the icy rock-strewn river. That mighty herbivore, soon to be extinct, browsed on perhaps forty or fifty pounds of riverside shrubs and then wandered into the darkness of a changing world, along what is now the Riverside Trail.

A grassy area with tall trees on an autumn day. The foliage is changing from green to yellow, orange, and red. A bit of light blue sky and white clouds shows through the trees.

Fast forward to the last week of October 2018. Autumn in Oakland County had reached its full glory, and I was setting out on the Riverside Trail that’s part of the Avon Nature Study Area in the City of Rochester Hills. Within minutes of my arrival, I noted fresh raccoon tracks in mud, a flash of silvery movement in a bend of the Clinton River and evidence of beaver activity. The river sparkled under a clear blue sky. It was a great day. Perhaps consider replicating my journey for a quick immersion into nature’s way before the snows and strong winds of November arrive. Continue reading

Rochester College: Oakland County College Connections

Rochester University is a four-year liberal arts college in Rochester Hills, Michigan that offers challenging academics within an inclusive christian community. Curriculum is focused on academic excellence, principled character, servant leadership, and global awareness. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, as well as athletics and specialty programs that include studying abroad, honors programs, and more.

The college sits on a beautiful 80-acre suburban campus that’s nestled along the Clinton River Trail and overlooks the scenic Clinton River and Lake Norcentra Park. The natural setting provides students with ample opportunities for biking, walking, running, relaxing, and other activities. Nearby Downtown Rochester offers a small town, community feel with shopping, restaurants, trails, holiday events, and more. Students living on or off campus can become involved in campus ministry, theatre, music, student publications, Greek Life, and more.

In an exciting partnership, Rochester College and Leader Dogs for the Blind recently created the RC-Campus Puppy program. The goal of the program is to provide students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to raise puppies that will become guide dogs through Leader Dog’s rigorous training program. At the end of each academic year, a limited number of puppies will be distributed to selected students to be raised on campus as a member of the Rochester College community.

To learn more about Rochester University, visit them online and follow along with them for the latest Warrior news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube using #RCWarriors.


For more Oakland County news and events, visit our website and follow along with us using #OaklandCounty on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

Leader Dogs for the Blind – Changing Lives for the Better!

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The Leader Dogs for the Blind success story began in 1939, when it was founded by three Detroit-area Lions Club members. They began their new venture on a small, leased farm in Rochester Hills, Michigan and that’s where they remain today. Since the late 1930s, they have helped 14,000 clients. Almost 300 clients are served each year and more than 1,000 volunteers are involved with their services. The mission of Leader Dogs for the Blind is to empower people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. Leader dogs give clients the opportunity to venture out and become more independent in a world where travel has become increasingly complex. With several programs available, Leader Dogs is able to offer training that is personalized to each client’s individual needs. Continue reading

Boom! Bang! Boom! Oakland County Fireworks 2014

4th of July Fireworks
For most people, the 4th of July is nothing without spectacular fireworks illuminating the night sky.  A number of Oakland County communities
will be celebrating over the next few weeks.

Here is our list of upcoming  firework displays around Oakland County– most of these shows begin at dusk, so grab a blanket or some lawn chairs and be prepared to be amazed.

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