january 29 community open house for parks and ......past master plan meeting cranberry lake park,...

Inside this issue: Master Plan 1

Marsh View Ice Rink 1, 4

What’s New in the Parks 2

Winter Carnival 3

Lost Lake Sled Hill 5

Skating Programs 6

Nature Programs 7, 8

Fitness Programs 9

Kayaking Programs 10

Archery Programs 11

Park Calendars 12, 13,

14

Cranberry Lake Farm

Historic District 15

Stewardship 16, 17

Big Whales in my Backyard 18, 19

Kids Corner 20

Safety Paths and Trails

News, Thank Yous 21

Parks Map 22

Parks In Winter 23

Commissioners, Staff 24

The Mission of Oakland Township

Parks and Recreation Commission is

to provide a sustainable system of

parks, trails, programs, amenities, and

services which create memorable

experiences and a sense of place, contributes to the economic value of

the Township and preserves the

historical and natural heritage of the

landscapes for existing and future

generations.

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission Newsletter

Winter/Spring 2015

Special points of interest:

Winter Carnival

Skating Rink!

Nature Programs

Kayaking & Archery

Fitness Programs

Stewardship

Safety Paths & Trails

Sled Hill

Teen Night at Sled Hill!

Winter C

arnival Page 3

New Skating R

ink! Page 4

Nature Programs

Pgs 7 &

8

Archery Pg 11

The 2015 – 2019 Parks, Recreation, & Land Preservation Master Plan is under

way! Township residents have been sharing their opinions concerning

Township parks, recreation facilities, and activities through focus groups and a

Community-wide opinion survey that was mailed to 6000 Township households.

However, one of the best opportunities for residents to participate in this

planning effort is to drop in during the afternoon or evening session of our

upcoming open house, which will be facilitated by professional parks and

recreation planners from Johnson Hill Land Ethics (JHLE) Studio of Ann Arbor.

January 29th Community Open House for

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN OPEN HOUSE

Thursday January 29, 2015 between 2-4 and 6-8pm

Oakland Township Hall, 4393 Collins Road

Ice Rink Will Open at Marsh View Park!

An ice rink was considered an important recreation facility by Township

residents in our 2010 -2014 Master Plan. So, we are excited that as soon as the

weather conditions are right, we will be opening our new ice rink at Marsh (Continued on page 15)

Refreshments will be provided as

guests review, discuss and comment on

the proposed 5-year master plan for

Township park preservation,

recreation, and programming. Parks

and Recreation officials, staff and

planning advisors will be available to

speak with you!

JHLE will be evaluating local parks and recreation opportunities, in conjunction

with public input received, to create a draft master plan, which will include

recommendations that are appropriate for our parks, population and budget. The

draft master plan will be presented at the open house and will also be available in

web-based and hard-copy formats for review and comment. Click on the link on

the home page of our Township website (www.oaklandtownship.org) to go to

our Parks and Recreation Master Plan website where you can get current

information on the planning process, review and comment upon draft planning

documents, and find out about upcoming public meetings!

Past Master Plan meeting

Cranberry Lake Park, Photo by George Ingram

http://www.oaklandtownship.org

2 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

What’s New In The Parks

This 1/3 mile nature trail provides an off-road

connection between the Paint Creek and Goodison

Cider Mills. The trail runs from the

corner of Gallagher Road towards

Orion Road, where a pedestrian

bridge crosses the historic mill race

and stairs lead up to the road. Both

the bridge and the stairs were

greatly improved by Doug Caruso

and Jeff Johnson, who added safety

spindles to the bridge, replaced the

stairs and added handrails to both.

We’re sure these major

improvements will catch your eye!

Ever think about starting a running or

walking training program? Then this seven

-week program is for you! Using either a

run/walk/run or a walk/shuffle/walk

interval training, our goal is to get you

across the finish line at a local 5k race (3.1 miles)!

Programs are for adults ages 18 and older just beginning

and those who need additional motivation to get off the

couch.

Groups train on trails at Bear Creek Nature Park, on

Tuesdays at 6:30 pm beginning on April 14th and ending

on June 2nd. The first week will begin with information

and a short 15 minute workout. Each week we will add

time to our workout.

(Continued on page 9)

Natural Areas Stewardship

The Brooksie Way Oakland Township

Parks and Recreation Couch to 5k Program

Mill Race Trail Improvements

From The Director…

2015 – 2019 Parks, Recreation, & Land

Preservation Master Plan is Under Way!

This fall the Parks and Recreation Commission

kicked-off master planning efforts by asking four focus

groups composed of Township residents to express

their opinions about Oakland Township Parks and

Recreation (OTPRC). We wondered if their comments

would be consistent with how our residents have

historically perceived our parks system and offerings.

Judge for yourself!

Focus group participants identified:

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation as a

Protector of Open Spaces,

Our Township Parks as Natural Buffers from

Developed Areas and

Our Park Trails as Connectors between People

and Communities.

These residents had the following recommendations

for the Parks and Recreation Commission.

DON’T

Duplicate what is already offered at nearby parks.

Build facilities that require mass participation.

Create urban parks that require intensive

development and maintenance.

DO

Foster a “sense of community”.

Offer programs that challenge our residents to get

more involved.

Create appealing recreation facilities.

Many of these groups’ specific suggestions concerning

programming and recreation facilities were

incorporated into the opinion survey that was mailed in

November to Township households. You can learn

about the survey results at an upcoming Parks and

Recreation Commission meeting or click on the master

plan link on the home page of our Township website

(www.oaklandtownship.org). We sincerely appreciate

everyone’s contributions to this planning effort that

will enrich the future of our community.

Mindy Milos-Dale, Parks and Recreation Director New stairs and bridge

at Mill Race Trail,

Photo by Doug Caruso

Butterfly Weed

Photo by Dr. Ben VanderWeide

Do you walk , bike, or enjoy wildlife in our natural

areas? We have many opportunities for you to connect

with nature through prairie restoration workdays, garlic

mustard pulls, forest dump

cleanups, birding walks,

and stewardship seminars.

Check out pages 16 and 17

to learn more!


Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015 3

Saturday, February 7, 2015 12Noon-4pm at

Marsh View Park, 3100 East Clarkston Road

Sponsored by Oakland Township Parks and Recreation

For more information call 248-651-7810 or visit oaklandtownship.org

Bundle up, grab your

skates, and head on over! New Location! Snow or No Snow!

No registration necessary!

Swag Bags!

Warm up by

the fire!

Warm

Beverages & Pizza

while supplies last!

Broom Ball Hockey without skates!

Games start at 2:30, 3:00 &

3:30pm. Prizes for all

participants. Played

internationally since the 80’s and

now a club sport at universities

such as Central Mich and

Michigan Tech.

Broomball is thriving!

Kite Flying The award winning

“Windjammers” have thrilled

thousands of sky-watchers around

the world. Demonstrations at

12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. Hands

on experience kite flying between

demonstrations.

Archery Target Shoots Come target shoot for

prizes at our beautiful

range! USA Archery Certified

Instructor. Shoots at

12, 12:30, and 1pm.

Magic Show Celebrated magician will

amaze us with magic

tricks in the warming

shed! Shows at

1-1:45pm and 2-2:45pm.

Scheduled Events

Ice Skating Come skate on our NEW

ice rink! Tips from

Tracey Daniels, 10-time

National Champion.

Limited number of

skates available for use!

Ice Sculpture Demonstrations Watch Gold Medalist (NICA &

ACFIC) Jeff Wolf from

“Finesse Ice” carve

frosty works of art right

before your eyes! Photo

ops available.

Snow Snakes A traditional Native American

game. Toss a wooden

“snow snake” down a

track of snow!

Kiddie Sledding 5 and under. Limited

number of kiddie

sleds available for

use!

Carnival Games Penguin Fish Fling

Snowball Fight

Slap Shot Hockey

Ongoing Events

12Noon - 4pm

Pizza Donated By:

Hungry Howie’s,

4930 N. Adams Rd,

Oakland Twp., MI

48306


Call the ice rink hotline at 248-651-4440, ext 289 for current conditions.

Ice Skating Rink Open Hours

Regular Hours

Monday—Sunday

10 am—5pm

Stop by during Winter Break!

Special Hours

Martin Luther King Day January 19, 2015

Presidents’ Day February 16, 2015

10 am—5pm

Skating

Rink

Ice Skating Rink Rules

Ice Skating Rink users must abide by the following rules and regulations:

1. Ice rink unsupervised; skate at your own risk.

2. Do not enter the ice rink area when posted “Rink Closed - No Skating.”

3. No digging, spraying, chipping or throwing ice.

4. Skating in a manner that endangers other skaters is not permitted.

5. No hockey, sticks or pucks are permitted.

6. Skaters must skate with the flow of traffic.

7. No loitering or use of the rink by persons without skates.

8. Do not carry items such as headsets, cell phones, etc., while skating.

9. No pets permitted in the ice rink area.

10. No drink or food including chewing gum is permitted on the ice.

11. Do not sit on, lean over, or leave articles on the side boards.

12. Children 12 years old and under must have adult supervision.

13. Children 6 years old and under must wear a helmet.

14. All other posted Oakland Township Parks rules apply.

Marsh View Park

3100 E Clarkston Road

Oakland, MI 48363

Skating

Rink

Restrooms

Parking

Oakland Township Parks

Administrative Office

248-651-7810


Nature Center &

& Dock

Warming Shelter Open Hours Friday nights 5pm - 9pm

Saturdays 1pm - 9pm

Sundays 10am - 5pm

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 19, 2015 - 10am - 5pm

Presidents’ Day

February 16, 2015 - 10am - 5pm

Every Friday & Saturday Night

Sledding Under The Lights!

Sled Hill Rules

1. Sledding is allowed in designated

areas only

2. No snowboarding or skiing

3. Maximum 2 persons per sled

4. Only walk up the hill using the

designated return trail

5. No sledding allowed on return trail

6. Children must be supervised by an

adult

7. Glass bottles or containers are

prohibited

8. Be sure the hill is clear before

proceeding

9. No pets allowed in the active sledding

area

10. No building of ramps, jumps, or

moguls

Call the sled hill hotline at 248-651-4440,

ext. 299, for current conditions.

Must be 2 inches of packed snow on

frozen ground for hill to be open

Sled Hill Hours Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Sunday

10am - 5pm

Friday and

Saturday

10am - 9pm

Lost Lake Nature Park

846 Lost Lake Trail

Oakland, MI 48363

Teen Nights! Sunday, January 18

and

Sunday, February 15

5-8pm

Pizza and Hot

Chocolate while

supplies last!

Oakland Township Parks

Administrative Office

248-651-7810


Introduction to Ice Skating Marsh View Park, 3100 Clarkston Rd.

Learn how to skate with 10-time National Medalist, Tracey Daniels! Clinics will be held at Marsh View Park’s

NEW Outdoor Skating Rink. These clinics are for people who have little or no skill at ice skating. Each clinic

will focus on basic fundamentals of ice skating like falling down, skating forward, stopping and on practicing

your new skating skills. Safety is very important and we encourage skaters to wear a helmet and

additional padding. Please wear weather appropriate clothing including gloves.

All clinics will be held on Saturday, January 24, see below for age groups and times.

Register by January 20.

Tots 4-5 years old and Parents (45 minutes) 11 - 11:45am

$10 each tot, parents free Min 6/Max 8 tots

Come and share the excitement of ice skating with your child! Each tot must be accompanied by a

parent or guardian who can skate. For the first 30 minutes, tots will learn basic balance and skating

skills. The last 15 minutes will be free skate playtime to help your tot practice their new skating skills.

All skaters 6 years old and under are required to wear either a bike or hockey helmet.

Ages 6-11 years old (1 hour) 12 - 1pm

$10 each Min 8/Max 12

Be like Elsa and Kristoff from the movie “Frozen” and learn how to skate! Learn the

basic fundamentals and have fun practicing at our Outdoor Skating Rink!

Ages 12-15 year olds (1 hour) 1:15 - 2:15pm


Learn how to skate with your friends! Come and try a fun winter activity!

Adults 16+ years old (1 hour) 2:30 - 3:30pm


Have you always wanted to learn how to skate? Tracey will give you the tools to learn how! Please arrive at

least 10 minutes early to class to check-in and change into skates. Please bring a pair of your own sharpened

skates, or skates may be rented for a fee of $3 a pair. Please provide your shoe size during class registration.

Please do not walk with exposed blades on parking lot or asphalt paths. Wear your skate guards when not on

the ice surface.

New! Ice in

the Parks!

We are thrilled to offer these fun, hands-on programs featuring our scenic and unique parks…

close to home but with the feeling of being ‘up north’!

Resident registration open NOW, non–resident begins two weeks before the registration deadline of each program.

Registration is required. We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Discover & American Express. Or mail a check to: 4393

Collins Rd., Rochester, MI 48306. Our office is in the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland

Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call 248-651-7810 for more information and to register.

Fitness and Wellness with

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation

Winter/Spring 2015 Programs


Lost Lake Ice Age - Afterschool Nature Nuts (K-5th grade)

Tuesday, February 10 4:30-6pm

Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail

Get ready to go on an amazing adventure as we pack our bags and travel back in time to explore Lost Lake Nature Park

during the ice age! What animals would we find there? Do any of the same ones still live here today? How do we know the

ice age even happened? We’ll search for evidence of the ice age and use those clues to imagine what it would have been

like in the township when the world was frozen! Examine fossils close up and hone your geologic detective skills! Dress for

the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Register by February 3

Monster Maples - Family All Ages (2 sessions)

Sunday, March 8 11am-12pm or 12:30-1:30pm

Cranberry Lake Park, 388 West Predmore Road

Your family is sure to have a great time as we gather around the Monster Maples

at Cranberry Lake Park! We’ll explore the history of maple sugaring, learn how to identify a maple tree, then tap an actual

tree. During the program you will also learn how to take maple sap and turn it into sweet maple syrup and get a few tasty

test samples. Each family will also get to take home their own tapping toolkit with basic supplies necessary for tapping a

tree in their own yard!

Min 18/Max 25 per class

Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Families: Resident: $12 Non-resident $20 maximum Register by March 2

Everything Eggs - Preschool Park Pals (3-5 year olds)

Wednesday, April 1 11am-12:30pm


Eggs, eggs, everywhere there’s eggs! Do all animals lay eggs? What about bugs? Birds? Bees? Yikes! We will discover

some of the common egg-layers of Oakland Township and some that might surprise you! Outside we will search for eggs

and indoor at the nature center we will have the chance to examine eggs up close...check out a whole bunch of different

bird eggs and nests and maybe even examine some insect eggs! We will also find out what makes eggs alike and what

makes them different.

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Register by March 25

Learn to Bird - Adults

Saturday, March 28 10:30am-12pm


Did you realize that birding is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country? Come see

what all the excitement is about. This program will introduce you to the basics of birding...everything you

need to know in order to get out in the field to watch the birds. You will learn how to select and use binoculars, how to use

a field guide (and which ones are our favorites). You will also learn about the best times of the day to bird and even when

and where to observe spring and fall bird migrations.

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Register by March 23







Explore Nature with




Habitat Hunt - Preschool Park Pals (3-5 year olds)

Wednesday, May 27 11 am-12:30pm Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail

Got Habitat? Check out which critters are sleeping in the mud at the shore of the lake and which were hiding high up in the

trees. A habitat is a home and every animal needs a place to live! Join a naturalist on a habitat hunt as we search for the

homes of different animals. We’ll learn about the different types of habitats at Lost Lake and what animals might live there.

Back in the nature center you will have the chance to examine mounts of the animals up close. We’ll also build our own

animal habitat.

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Register by May 20

Who Flew There? - Afterschool Nature Nuts (K - 5th grade)

Wednesday, April 22 4:30-6pm Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail

What can we learn from Bald Eagles, Ivory Billed Woodpeckers and Passenger Pigeons? Millions of these birds were lost,

or almost lost, to extinction. In this program we will learn about some cool birds that used to call Oakland Township home

and what we can do to protect other animals from this fate. Let’s make a difference for the animals and also have some fun

making Passenger Pigeon origami too!

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Register by April 15

Fantastic Frogs - Family All Ages

Saturday, April 18 7-8:30pm Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Road

Spring has sprung! We’ll welcome spring by taking a walk to listen to the calls of our native frogs including the spring

peeper! Peep, peep! Your family will have the chance to see live frogs and listen to frog calls indoor then practice your

detective skills as we try to identify what frogs are calling in Lost Lake! We’ll also learn about the different frogs that call

Oakland Township home and the best times to hear frog calls in the parks. We will also discover why listening to frogs is

more than just fun and how you can help scientists by listening for frog calls around the township! Maybe your family will

decide to become part of the township frog team!

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Families: Resident: $12 Non-resident $20 maximum

Register by April 13

Bird Watching Field Day - Adults

Saturday, May 9 7:30-10:00am Cranberry Lake Park, 388 West Predmore Road

Join us as we get up with the birds and hit the trails in search of feathered friends. An experienced Dinosaur Hill naturalist

will be on hand to lead this small group as we learn about what birds we might find in the parks in Oakland Township this

time of year. The majority of the program will be spent taking a leisurely hike to observe and identify bird species. Whether

you are just beginning your birding adventure or already have a lot checkmarks on your “life list” of birds this program will

be fun for you. It is always fun to spend time with fellow birders! It is suggested that you have either had previous birding

experience or have taken one of our introductory birding classes prior to participating in this program. Please bring

binoculars and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking. We will provide a convenient checklist of Michigan birds

you can use to keep track of your sightings as well as information about nearby parks that provide good birding

opportunities.

Min 9/Max 12 Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Register by May 4







Explore Nature with




Fee includes training materials, t-shirt, and entry into two local 5k (3.1 mile) races - the OPC Walk for Meals on

June 6th in Rochester and the Matt Frankfurth Memorial 5k at Waterford Oaks in Waterford (a trail race) on

June 14th. This program can also be used as a stepping stone into The Brooksie Way summer training programs.

Discounts are available when you complete the Couch to 5k program.

Location:

First meeting, April 14th at 6:30pm at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 1st Floor Conference Room,

4480 Orion Road, Rochester, MI 48306.

Weekly workouts will meet at the Paint Creek Cider Mill parking lot or at

Bear Creek Nature Park pavilion, 740 West Snell Road, Rochester, MI 48306.

On-line registration will be available February 6th, 2015. Paper applications available at the Oakland Township

Parks and Recreation offices, 4480 Orion Road, Rochester, MI 48306, 248-651-7810.

Oakland Township Residents: $35 Non-Residents: $68

Instructor: Sue Barnes, [email protected], 248-841-1313

Group Leaders Wanted!

We are looking for people to be volunteer Group Leaders for The Brooksie Way Oakland Township Parks and

Recreation Couch to 5k Training Program. You must be available on Tuesday evenings beginning April 14

and be willing to lead participants and share your love of running or walking. There will be an informational

meeting on Tuesday, March 24th at 6:30pm at the Paint Creek Cider Mill. Come and see what it is all about! If

you have questions, contact Sue Barnes, [email protected].

The Brooksie Way Oakland Township Couch to 5k Program (Continued from page 2)

Yoga On The Lake

Lost Lake Nature Park,

846 Lost Lake Trail

Wouldn’t you rather be outside during springtime?

Step out of the studio and enjoy doing yoga in the

warmth of the sun and in full view of serene Lost

Lake. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or

newer to yoga, this gentle All Levels class is just

right for you! Bring your own yoga mat. Led by

Yoga Refuge. www.yogarefuge.net

Min 8/Max 10 Adults 12+ All Levels. 6 sessions

Residents: $30.00 Non-residents $60.00







Fitness and Wellness with



Register by April 24th. All classes will take place on the dock.

Rain location is the on-site Nature Center.

Sundays, May 3 - June 14, 2015

9:30 - 10:30 am; No class May 24.


Photo by Doug Caruso

mailto:[email protected]



Gotta Start Somewhere!

Fun Basics of Kayaking

Saturday, June 6 10am-12pm Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail

This clinic is taught both on land and in the water and will focus on safety and introductory stroke techniques. Learn basic

kayaking safety skills such as fitting your life jacket, what clothing to wear and getting into and out of your kayak from a

dock. Basic paddling skills include forward, reverse, and turning strokes. Designed for new paddlers and anyone who

would like formal instruction. Lost Lake is open calm flat water without jet skis and motor boats. Lost Lake Nature Park

and it’s beautiful dock and kayak launch are universally accessible.

Min 5/Max 7 Residents: $20 Non-residents: $35 Register by May 29

Next Step Beginning Kayaking Saturday, June 6 12:30pm-2:30pm


This clinic is for those who have completed our Fun Basics of Kayaking clinic or have some experience at kayaking and are

looking to increase their skill level. This clinic will focus on safety on the water and stroke development. Learn how to fit

your boat to your body on land in order to practice techniques for staying in your boat on water to avoid tipping over!

Discuss what to do if you do tip over. Learn about the different types of paddles and the side stroke. Then use paddling

patterns to practice and perfect your paddling strokes. For the more adventurous we may have kayak races!

Min 5/Max 7 Residents: $20 Non-residents: $35 Register by May 29

Outdoor Adventures with


Spring 2015 Programs





Collins Rd., Rochester, MI 48306. Our office is at the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland


Kayaks Available for Rental at Lost Lake Nature Park!

We have recently purchased kayaks to offer park users the opportunity to get out on Lost Lake, where

wildlife and water lilies abound! Starting May 2nd, paddlers can rent kayaks at Lost Lake Nature Park on

Saturdays and Sundays, throughout the warm weather seasons. Lost Lake’s small size and easily accessible kayak launch

are great for paddlers of all abilities. Take advantage of this opportunity to practice your kayaking skills while exploring

this 8-acre glacial lake. Kayak, paddle and life vest supplied. Note: Weight limit for single kayak is 230 lbs.

Kayak at your own risk. No supervision or instruction is provided.

Registration must be completed one week in advance of requested rental date.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration, drivers license, signed liability waiver,

rental fee and deposit required. One person kayak: minimum age 10 years old.

Two person kayak: minimum age 6 years old with an adult on board.

Rental Dates

Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 30 10am - 12pm or 12pm - 2pm

Sundays, May 3, 10, 17, 31 and June 7, 14 12pm - 2pm or 2pm - 4pm

Resident Rate:

1-person kayak for 2 hours $10/boat


Non-Resident Rate:



Items to bring: water, water shoes or light weight sneakers, wear synthetic clothing, sunglasses, and bug repellent. At the time of

registration we will ask you for your approximate height and weight so that we may size you with the proper gear. We paddle in light rain

(it is a water sport). However, if there is a 60% or greater chance of thunderstorms 2 hours prior to the clinic we will contact you to cancel

with a full refund issued or reschedule the clinic.


SUMMER SESSIONS SNEAK PEEK!

Summer sessions (two five-week sessions) will feature

Beginning and Intermediate Archery Camps and all the classes listed above!

OPEN RANGE SHOOT - ALL AGES (Ages 8 - Adult) Free to the public.

Drop-in opportunity to practice archery skills! Prior archery experience necessary. No instruction provided.

Monitored by a safety officer. Bring your own equipment or use ours on first-come, first-served basis. No

broadhead or crossbows allowed.

Children between 8 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturdays 4/25/15 - 5/30/15 Closed 5/23/15 8:45 - 9:45am

BEGINNING ARCHERY - ALL AGES (Ages 8 - Adult)

Learn the fundamentals of archery while you review equipment, learn about safety, learn basic shooting skills &

have fun! All equipment provided. 5-week class. Min 10/Max 20 students per class.

Residents: $60 Non-Resident fee: $77

Fridays 4/24/15 - 5/29/15 no class 5/22/15 6:00 - 7:30pm

INTERMEDIATE ARCHERY - ALL AGES (Ages 8 - Adult)

This class is for archers who have taken Beginning Archery and archers with some ex-

perience. Focus will be on improving your archery form and accuracy. All equipment provided or archers may

use their own equipment. No crossbows. 5-week class. Min 10/Max 20 students per class.

Residents: $60 Non-Resident fee: $77

Saturdays 4/25/15 - 5/30/15 no class 5/23/15 10:00 - 11:30am

JUNIOR OLYMPIC ARCHERY DEVELOPMENT (Ages 8-20)

& ADULT ARCHERY PROGRAM (Ages 21+)

Archers who have completed Beginning and Intermediate Archery courses can join our JOAD Club or Adult

Archery Program to begin advancing their archery techniques. Both programs are the logical “next step” for

archers pursuing this lifetime sport. In addition to receiving clear instruction and coaching via our National

Training System, membership in an archery club or program provides unique benefits including the opportunity

to compete and earn awards, make new friends, build confidence & team building skills and a great upper body

workout! In collaboration with Rising Phoenix Archery. USA Archery sanctioned club. 5-week class.

Resident fee: $60 Individual/$130 Family (up to 4)

Non-Resident: $75 Individual/$150 Family (up to 4)

Tuesdays 4/21/15 - 5/19/115 6:30 - 8:00pm

JOAD and AAP registrations are through Brandon Wright at 586-770-1859 or [email protected]


Spring 2015Archery Offerings

Resident registration open NOW. Non-residents begins April 1st. Deadline for paid registration is April 17. USA Archery

certified instructors. To register call 248-651-7810, or visit us at 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Twp, M-F 8am-4:30pm or

email at [email protected]. Marsh View Park Archery Range, 3100 Clarkston Road., Oakland , MI 48363. The

archery range includes 10 universally accessible shooting lanes as well as a universally accessible observation and staging area.

Marsh View Park Archery Range can be reserved for a workshop designed to help Scouts earn a

merit badge in archery, or have your child’s birthday party or even a corporate team-building event.

Please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 248-651-7810 with reservation date preference

and to confirm instructor availability.

Resident fee: $150 for one and a half hour session

Non-resident: $200 for one and a half hour session Scouts fees to be determined.


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31 New Year’s

Eve Office

Closed

1 New Year’s

Day Office

Closed

2 Township

Offices Closed 3

4 5 6 10am

Stewardship

Workday

CIP

7 8:30am

Bird Walk

BCNP 1pm PRC

Workshop MTH

8 9 10

11 12 13 10am

Stewardship

Workday

CIP

14 8:30am

Bird Walk CLP

7pm PRC Mtg.

MTH

15 16 17

18 19

MLK Day

Office Closed

20 10am

Stewardship

Workday

CIP

21

8:30am Bird

Walk LLNP

22

7pm Fire as

Tool PCCM

23 24

11am Ice

Skating MVP

25 26 27 10am

Stewardship

Workday

CIP

28 8:30am

Bird Walk

DTLP

29 Master Plan

Open House

2-4, 6-8 MTH

30 31

January 2015

ABBREVIATIONS: ASNN-After School Nature Nuts, BCNP-Bear Creek Nature Park, BHEA-Blue Heron Environmental Area,

CLF-Cranberry Lake Farm, CLP-Cranberry Lake Park, CIP-Charles Ilsley Park, DTLP-Draper Twin Lake Park, GCP-Gallagher Creek

Park, LLNC-Lost Lake Nature Center, LLNP-Lost Lake Nature Park, MTH-Main Township Hall, MVP-Marsh View Park, MVC-Marsh

View Connector, MRT-Mill Race Trail, OCP-Oakland County Parks, OT-Oakland Township, OTPS-Oakland Township Parks Steward-

ship, ONP-O’Connor Nature Park, OTHS-Oakland Township Historical Society, PCCM-Paint Creek Cider Mill, PCT-Paint Creek Trail,

PCHAWP-Paint Creek Heritage Area Wet Prairie, PPP-Preschool Park Pals, PRC-Parks and Recreation Commission, SCRNP-Stony

Creek Ravine Nature Park, WRP-Watershed Ridge Park

1- New Year’s Day

2- Office Closed

6- 10am Stewardship

Workday CIP

7- 8:30am Bird Walk

BCNP

1pm PRC Workshop

MTH

13- 10am Stewardship

Workday CIP

14- 8:30am Bird Walk

CLP

7pm PRC Mtg

MTH

19- Martin Luther

King Day

Office Closed


Workday CIP


LLNP

22- 7pm Fire as Tool

PCCM

24- 11am

Ice Skating MVP


Workday CIP


DTLP

29- 2pm & 6pm Master

Plan Open House

MTH

3- 10am Stewardship

Workday CIP

4- 8:30am Bird Walk BCNP

5 7pm PRC Meeting MTH

7- 12pm Winter Carnival MVP


Workday CIP

4:30pm Lost Lake Ice Age

LLNP

11- 8:30am Bird Walk CLP

16- Presidents’ Day

Office Closed


Workday CIP

18- 8:30am Bird Walk LLNP

7pm PRC Mtg. MTH

19- 7pm History of Prairie

PCCM


Workday CIP

25- 8:30am Bird Walk DTLP

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

Groundhog

Day

3 10am

Stewardship

Workday

CIP

4

8:30am

Bird Walk

BCNP

5

7pm PRC

Mtg. MTH

6 7 12pm

Winter

Carnival

MVP

8 9 10 10am Stewardship

Workday CIP

4:30pm Lost Lake Ice Age

LLNP

11

8:30am Bird

Walk CLP

12 13 14

Valentine’s

Day

15 16

Presidents’

Day

Office Closed

17 10am

Stewardship

Workday

CIP

18

8:30am Bird

Walk LLNP 7pm PRC

Mtg. MTH

19 7pm

History of

Prairie

PCCM

20 21

22 23 24 10am

Stewardship

Workday CIP

25 8:30am

Bird Walk

DTLP

26 27 28

February 2015



1 2 3 4 8am

Bird Walk

BCNP

5 6 7

8

11am/12:30pm

Monster

Maples CLP

9 10 11 8am Bird

Walk CLP

7pm PRC Mtg.

MTH

12 13 14 9am

Forest

Cleanup

SCRNP

15 16 17 9am

Forest Cleanup

BHEA St. Patrick’s

Day

18

8am Bird Walk

LLNP

19 20 21

22 23 24 9am Forest

Cleanup CIP 25

8am Bird Walk

DTLP

26 27 28

10:30am

Learn to Bird

LLNP

29 30 31

March 2015

Oakland Township Park Activities

Registration is required for all programs

4- 8am Bird Walk

BCNP

8- 11am or 12:30pm

Monster Maples CLP

11- 8am Bird Walk CLP

7pm PRC Mtg.

MTH

14- 9am Forest Cleanup

SCRNP

17- St. Patrick’s Day

9am Forest

Cleanup BHEA

18- 8am Bird Walk

LLNP

24- 9am Forest Cleanup

CIP

25- 8am Bird Walk

DTLP

28- 10:30am Learn to Bird

LLNP

Archery

Programs

See page 11

1- 7am Bird Walk BCNP

11am Everything Eggs

LLNP

3- Good Friday

Office Closed

5- Easter

8- 7am Bird Walk

CLP

7pm PRC Mtg. MTH

11- 9am Garlic Mustard Pull

BCNP

15- 7am Bird Walk

LLNP

18- 7pm Fantastic Frogs

BCNP

22- 7am Bird Walk DTLP

4:30pm Who Flew There?

LLNP

Earth Day

25- 9am Garlic Mustard Pull

BHEA

29- 7am Bird Walk GCP


1 7am Bird

Walk BCNP

11am Eggs

LLNP

2 3

Good Friday

Office Closed

4

5 Easter 6 7 8 7am Bird

Walk CLP

7pm PRC

Mtg. MTH

9 10 11 9am

Garlic

Mustard Pull

BCNP

12 13 14 15 7am

Bird

Walk LLNP

16 17 18 7pm

Fantastic Frogs

BCNP

19 20 21 22 7am Bird

Walk DTLP

4:30pm Who Flew There?

LLNP

23 24 25

9am Garlic

Mustard Pull

BHEA

26 27 28 29 7am

Bird

Walk GCP

30

April 2015

Running

Programs

See pages 2 & 9



1 2 10am/12pm

Kayak Rentals

LLNP

3 9:30am

Yoga

12pm/2pm Kayak

LLNP

4 5 6

7am Bird

Walk BCNP

7 8 9 7:30am Birds CLP

9am Garlic

Mustard Pull LLNP

10am/12pm

Kayak Rentals LLNP

10 9:30am

Yoga

12pm/2pm

Kayak LLNP

12 13 7am Bird

Walk CLP

7pm PRC

Mtg.

14 15 16

10am/12pm

Kayak Rentals

LLNP

17 9:30am

Yoga

12pm/2pm

Kayak LLNP

18 19 20

7am Bird

Walk LLNP

21 22 23

24 25

Memorial

Day Office

Closed

26 27 7am Bird

Walk LLNP

11am Habitat Hunt

LLNP

28 29 30

10am/12pm

Kayak Rentals

LLNP

31 Yoga

Kayak

May 2015 2- 10am Kayak Rentals LLNP

3- 9:30am Yoga LLNP

12pm Kayak LLNP

6- 7am Bird Walk BCNP

9- 7:30am Bird Watching Day

CLP

9am Garlic Mustard Pull

LLNP

10am Kayak Rentals LLNP

10- 9:30am Yoga LLNP

12pm Kayak LLNP

13- 7am Bird Walk CLP

7pm PRC Mtg. MTH

16- 10am Kayak Rentals LLNP


12pm Kayak LLNP

20- 7am Bird Walk LLNP

25- Memorial Day Office Closed

27- 7am Bird Walk DTLP

11am Habitat Hunt LLNP

30- 10am Kayak Rentals LLNP


12pm Kayak LLNP

2014 was a landmark year for the JOAD program that calls Marsh View Park its home. For

the first time we placed an archer on the podium at a National

event. In fact we had 3 archers finish in the top 15 at nationals -

more than any other club in the country!

As remarkable as that achievement is after only 3 short years, it

is more remarkable to witness the growth in the archers

themselves - not just in skills, but in confidence, leadership and

teamwork. As a coach my role is not to just teach technique,

improve skills and facilitate drills, it is to build a team as well.

This can be a challenge in a sport that measures only individual

performance and often only offers individual awards.

I have never been more proud as a coach than when I watched

two archers from our team battling it out for 1st place at the MSU Fall classic. As the

tournament was drawing to a close, the lead archer had a rare miss, effectively eliminating the lead he had built

up. At 9 years old, this is a devastating event. He had already felt the pressure of competition as his teammate

had been closing ground on him all afternoon long. Each round 2nd place would gain 3 points here, two points

there. His 29 point lead to start the day had vanished in just a few short hours.

Instead of letting his teammate fall apart and secure the win for himself, he was side by side with him, cheering

him on. In the end both boys tied. Matching scores, matching tie breakers. The real winner was me watching

boys grow into men. 2014 Medal Count:

23 Total (7 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze)

Archery Champions! By Brandon Wright, JOAD Archery Coach

Caleb at MSU Fall

Classic 2014.

Photo by

Brandon Wright.

Travis at MSU Fall Classic 2014.

Photo by Brandon Wright.

Running

Programs

See pages

2 & 9

Archery

Programs

See page 11


CRANBERRY LAKE FARM HISTORIC DISTRICT

Photos by Leslie Whyte-Mack Pictured: Sue Fox, OTHS and HDC Commissioner Gene Ferrera and Christina Ferrera

The Flumerfelt Barn from 1879 received a fresh coat of paint this summer! Thank you to our many

volunteers, Oakland Township Historical Society, and Upright Painting for all your help.

Find more information at www.oaklandtownship.org under Historic District Commission

A historical community center - work in progress for you!

Planning ahead for 2015:

Watch for fun Square Dances in the

Flumerfelt Barn or under a tent on the lawn,

history programs, farm day events, scavenger

hunts, and cultural landscape development in

the historic district! If you would like to

receive email updates on programs, please

provide your contact email to the HDC at

[email protected].

Want to learn how to shoot an arrow like The Hunger Games bow-slinging heroine Katniss EverDeen? Marsh View Park's USA

Archery instructors Brandon Wright and Clif Selent will teach you the safe and proper way to draw a bow, shoot an arrow,

and focus on the target. Discover archery for yourself by registering for one of our All Ages Archery programs now and

learn to hit your mark!! See page 11.

View Park! This 60’ x 100’ rink will be regularly maintained in the

mornings before the rink opens at 10am. Please see page 4 for the

rink open hours. There are several ways that you can check out this

new facility – register for our January 24th ice skating classes (page

6), drop in at our February 7th Winter Carnival (page 3) or come try it

on your own! The ice rink is unsupervised and children must have

adult supervision. Hockey is not permitted. Call the ice rink hotline

at 248-651-4440 extension 289 for rink open and closure

information. New ice rink at Marsh View Park

Ice Rink Will Open at Marsh View Park! (Continued from page 1)



Come out and join us for one of these free events! Drop-ins are welcome, but it’s best if you contact us in

advance so that we can bring enough tools and supplies. For workdays, remember to wear long pants and closed-

toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. We provide tools, light snacks, water, and training. All minors must have a

waiver signed by a guardian, and minors under 14 must be accompanied by a guardian. Contact us: Email or

phone Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Ben at [email protected] or 248-651-7810 ext

401. Check our blog, oaklandnaturalareas.com, for updated information on these events.

Garlic Mustard

Anne Tanne,

CCBYNC3

Help us pull garlic mustard as we compete in

the Garlic Mustard Challenge!

Saturdays, 9am—12pm

April 11

Bear Creek Nature Park

April 25

Blue Heron Environmental Area

May 9


Northern Cardinal

Jerry Oldenettel

CCBYNCSA2.0

Join us every Wednesday from January to May

to help us improve bird habitat. We’ll start

with a one hour bird walk to document the

species using our parks. Stick around after the

walk to improve bird habitat by removing

invasive species, planting native species,

maintaining feeders, and installing nesting

boxes. Some extra binoculars are available if

you contact us in advance. If you’d like to pick

up basic birding skills, check out the Oakland

Township birding classes on pages 7 and 8.

Every Wednesday

January and February 8:30 am

March 8 am

April and May 7 am

Locations:

1st Weds of month – Bear Creek Nature Park

2nd Weds of month – Cranberry Lake Park

3rd Weds of month – Lost Lake Nature Park

4th Weds of month – Draper Twin Lake Park

5th Weds in April – Gallagher Creek Park

Walk and Work For The Birds

Stewardship Seminar

Learn about why we use pre-

scribed fire in our parks. We’ll

talk about fire ecology and how

we conduct the burns. RSVP by

Tuesday, January 20.

Thursday, January 22, 7pm

Paint Creek Cider Mill

Fire as a Land Management Tool

2014 Prescribed Burn along Paint Creek Trail, Photo by Kristen Myers

Join us for hands-on workdays or an evening to learn

more about our prairie restoration work.

Restoration Workdays, Charles Ilsley Park

Tuesdays, 10am-1 pm

January 6, 13, 20, 27 and

February 3, 10, 17, 24

Stewardship Seminar: Oakland Township Prairie

Learn about the ecology of grasslands and our plans

for restoration. RSVP by Tuesday, February 17.

Thursday, February 19, 7pm

Paint Creek Cider Mill

Prairie Restoration In Oakland Township

Forest Cleanup Workdays Garlic Mustard Pulls

Early spring is the best time to spot tires, old

fences, and other trash in the woods. Join us

for these forest cleanups!

All days meet 9am-12pm

Saturday, March 14

Stony Creek Ravine Nature Park

Tuesday, March 17

Blue Heron Environmental Area

Tuesday, March 24

Charles Ilsley Park


The Natural Areas Notebook will let you

know what’s flowering in the parks, what

stewardship work we’ve been doing and

help you find out about the latest

volunteer opportunities - find this and

much more at oaklandnaturalareas.com.

As the Natural Areas Stewardship

Manager I take care of all of the

natural areas in our Township parks.

I pull garlic mustard at Blue Heron

Environmental Area, cut buckthorn

at Lost Lake Nature Park, and tend

native plants in the beds at Bear

Creek Nature Park. I’m probably not

supposed to play favorites with the

parks, but there is one park I

consider “my” park.

The Paint Creek Heritage Area Wet

Prairie along the Paint Creek Trail,

just north of Silver Bell, never fails

to surprise me. I studied the prairies

of Kansas for my graduate school

work, immersing myself in the

details of how plants interact with

each other and their environment. I

was first drawn to the waving

Kansas grasses stretching to the

horizon, but I fell in love with the

details of the prairie. I learned my

local Great Plains flora on my hands

and knees as I identified plants in

my research plots. I watched the

prairie change through the seasons

in sun and rain, in blistering heat

and numbing cold. When I spot a

patch of native prairie grasses here

in Michigan, my heart beats a little

faster with those memories.

But how could two acres of grass

here in Michigan compare to oceans

of prairie? Like the prairie in

Kansas, the details drew me to Paint

Creek Heritage Area Wet Prairie - a

sand mine along the railroad tracks

in the early 1900s. We think that the

current prairie community

assembled on the site from nearby

prairies and oak savanna that used to

cover two-thirds of our township.

Frequent fires sparked by passing

Detroit and Bay City Railway trains

helped keep trees and shrubs from

crowding out sun-loving prairie

plants. As I visited the Wet Prairie

throughout this summer and fall, I

found butterfly milkweed, grass-of-

Parnassus, star grass, and shrubby

cinquefoil, in addition to many of

the usual prairie plants. The wet

prairie plant community is

considered to be state and globally

imperiled because it is vulnerable to

loss. But all of these facts don’t

make the Wet Prairie “my” park: it

is “my” park because it continues to

surprise me, it sparks my

imagination, and helps me envision

our landscape as it may have looked

not so long ago.

Do you have an Oakland Township

park that is “your” park? Maybe you

walk there every day, watching the

buds burst in the spring and leaves

fall in the autumn. Maybe you hike

the trails at Charles Ilsley Park or

sled the hill at Lost Lake Nature

Park. Maybe you have lived here

most of your life and “your” park

protects the natural history and rural

heritage that you value. We want

you to take ownership of your parks.

Check out the Stewardship Events

on page 16 to find ways to join our

stewardship team. You can prepare

Charles Ilsley Park for prairie

restoration every Tuesday in January

and February, pull garlic mustard in

April and May, learn about

prescribed fire in January, or join

the weekly bird walk and workdays

every Wednesday from January to

May. They are your parks. Can we

count on you?

Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca) at

the Paint Creek Heritage Area Wet Prairie

Dr. Ben VanderWeide

Fringed gentian (Gentianopsis crinita) at the

Paint Creek Heritage Area Wet Prairie

Dr. Ben VanderWeide

Have you found “your” park? By Dr. Ben VanderWeide, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager


Do you ever look around your yard and wonder what it might have looked

like fifty years ago? Many of the trees that are now large would be tiny

saplings…maybe a few of your neighbors houses wouldn’t be there. Go

back a hundred years. There would probably be a lot more farms and a lot

fewer stores but in general things wouldn’t look all that different. What happens if you turn back one thousand

years? People would have lived and farmed in Michigan. There would be no large structures or roads but the

township would be crisscrossed by foot trails…some may even be where roads or trails of today are located -

like the Paint Creek Trail! The hills and valleys would be very similar, the lakes and streams would probably

even look familiar and you would recognize many of the plants and animals. But, what if you turn the clock

back 10,000 years? This may sound like an incredible period of time to humans but in geologic terms that is the

blink of an eye.

Big Whales In My Backyard By Sue Neal, Executive Director, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

Just over 10,000 years ago Michigan was covered with over a

mile of ice! This was the last of several periods of glaciations

which caused dramatic changes to the landscape, the flora and the

fauna of Michigan (and all the world over). The temperate climate

we experience today is the exception as you look at the geologic

history of our world. During the ice age no life existed in our

area…just snow, ice and cold. The ice masses were the result of

snows that fell at such rates and extended periods of time that it

accumulated year round. As the snow grew deeper it became more

dense under the pressure of its own weight. Michigan is no

stranger to glaciers…the state was covered by glaciers in each of

the four major periods of glaciations throughout geological history.

There is no fossil record in Michigan for a large

chunk of time…a large gap exists and we can only

infer from fossils found in neighboring areas. No

dinosaur bones have ever been found in Michigan for

example. However there exists a good record of what

we would expect to see on our visit 10,000 years ago.

At this point in history the glaciers would be on the

retreat. We would almost certainly recognize some

of the fishes, amphibians and reptiles. The landscape

would look much different however. For example, in

Southeastern Michigan we are known for our many

lakes. Several of these lakes

are the result of ice that was left behind by the glaciers. Large blocks of ice were deeply

buried below the surface. As the ice melted, the overlying materials sank down and

filled with water. It is during this same time that the Great Lakes were formed. The

waters in the Lakes at the time consisted of the deep, cold waters that were runoff from

the glaciers. The lakes connected to the Mississippi River which was much larger at that

time - upwards of five miles wide and deep enough to float an ocean liner!!! This

enabled some pretty surprising animals to call Michigan home. For example, remains of

whales have been found in Genesee and Lenawee Counties so were very likely to have

swam through your backyard at some point not all that long ago! (Continued on page 19)

Receding Glaciers; Luis Maria Benitez;

Wikimedia Commons

Great Lakes Profile, US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

The Right Whale is one of the whale bone fossils found in Michigan


Mary McClain is our new Recreation Program Assistant. Mary is a recent graduate of Oakland

University with a Bachelor’s degree in Wellness, Health Promotion and Injury Prevention. She is

an Oakland Township resident and enjoys walking the Paint Creek Trail with her dog, Ruby. She

loves the peaceful atmosphere that the Paint Creek Trail offers—especially in the summer. For fun,

Mary likes to swim, travel, try new restaurants, and watch or attend a Detroit Tiger’s game!

Lou Danek enjoys working outside and with the environment and is a great fit as our new

Casual Parks Worker. Lou has lived in Oakland Township since 1991, and the Rochester area since

1970. Lou is a founding member of the Oakland Township Fire Department, and currently serves

as our Assistant Fire Chief. As an avid fisherman, Lou runs Captain Lou’s Charter fishing out of

Frankfort Michigan in the summer months. Lou recently retired after 29 years with Hewlett

Packard (HP) as an IT Executive.

As the waters retreated more animals began to move back to Michigan. Herds of caribou nearly identical to

those living near the tundra today would have been seen roaming the township. If your home would’ve existed

in the Township at this point in time you could likely look out your window to watch a mastodon strolling

through your yard. Some feel these gentle giants may

have inhabited our area as recently as 6500 years ago!

A giant mooselike creature probably enjoyed feeding

near our many wetlands along with woodland musk

ox. The famous wooly mammoth would have grazed

the meadows between the forests and bands of

peccaries (distant relatives of our domestic pig) would

be darting past our imaginary window.

Many of the animals that were once present are now

gone. The climate has changed significantly as the

ice melted and retreated northwards. The incursion of

humans as they moved over the land bridge and

settled across the country and beyond also had a

major impact on the resident animals. Hunting

pressure likely led to the demise of many of these

species. They were likely unaccustomed to these new

predators and made for easy and satisfying prey.

Big Whales in My Backyard...(Continued from page 18)

That is a lot of change in just over 10,000 years…especially when you consider

that the earth is 4.5 billion years old and has been inhabited by life as we know it

for over 2 billion (billion!!!!). We are but brief visitors passing through the

township. We perceive great change as the seasons progress or development ebbs

and flows. Understanding time on a geologic scale is hard for our “short timer”

brains. It can be very fun and very humbling though, to become an armchair time

traveler and learn about all of the plants and animals that came before us. Your

elementary school student can join Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve naturalists as

they lead just such a time travelling trip during the upcoming Lost Lake Ice Age

program scheduled February 10 (See page 7).

Lost Lake is a ‘Kettle’ lake left

by the retreating glaciers.

Welcome New Staff

Glacial Lakes, US Army Corps of Engineers,

Detroit District-Wilby, Robert; Wikimedia Commons


Cut out and color this picture or create your own

habitat picture and bring it to the park office for a prize!

In our community of Oakland

Township, the special seal is the

Great Blue Heron. Cut out the

picture of the Great Blue Heron

and draw a picture of the heron’s

habitat for him to live in. Ask your

parents to help by looking up what

type of habitat it lives in? Make

sure you draw each of the

important parts of the Heron’s

habitat. Do you have heron

habitat in your yard? Enter your

habitat picture into a contest for

a free surprise!

What can you do to help animals

in their habitat? Be kind to them.

Do not catch animals from the wild

to keep as pets. Let part of your

yard “go wild” to provide shelter

for animals. Do not interfere with

baby animals if you see them.

Don’t dump chemicals down the

drain or outside to keep the water

clean. Remind adults to preserve

animals’ habitats too!

Preschool aged children can join

Dinosaur Hill naturalists as we

hunt for the habitats of different

animals at Lost Lake Nature Park

on May 27 (see page 8).

By Sue Neal, Executive Director

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

Kids Corner

At Home in a Habitat

Animals have homes like you do. The special place where an animal lives is called its habitat. If

an animal’s habitat is destroyed it cannot survive. There are five things that ALL animals need in

their habitat in order to live there. Animals need food. They need water. They need shelter.

They need air and they need a place to raise their young. Animals living together in a habitat are

a part of a community.


The Safety Path and Trails Committee (SPTC) strives to build a non-motorized, recreational trail system that

provides the greatest benefit to township residents at lowest costs. Using the master plan and established criteria

as a guide, the SPTC reviews and recommends trails and pathways that will best serve the township by

providing links between destinations such as residential neighborhoods, churches, schools, shopping, and local

and regional parks and trails. Safety Paths and Trails in Oakland Township are funded through a millage

established in 2006.

SPTC serves as an advisory committee to the Board of Trustees. It includes a representative from each of the

township’s elected boards: Board of Trustees, Planning Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission. In

spring of 2014, to better represent residents, SPTC was expanded to seven members through a decision of the

Board of Trustees. The four new members are volunteers who represent different users of our paths and trails

including hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. This new, expanded Safety Paths and Trails Committee is

actively pursuing several exciting trail connection opportunities throughout the township. Stay tuned for

updates!

The Safety Path and Trails Committee generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month in the Main

Township Hall Boardroom at 5:30 pm.

Citizen comment is always welcome.

Please check the township website to confirm time and place.

Or, email your comments to Libby Dwyer, SPTC Chairwoman, at [email protected].

Easement Donations Needed for Oakland Township Pathways and Trails!

Do you have a parcel that would provide a significant link in the Township’s path and trail network? In addition

to providing safe opportunities for walking, riding and bicycling in your community, your donation may qualify

as a charitable donation for income tax purposes.

To find out more, contact Township Supervisor Terry Gonser at [email protected] or 248-651-

4440 extension 222.

Oakland Township Safety Path and Trails News

Our wonderful park system just wouldn’t be the same without

the help of our many generous supporters!

Many thanks to these wonderful people and organizations!

Natural Areas Stewardship Volunteers: Ian Catallo, Cameron Cleland, Nate Davis, Kory

Gabrielson, Mark Isken, Matthew Peklo, Candy Petrick, Victor Sicilia, James Speyer, Mary

Speyer, Deborah VanderWeide, Mark VanderWeide.

Goodison Good Tyme Partners and Volunteers: Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve,

Oakland Township Historical Society, Historic District Commission, Paint Creek

United Methodist Church, Angie Fox, Debbie VanderWeide, and Roger Schmidt.

Paint Creek Log Jam Removal Volunteers: Doug Handler, Roger Schmidt,

Bob Yager.

Congratulations to Eagle Scout Candidate Tyler Koch, from our local Goodison

Troop 106, who successfully coordinated and completed the design, construction and

installation of two beautiful information kiosks at the Marsh View Park Archery

Range and Bear Creek Nature Park! Tyler also fundraised and donated more than

$500 to this project! Eagle Scout Candidate

Tyler Koch



Oakland Township Parks Get outdoors and explore our winter wonderland!

Be safe, stay warm and have fun!!

If you have questions or would like more information, call the

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Office at 248-651-7810.

-Please note that all areas are unsupervised and users assume all risks and liabilities.-

Bundle up and head out to one of your favorite parks this season. These natural jewels provide great

opportunities for you to get off the couch and burn some calories this winter!! Best of all, they’re just

minutes away, easy to find and FREE!! In addition to enhancing your cardiovascular workouts, winter

is without a doubt the best time to observe tracks and animal signs in the snow; a pastime that changes

with each new snowfall. One excellent book to help in that pursuit is Tracking and The Art of Seeing

by Paul Rezendes.

Draper Twin Lake Park — This 90-acre park offers a level trail system in the east meadow

area - great for a brisk cross-country ski or snowshoe workout! Park near the maintenance

garage at 1181 Inwood. If you prefer a more tranquil outing, try some tracking or nature

photography along the lake trail, accessed just northeast of the Hadden and Inwood Roads

intersection at 1015 Inwood Road.

Lost Lake Nature Park — Home to a great sled hill, this 57-acre park is nestled away at 846 Lost Lake

Trail on the south side of Predmore between Kline and Rochester Roads. Wild turkey like this park for

winter roosting — try spotting them while you’re at the park for one of our Nature Center programs (See

pages 7 & 8). Welcome the wonders of spring with Yoga & Kayaking (pages 9 & 10). Note: Dogs are

not permitted in the sledding area or on the hill. Call 248-651-4440, ext. 299, for sled hill conditions.

Cranberry Lake Park — This 213-acre park is just right for cross-country skiing with gentle hills,

meadows, red maple swamps and thickets full of birds and rabbits. Keep your eyes open for eastern

bluebirds and soaring red-tailed hawks. Parking and a portable toilet are located at 388 West Predmore

Road. Parking is also an option at the Romeo Road entry where you can pick up the Addison

Connector Trail. Join us for Monster Maples (page 7) or Bird Watching (page 8). The historic

farmstead is open to the public during scheduled programs and events.

Charles Ilsley Park — 1479 East Predmore Road. The rolling hills at this 120-acre park provide an

ideal setting for quiet cross-country skiing. Enjoy the solitude of the wide-open fields and picturesque

fence-row oaks while the prairie plants sleep below the snow. Look for coyote tracks or a flock of

turkey at the woods’ edge! Parking is available on the north side of Predmore, between Rush and

Dequindre Roads. Help prepare these fields this winter during stewardship workdays (see page 16).

Marsh View Park — Come enjoy our new ice skating rink! (Details on page 4.) Don’t miss

January’s Ice Skating Clinics led by National Medalist Tracey Daniels (page 6). Next comes Winter

Carnival on Saturday, February 7 (see page 3). In April we shift gears for the return of archery and

soccer seasons once again (page 11). Call 248-651-4440, ext. 289, for ice rink conditions

Parks and Recreation Director Mindy Milos-Dale

Administrative Assistant Carol Kasprzak

Clerical Assistant Deb Gallo

Recreation Manager Becky McLogan

Maintenance Foreman Doug Caruso

Natural Areas Stewardship Manager

Dr. Ben VanderWeide

Maintenance and Recreation Staff

Jeff Johnson, Clif Selent, Lou Danek

Recreation Program Assistant Mary McClain

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Staff

The Parks & Recreation Commission meets at

7 pm on the second Wednesday of every

month in the Township Hall Boardroom.

Normal office hours are from 8am to 4:30pm

Monday through Friday. Due to limited staff

size and field work requirements, we

recommend calling (248) 651-7810 before you

stop by. Park permits, maps and descriptions

are available at the park office.

Andy Zale, Chairman

Colleen Barkham, Vice Chairperson

Roger Schmidt, Treasurer

Alice Tomboulian, Secretary

Dave Mackley, Commissioner

Joe Peruzzi, Commissioner

Ann Marie Rogers, Commissioner

Commission Meetings

Oakland Township Park Rules are enforced by the Oakland

County Sheriff’s Office.

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911

If you have information or questions concerning a reported

crime or accident, call the substation at 248-652-4617

Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm. All other calls please use

dispatch at 248-858-4950.

Parks and Recreation Commission

Charter Township of Oakland

4393 Collins Road

Rochester, MI 48306-1670

Phone: (248) 651-7810

Fax: (248) 601-0106

www.oaklandtownship.org

Seal designed by

Richard Krupp

PRESORTED

STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID

ROCHESTER, MI

PERMIT NO 73

***ECR WSS***

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Parks and Recreation Commissioners

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january 29 community open house for parks and ......past master plan meeting cranberry lake park,...

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