January 29 th Community Open House for Parks and Recreation Master Plan

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1 Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015 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. Cranberry Lake Park, Photo by George Ingram 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 Special points of interest: Winter Carnival Page 3 New Skating Rink! Page 4 Nature Programs Pgs 7 & 8 Archery Pg 11 Winter Carnival Skating Rink! Nature Programs Kayaking & Archery Fitness Programs Stewardship Safety Paths & Trails Sled Hill Teen Night at Sled Hill! January 29 th Community Open House for Parks and Recreation Master Plan The 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. COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN OPEN HOUSE Thursday January 29, 2015 between 2-4 and 6-8pm Oakland Township Hall, 4393 Collins Road Past Master Plan meeting 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 ( 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! Ice Rink Will Open at Marsh View Park! An ice rink was considered an important recreation facility by Township residents in our 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)

2 What s New In The Parks From The Director 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 DO Duplicate what is already offered at nearby parks. Build facilities that require mass participation. Create urban parks that require intensive development and maintenance. 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 ( 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 Natural Areas Stewardship 2 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015 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! Butterfly Weed Photo by Dr. Ben VanderWeide The Brooksie Way Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Couch to 5k Program 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 14 th and ending on June 2 nd. The first week will begin with information and a short 15 minute workout. Each week we will add time to our workout. Mill Race Trail Improvements 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! (Continued on page 9) New stairs and bridge at Mill Race Trail, Photo by Doug Caruso

3 Saturday, February 7, Noon-4pm at Marsh View Park, 3100 East Clarkston Road New Location! Bundle up, grab your skates, and head on over! Snow or No Snow! No registration necessary! Ongoing Events 12Noon - 4pm 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 Warm Beverages & Pizza while supplies last! Pizza Donated By: Hungry Howie s, 4930 N. Adams Rd, Oakland Twp., MI Warm up by the fire! Swag Bags! Scheduled Events 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. Sponsored by Oakland Township Parks and Recreation For more information call or visit oaklandtownship.org Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

4 Marsh View Park 3100 E Clarkston Road Oakland, MI Call the ice rink hotline at , ext 289 for current conditions. Ice Skating Rink Rules Ice Skating Rink users must abide by the following rules and regulations: Ice Skating Rink Open Hours Regular Hours Monday Sunday 10 am 5pm 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. Skating Rink Skating Rink Restrooms Stop by during Winter Break! Special Hours Martin Luther King Day January 19, 2015 Presidents Day February 16, am 5pm Parking Oakland Township Parks Administrative Office Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

5 Lost Lake Nature Park 846 Lost Lake Trail Oakland, MI Call the sled hill hotline at , 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 & Dock Nature Center & Friday and Saturday 10am - 9pm 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 Teen Nights! Sunday, January 18 and Sunday, February pm Pizza and Hot Chocolate while supplies last! Warming Shelter Open Hours Friday nights 5pm - 9pm Saturdays 1pm - 9pm Sundays 10am - 5pm Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 19, am - 5pm Presidents Day February 16, am - 5pm Every Friday & Saturday Night Sledding Under The Lights! Oakland Township Parks Administrative Office Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

6 Fitness and Wellness with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring 2015 Programs 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 Our office is in the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call for more information and to register. 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 year olds (1 hour) 1:15-2:15pm $10 each Min 8/Max 12 Learn how to skate with your friends! Come and try a fun winter activity! New! Ice in the Parks! Adults 16+ years old (1 hour) 2:30-3:30pm $10 each Min 8/Max 12 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. 6 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

7 Explore Nature with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring 2015 Programs 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 Our office is in the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call for more information and to register. 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 Learn to Bird - Adults Saturday, March 28 10:30am-12pm Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail 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 Everything Eggs - Preschool Park Pals (3-5 year olds) Wednesday, April 1 11am-12:30pm Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail 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 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

8 Fantastic Frogs - Family All Ages Saturday, April :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 Register by April 13 Explore Nature with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring 2015 Programs 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 Our office is in the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call for more information and to register. Resident: $5 Non-resident: $7 Families: Resident: $12 Non-resident $20 maximum 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 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 Habitat Hunt - Preschool Park Pals (3-5 year olds) Wednesday, May 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 8 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

9 Fitness and Wellness with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring 2015 Programs 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 Our office is in the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call for more information and to register. Lost Lake Nature Park Photo by Doug Caruso 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. Min 8/Max 10 Adults 12+ All Levels. 6 sessions Residents: $30.00 Non-residents $60.00 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, :30-10:30 am; No class May 24. The Brooksie Way Oakland Township Couch to 5k Program (Continued from page 2) Fee includes training materials, t-shirt, and entry into two local 5k (3.1 mile) races - the OPC Walk for Meals on June 6 th in Rochester and the Matt Frankfurth Memorial 5k at Waterford Oaks in Waterford (a trail race) on June 14 th. 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 14 th at 6:30pm at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 1st Floor Conference Room, 4480 Orion Road, Rochester, MI 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 On-line registration will be available February 6 th, Paper applications available at the Oakland Township Parks and Recreation offices, 4480 Orion Road, Rochester, MI 48306, Oakland Township Residents: $35 Non-Residents: $68 Instructor: Sue Barnes, barness@thebrooksieway.com, 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 24 th at 6:30pm at the Paint Creek Cider Mill. Come and see what it is all about! If you have questions, contact Sue Barnes, barness@thebrooksieway.com. Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

10 Gotta Start Somewhere! Outdoor Adventures with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Spring 2015 Programs 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 Our office is at the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call for more information and to register. 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 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. Next Step Beginning Kayaking Saturday, June 6 12:30pm-2:30pm Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Trail 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 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. Resident Rate: Two person kayak: minimum age 6 years old with an adult on board. 1-person kayak for 2 hours Rental Dates Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 30 10am - 12pm or 12pm - 2pm 2-person kayak for 2 hours Non-Resident Rate: Sundays, May 3, 10, 17, 31 and June 7, 14 12pm - 2pm or 2pm - 4pm 1-person kayak for 2 hours 2-person kayak for 2 hours 10 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015 $10/boat $15/boat $20/boat $30/boat

11 Oakland Township Parks and Recreation 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 , or visit us at 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Twp, M-F 8am-4:30pm or at Marsh View Park Archery Range, 3100 Clarkston Road., Oakland, MI The archery range includes 10 universally accessible shooting lanes as well as a universally accessible observation and staging area. 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 experience. 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 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 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 or risingphoenixarchery@gmail.com 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 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. SUMMER SESSIONS SNEAK PEEK! Summer sessions (two five-week sessions) will feature Beginning and Intermediate Archery Camps and all the classes listed above! Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

12 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 20-10am Stewardship Workday CIP 21-8:30am Bird Walk 22-7pm Fire as Tool PCCM 24-11am Ice Skating MVP 27-10am Stewardship Workday CIP 28-8:30am Bird Walk DTLP 29-2pm & 6pm Master Plan Open House MTH January 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am Stewardship Workday CIP am Stewardship Workday CIP MLK Day Office Closed 20 10am Stewardship Workday CIP am Stewardship Workday CIP 31 New Year s Eve Office Closed 1 New Year s Day Office Closed 2 Township Offices Closed 7 8:30am Bird Walk BCNP 1pm PRC Workshop MTH :30am Bird Walk CLP 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH 21 8:30am Bird Walk 28 8:30am Bird Walk DTLP pm Fire as Tool PCCM 29 Master Plan Open House 2-4, 6-8 MTH am Ice Skating MVP 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, -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 Stewardship, 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 3-10am Stewardship Workday CIP 4-8:30am Bird Walk BCNP 5 7pm PRC Meeting MTH 7-12pm Winter Carnival MVP 10-10am Stewardship Workday CIP 4:30pm Lost Lake Ice Age 11-8:30am Bird Walk CLP 16- Presidents Day Office Closed 17-10am Stewardship Workday CIP 18-8:30am Bird Walk 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH 19-7pm History of Prairie PCCM 24-10am Stewardship Workday CIP 25-8:30am Bird Walk DTLP February 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Groundhog Day Presidents Day Office Closed 3 10am Stewardship Workday CIP 4 8:30am Bird Walk BCNP 10 10am 11 Stewardship 8:30am Bird Workday CIP Walk CLP 4:30pm Lost Lake Ice Age 17 10am Stewardship Workday CIP am Stewardship Workday CIP 18 8:30am Bird Walk 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH 25 8:30am Bird Walk DTLP 5 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH pm Winter Carnival MVP Valentine s Day 19 7pm History of Prairie PCCM Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

13 March 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am Bird Walk BCNP 8 11am/12:30pm Monster Maples CLP am Bird Walk CLP 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH am Forest Cleanup BHEA St. Patrick s Day am Forest Cleanup CIP 18 8am Bird Walk 25 8am Bird Walk DTLP am Forest Cleanup SCRNP :30am Learn to Bird 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 24-9am Forest Cleanup CIP 25-8am Bird Walk DTLP 28-10:30am Learn to Bird Archery Programs See page 11 Oakland Township Park Activities April 2015 Registration is required for all programs Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7am Bird Walk BCNP 11am Eggs 5 Easter am Bird Walk CLP 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH am Bird Walk am Bird Walk DTLP 4:30pm Who Flew There? am Bird Walk GCP 2 3 Good Friday Office Closed am Garlic Mustard Pull BCNP pm Fantastic Frogs BCNP am Garlic Mustard Pull BHEA 30 4 Running Programs See pages 2 & 9 1-7am Bird Walk BCNP 11am Everything Eggs 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 18-7pm Fantastic Frogs BCNP 22-7am Bird Walk DTLP 4:30pm Who Flew There? Earth Day 25-9am Garlic Mustard Pull BHEA 29-7am Bird Walk GCP Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

14 May 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 9:30am Yoga 12pm/2pm Kayak 10 9:30am Yoga 12pm/2pm Kayak 17 9:30am Yoga 12pm/2pm Kayak Memorial Yoga Day Office Kayak Closed am Bird Walk BCNP am Bird Walk CLP 7pm PRC Mtg am Bird Walk am Bird Walk 11am Habitat Hunt Archery Champions! Caleb at MSU Fall Classic Photo by Brandon Wright am/12pm Kayak Rentals 9 7:30am Birds CLP 9am Garlic Mustard Pull 10am/12pm Kayak Rentals am/12pm Kayak Rentals am/12pm Kayak Rentals 2-10am Kayak Rentals 3-9:30am Yoga 12pm Kayak 6-7am Bird Walk BCNP 9-7:30am Bird Watching Day CLP 9am Garlic Mustard Pull 10am Kayak Rentals 10-9:30am Yoga 12pm Kayak 13-7am Bird Walk CLP 7pm PRC Mtg. MTH 16-10am Kayak Rentals 17-9:30am Yoga 12pm Kayak 20-7am Bird Walk 25- Memorial Day Office Closed 27-7am Bird Walk DTLP 11am Habitat Hunt 30-10am Kayak Rentals 31-9:30am Yoga 12pm Kayak Archery Programs See page 11 By Brandon Wright, JOAD Archery Coach Running Programs See pages 2 & 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 1 st place at the MSU Fall classic. As the Travis at MSU Fall Classic Photo by Brandon Wright. 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 2 nd 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 Medal Count: 23 Total (7 Gold, 8 Silver, 8 Bronze) 14 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

15 CRANBERRY LAKE FARM HISTORIC DISTRICT 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 updates on programs, please provide your contact to the HDC at bbarber@oaklandtownship.org. Find more information at under Historic District Commission 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. Ice Rink Will Open at Marsh View Park! (Continued from page 1) 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 7 th 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 extension 289 for rink open and closure information. New ice rink at Marsh View Park 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. Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

16 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 closedtoe 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: or phone Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Ben at bvanderweide@oaklandtownship.org or ext 401. Check our blog, oaklandnaturalareas.com, for updated information on these events. Fire as a Land Management Tool Stewardship Seminar Learn about why we use prescribed 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 2014 Prescribed Burn along Paint Creek Trail, Photo by Kristen Myers 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. Forest Cleanup Workdays 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 Walk and Work For The Birds Northern Cardinal Jerry Oldenettel CCBYNCSA2.0 Garlic Mustard Anne Tanne, CCBYNC3 16 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015 Prairie Restoration In Oakland Township 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 Every Wednesday January and February 8:30 am March 8 am April and May 7 am Locations: 1 st Weds of month Bear Creek Nature Park 2 nd Weds of month Cranberry Lake Park 3 rd Weds of month Lost Lake Nature Park 4 th Weds of month Draper Twin Lake Park 5 th Weds in April Gallagher Creek Park Garlic Mustard Pulls 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 Lost Lake Nature Park

17 Have you found your park? By Dr. Ben VanderWeide, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager 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 Fringed gentian (Gentianopsis crinita) at the Paint Creek Heritage Area Wet Prairie Dr. Ben VanderWeide 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. Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia glauca) at the Paint Creek Heritage Area Wet Prairie Dr. Ben VanderWeide 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? 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. Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

18 Big Whales In My Backyard By Sue Neal, Executive Director, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve 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. Receding Glaciers; Luis Maria Benitez; Wikimedia Commons 18 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015 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 Great Lakes Profile, US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District 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! The Right Whale is one of the whale bone fossils found in Michigan (Continued on page 19)

19 Welcome New Staff 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 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. Big Whales in My Backyard...(Continued from page 18) 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. Glacial Lakes, US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District-Wilby, Robert; Wikimedia Commons Lost Lake is a Kettle lake left by the retreating glaciers. 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). Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

20 Kids Corner At Home in a Habitat By Sue Neal, Executive Director Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve 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. 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). 20 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015

21 Oakland Township Safety Path and Trails News 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 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, your comments to Libby Dwyer, SPTC Chairwoman, at studio1234@comcast.net. 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 tgonser@oaklandtownship.org or extension 222. 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 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring

22 22 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2015