Inside this issue:

OTPRC Response to COVID-19 1

What’s New in the Parks Virtual Programming

2

Interactive Park Map 3

Kayaking 4

Tai Chi 5

Yoga 5

Nature Programs 6

Archery Programs 7

Lost Lake Open Houses 8

Outdoor Skills Camp Photo Contest Winner

9

Clean Water and Wildlife 10

Stewardship Events 11

Phragmites Outreach 12

Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District

13

Striding on the Surface 14-15

Paint Creek Trail News 16

PCT Scavenger Hunt 17

Parks Map 18

Registration Information 19

Commissioners, Staff Back Cover

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

(June 16, 2020)

Oakland Township Residents and Friends:

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation has made operational changes that are in the best interest of the health and safety of the public and our employees to limit the spread of COVID-19. Our COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan, which represents these best practices, is available on the Parks and Recreation page of our website (www.oaklandtownship.org).

ALL Oakland Township parks, trails, playgrounds, basketball courts, fishing/ kayak docks and portable restrooms are open for use by the public. We have increased the frequency of facility cleaning. Visitors are asked to follow recommended social distancing guidelines.

This summer we are offering, by registration only, lower-risk outdoor activities including nature, archery, yoga, tai chi, and kayaking classes as well as shorter duration day camps. Our team of staff and instructors are trained in safety protocol that follow CDC Guidelines and are equipped with Personal Protective equipment.

This summer we will also continue to offer virtual classes and videos through our website (www.oaklandtownship.org) and our Facebook link.

The Parks and Recreation offices are now OPEN to the public between 10am and 2pm, Monday through Friday. Visitors who wish to do business in-person are asked to wear a mask and complete our COVID-19 self-screening procedure before entering the office area. Social distancing policies continue to apply.

We hope that we everyone can participate in Oakland Township Parks and Recreation summer activities and enjoy our parks, trails, and recreation features!

We are sorry to announce the cancellation of our 2020 Music in the Meadows summer concert series and Goodison Good Tyme fall festival due to the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. This difficult decision was not made lightly, or easily. Yet the current situation makes it impossible for us to safely plan and execute these events for all of the people who come together to make them the wonderful experiences you have come to expect. We are deeply saddened at having to make this decision, but the health of our community is our priority. THANK YOU for your patience and support.

Gallagher Creek Park, By Hank VanAgen

2 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Virtual Nature and Activity Center Our virtual programming provides fun, fitness, crafts, nature education, recreation and enrichment through these unprecedented times. We are committed to ensuring our community has the resources to help facilitate health and well-being. Visit our website: https://www.oaklandtownship.org

Categories to explore:

Fitness and Wellness: Check out our on-demand and live streaming opportunities to participate in programs to keep you feeling your best.

Explore Nature at Home: Discover on-demand programs about the best of Michigan’s Great Outdoors including plants, animals, and habitats. Check out videos by our partner, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve as well as other fantastic organizations and resources that value nature as much as we do.

Explore our Parks: Here, you’ll discover what our parks are all about, with links to interactive maps, learn about volunteer opportunities you can join, and informational nuggets that showcase what make our parks so special.

Special Interest and Online Resources: Find unique and fun activities in this section, such as challenges, contests, and more!

Share Your Ideas! If you have an idea for a virtual program or resource that you’d like us to offer, please let us know! Contact us at parks@oaklandtownship.org, or call (248) 651-7810.

Upcoming Virtual Programs

Planet Gazing (All ages)

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 8:00pm – 9:30pm Register by Monday, August 10 www.oaklandtownship.recdesk.com Go To Meeting. Link provided via email within 24 hours before program.

Share a family evening with the Amateur Astronomers of Rochester's Oakland Astronomy Club (oaklandastronomy.net). We'll help you be comfortable with the bright stars and planets of tonight's summer sky, and get you ready to enjoy the August 12th Perseid Meteor Showers. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the instructor during the program.

Residents: FREE Non-residents: FREE

All Levels Yoga (Adults 12+ )

Every Wednesday through 7/15/2020 12:30pm -1:30pm Zoom—Link will be available on our Facebook page one hour prior to class.

Free Yoga Class! Yoga instructor Pavel Bednarski, RYT-200, and Oakland Township Parks and Recreation are teaming up to bring you FREE virtual yoga classes. Grab your yoga mat, towel, or blanket. Be sure to join 10 minutes early to make any adjustments to your device. Can't make it but want to enjoy? Link will be available for one week to catch the replay on the Facebook post. No registration required.

Residents: FREE Non-residents: FREE

Beginner Tips to Archery Basics

(Available on-demand, see the Virtual Nature and Activity Center page on our website.)

View tips on how to properly and safely handle a bow. Presented by Nick DiCresce Jr.,

archery instructor and coach at Marsh View Park Archery Range.

Residents: FREE Non-residents: FREE

3 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

This map does not include parks managed by other agencies, including Bald

Mountain State Recreation Area (Michigan DNR), Stony Creek Metropark (HCMA),

and private parks within subdivisions.

Oakland Township Parks & Recreation

4393 Collins Road, Rochester, MI 48306

Phone: 248-651-7810

www.oaklandtownship.org

Enjoy our new interactive map of Oakland Township’s parks!

With this web app, located at https://bit.ly/3g0GaRs, use the ready-to-go bookmarks to locate all of the parks and natural areas in the Oakland Township park system. Click on the name of each park to see a brief description. You can also change the base map, show your location, and measure distances or area.

New Online

Park Map!

Scan with

your phone

to view

the map!

https://bit.ly/3g0GaRs

4 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

As part of Oakland Township’s Parks and Recreation commitment to help

protect our patrons we wanted to share with you the precautions we are

taking in response to the coronavirus. We are implementing additional

health and safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oakland County Health Department.

These measures include requiring self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms,

wearing PPE, limiting programs to small groups, implementing social

distancing practices, and increased cleaning of parks and program facilities

and equipment.

Oakland Township resident registration starts NOW! Non-resident

registration begins one week prior to the program registration deadline date.

Register online at: oaklandtownship.recdesk.com

Fun Basics of Kayaking - Ages 10 and up

Draper Twin Lake Park, 1015 Inwood Rd., Rochester, MI 48306*

Sunday, June 28, 2020 12:00pm - 2:00pm Register by June 22

Saturday, July 11, 2020 6:00pm - 8:00pm Register by July 3

Friday, August 14, 2020 6:00pm - 8:00pm Register by August 7

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. Draper Twin Lake is an open calm flat water with-out jet skis and motor boats.

Residents: $20 Non-residents: $35 Maximum 10 registrants.

*Draper Twin Lake is a calm water lake. The distance from the parking lot to the dock, which has lake access, is approximately one-half mile via accessible path.

Items to bring: water bottle, water shoes or light weight sneakers, sunglasses, bug repellent, and wear synthetic clothing. 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.

5 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Tai Chi Beginners - Adults 18+

Tuesdays 6/16/2020 – 8/4/2020 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Register for any number of desired sessions

Cranberry Lake Farm, 388 W. Predmore, Oakland, MI 48363

Find peace and serenity from a busy, stressful day through Tai Chi. Tai Chi exercises the mind and body by increasing wellbeing and improving balance, coordination and strength. Students will learn the basic forms and elegant movements of the Yang Style Short Form Tai Chi. Students should be able to support their weight while standing or bring a chair if unable to stand. Students should wear loose and comfortable clothing and shoes. No flip flops or sandals. Traditional Tai Chi shoes are optional. Bring water bottle. Led by Marci Jenkins.* 8 weeks. *Marci has over 20 years of Tai Chi training and practice.

Residents: FREE Non-residents: FREE Maximum 10 registrants.

All Levels Yoga - Adults 12+

Sundays, August 2 - September 6, 2020 10:00 - 11:00am Register by July 27

Cranberry Lake Farm, 388 W Predmore Road, Oakland, MI 48363

Free Yoga Class! Yoga instructor Pavel Bednarski, RYT-200, and Oakland Township Parks and Recreation are teaming up to bring you FREE in-person yoga classes on the lawn at Cranberry Lake Farm. Bring your yoga mat, towel, or blanket. Led by Pavel Bednarski, RYT-200. All Levels. 6 week session. All in-person classes will take place on the lawn.

Residents: FREE Non-residents: FREE Maximum 10 registrants.

First Steps to Wellness - Adults 12+

Tuesdays, July 14 - August 4, 2020 9:30-10:30am Register by July 7 Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Road, Rochester, MI 48306

This beginning wellness class is a 4-week program designed for adults of all abilities and fitness levels. Learn evidence-based and research-oriented fundamentals of nutrition and exercise, how your mindset impacts your health, and injury prevention techniques at the beginning of each class. Then, apply what you’ve learned as you walk with the group around beautiful Bear Creek Nature Park. Upon completion, this program will prepare you to take on your next level of fitness. Continue your fitness journey and enjoy our beautiful parks with your walking group even after this program ends! This program is guided by Dr. Jack Moses, D.C., who leads his peers in working to integrate the latest research in spine care with movement, nutrition, and in collaboration with best practices in neurology, orthopedics, and chiropractic care. 4 week session. Note: Participants should have clearance by their primary care provider to begin a new exercise program.

Residents: Free Non-residents: Free Maximum 10 registrants.

Registrat ion detai ls on page 19.

Click here for Article on Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Click here for Article on Health Benefits of Yoga

6 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

A Letterboxing Adventure at Cranberry Lake Park - Families Sunday, July 19, 2020 12:00 - 1:30pm Register by: July 12 Cranberry Lake Park, 388 W. Predmore, Oakland, 48363

Existing in a very specific area between scavenger hunts and geocaching is the hobby of letterboxing. This exciting activity turns participants into active treasure hunters by giving them clues and locations to try and find hidden cashes of goods and we can’t get enough of it! Join a Dinosaur Hill naturalist as they explain the fundamentals of letterboxing before giving families a clue-sheet to scout the ground of Cranberry Lake to decipher five riddles on the trails. We will have prize pouches available to all families that completely solve the riddles.

Residents: $5 Non-residents: $7 Maximum 10 families.

Check out National Geographic Kids Letterboxing webpage here: National Geographic Kids

Birds of A Feather - K - 5th graders Tuesday, August 11, 2020 4:30 - 6:00pm (5-7 year olds) Register by: August 4

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 6:30 - 8:00pm (8-10 year olds) Register by: August 4

Lost Lake Nature Park, 846 Lost Lake Dr., Oakland, 48363

We find that it’s difficult to imagine a summer hike without the constant chattering of birds hidden in the branches above, defending their territories. Although many of our feathered friends conceal themselves in clever camouflage some choose to be bright and showy! Join us as we talk about some of our favorite chirpers up in the trees before putting together and decorating our own binoculars to take on the trails (and home!). We will even be putting together some feathered masquerade masks to try and blend in with the birds on the trails.

Residents: $5 Non-residents: $7 Maximum 5 children per session.

One of the best websites for birding information is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Check out their Online Bird Identification Guide here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/

Seasonal Adult Hikes: Owling 101 Friday, August 21, 2020 9:00 - 10:30pm Register by August 14 Cranberry Lake Park. Predmore, Oakland, 48363

Throughout the year we have an abundance of nocturnal life patrolling the forest floors, skies, and riversides under the canopy of darkness, but none more famous than the apex predators of the black night: the owl. Although difficult to locate, these elusive after-dusk birds are fun living scavenger hunt for any night owl looking for an evening activity. Join us at Cranberry Lake Park as we learn a little about owls before heading out on the trails to see if we can locate them, the tools that you’ll require, and provide you with an entertaining and educational evening at one of our favorite parks! Participants will even be given owl fact sheets to take home to continue their searches in their own neighborhoods.

Residents: $5 Non-residents: $7 Maximum 10 registrants.

Check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Owl page here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/

Cranberry Lake Park. The north trail from the farm site strewn with apple blossom petals. By Cam Mannino

Please social distance while enjoying the parks!

7 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Marsh View Park, 3100 East Clarkston Road, Oakland, MI 48363

Beginning Archery - All Ages (Ages 8 - Adult)

Looking for something new and fun to try on a beautiful summer day? This fun class is for you and your family! Our instructors will cover safety, equipment and basic fundamentals of shooting. Individual sanitized equipment provided for each registrant.

Saturdays June 27 - July 25, 2020 10:00 - 11:00am Register by June 21 (4 weeks)

Wednesdays July 8 - August 12, 2020 6:00 - 7:00pm Register by July 1 (5 weeks)

(no class August 5)

Saturdays August 1 - August 29, 2020 10:00 - 11:00am Register by July 24 (5 weeks)

Residents: $45 Non-Residents: $60 for 4 week class Maximum 10 registrants. Residents: $60 Non-Residents: $75 for 5 week class Maximum 10 registrants.

Open Range Shoot - Ages 8 - Adult “FREE” to the Public - Pre-registration Required

Prior archery experience necessary. No instruction provided. No crossbows or broadheads. Children between 8 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Range supervised by certified USA Archery Instructors. No bows or arrows supplied. Targets are cleaned between sessions. Must pre-register online. 5 Sessions every Saturday to choose from:

Saturdays 6/27/2020 – 11/7/2020 Maximum 10 registrants per session.

11:30am - 12:15pm, or 12:30-1:15pm or 1:30-2:15pm or 2:30-3:15 or 3:30-4:15pm

Wednesdays, July 8 - August 12, 2020

7:30 - 9:00pm (1 session per date - No session August 5)

No Open range Shoot on July 4 or September 5, 2020 Maximum 10 registrants.

Explore Archery Camp (Ages 8 - Adult)

Explore Archery is a news and innovative archery education program focused on introducing beginners to the lifelong sport of archery. In Explore Archery, campers earn achievement awards through active participation in individual and team building activities that require fundamental skills, competitive edge and a bit of creativity and not based on campers’ athletic abilities or their capabilities to shoot a perfect score. It is fun, rewarding, developmentally aggressive and most important - safe.

July 20 - 24, 2020 10:00am - 12:30pm Register by July 13

Residents: $100 Non-residents: $120 Maximum 10 registrants.

Private Group Programs

Book your birthday, special event, celebration, work group or scout badge with a focus on archery at Marsh View Park Archery Range. Equipment provided with all group events.

Rental Opportunities

If your archery league or club is interested in renting our facility please contact the Parks and Recreation Department for fees and availability.

8 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Lost Lake Open Houses

Pre-registration Required

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation and Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve have partnered to bring Oakland Township residents and others exciting new programs at Lost Lake Nature Park! Family, friends and neighbors are invited to explore everything this partnership has to offer at one of these FREE open houses. Open to all ages! We will be offering 2 sessions for each 'open house' that'll take place in our reserved spot of the park by the docks and picnic tables. Each session will be 1.5 hours (12-1:30pm, and 2-3:30pm) and be limited to 10 active participants. As our survey indicated a greater demand for children's and family programs, these lend themselves perfectly for those needs. We can return to our typical open-house format once some normalcy returns to the world. Must pre-register through https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/.

June 28th, 12-1:30pm or 2-3:30pm - The Bounty of Summer – Summer is one of the most active times to be surrounded by nature. There's the feeling of life all around you as you venture through the woods this time of year, with bright flowers and green foliage with the blue sky the backdrop for birds singing, frogs croaking and animals slowly sneaking through the woods. Join us as we spend a little bit of time talking about the transference of energy from the sun to the plants, while putting together our own animal webs at our own distanced spots outdoors at the picnic tables lakeside at Lost Lake Nature Park. We will even take a short hike on the trails to learn about how energy moves from the sun to every living thing!

July 26th, 12-1:30pm or 2-3:30pm - The Skinny on Pond Dipping – Ponds, shallow lakes, and any other unassuming body of water in our state are integral portions of our local ecosystem and harbor life within that are frequently overlooked by casual observers. Join us as we take a close look at the lifeforms that can be found in the kettle lake by sweeping the lake bottom with nets and examining the specimens we find. We will also be putting together our own magnetic fishing pole game at the picnic tables, safely spaced apart.

August 30th, 12-1:30pm or 2-3:30pm - Traffic in the Sky – If ever there was a rush-hour for our avian friends it would be the end of August moving into fall. As the day lengths begin to shift, nature is cued in on an instinctual urge to head south. This great migration lasts from mid-August through October. Numerous species of gulls begin their descent from Canada and the U.P. around the middle of August, and the warblers are not far behind. Join us as we take a look at the journey that these birds take, their stops along the way, and figure out how they navigate without compasses. We will even be putting together some natural bird feeders to hang at home to provide these commuters some much needed energy!

All programs on this page take place at Lost Lake Nature Park. The park is located west of Rochester Rd south

of Predmore: 846 Lost Lake Trail, Oakland Township.

For more information visit: www.dinosaurhill.org

9 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Outdoor Skills Camps Marsh View Park, 3100 E. Clarkston Rd., Oakland, 48363 Set your kids’ imaginations and adventurous spirits free as they learn about the natural environment and the important skill of survival. Shelter, water, fire and food. Equipment and supplies will be sanitized and restricted to one user. Social Distancing will be adhered to. This is a great way to pull your kids away from the television, computer, and electronic devices, and get them excited about the outdoors.

Outdoor Skills Camp - Grades 5 - 9 Monday - Friday July 13 - 17, 2020 10:00am - 12:30pm

Register by July 6

This camp introduces a variety of fun outdoor activities including archery, kayaking, and fishing (catch and release). This course also covers basic survival skills like reading a map and recognizing your surroundings, fire starting, shelter building, obtaining drinkable water, wild plant identification and animal observation.

Resident: $100

Non-resident: $120

Maximum 10 registrants.

Next Step Outdoor Skills Camp - Grades 5 - 9 Monday - Friday July 27 - 31, 2020 10:00am - 12:30pm

Register by July 20

An extension of Outdoor Skills Camp, activities range from archery refresher skills through target shooting games and beginning bow hunting, gun safety including handling and basic shooting skills at Bald Mountain Gun Range (taught by NRA certified instructor), kayaking and fishing, animal identification and tracking, plant identification and edibles, land navigation, and a Survival Day finale. Prerequisite: Either taken our Basic Outdoor Survival Skill Camp or similar course. Maximum 10 registrants.

Resident: $100 Non-resident: $120

Congratulations to Laura St. Clair on her winning photo for our Walk and Win Photo Contest! This beautiful photo at Cranberry Lake won her a $100 gift card to Piechnik's Greenhouse!

Thank you to all who submitted photos and everyone who took the time to vote for a winner. We hope you enjoyed exploring our parks this spring and that you'll invite a friend next time and spread the word!

10 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Clean Water and Wildlife Habitat!

When I travel around Oakland Township, I appreciate peaceful scenes of rolling farm fields framed by forests

and wetlands. This rural feel with lots of open space and natural areas is what makes Oakland Township special

to many of us. Much of our township was farmed through the 1960s and 1970s, and those hardworking folks

shaped the land so that they could eat and make a living.

Unfortunately, clearing trees, straightening streams, draining wetlands, and plowing

on steep hills left a legacy that we’re still working to understand today. The

nutrients that feed the Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie algae blooms start right here on

our lawns and farm fields. The numbers of colorful migrating birds are crashing

because their stopover habitat, right here in Oakland Township, isn’t there when

they need it most after migrating from the Caribbean or South America. Not to

mention the declines in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators….

But the good news is that we know how to help, and we are restoring habitat in our

parks every year! In the township parks we’ve identified wetlands and steep areas in

certain areas of our farm fields that send nutrients and sediment downstream. We

worked with biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to map those areas

and develop a restoration plan that we hope to put into action start in early fall 2020

at Blue Heron Environmental Area, Watershed Ridge Park, and the Stony Creek

Ravine Nature Park expansion. Farming will continue in many of the fields at Blue

Heron and Watershed Ridge, but we are now farming smarter in these areas.

In wet areas we’ll focus on restoring how the water moves (hydrology). In the past,

farmers created ditches and drains to get the water off their fields quickly so that

they could grow crops. Our work will try to reverse that, slowing down the water,

allowing it to soak in. In some areas we will use low berms to re-create shallow pools perfect for migrating

ducks and shorebirds in the spring in fall. In other spots we will strategically plug ditches to slow down the

water.

The dry areas around the restored wetlands and nearby steep slopes will be planted

to a beautiful mix of native grasses and wildflowers. These native plants will hold

valuable soil and nutrients in place while providing food and homes for birds,

butterflies, and other insects. This transformation will occur slowly over three to

five years as the wildflower seedlings mature and begin to flower.

All of this work is supported by you through our Land Preservation Millage! We

leveraged our millage funds to secure $31,977 from the US Fish and Wildlife

Service through their Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, which covers some

seed costs, planting seed, and earthwork for wetland restoration. This is a cost-share

grant program, so we will contribute labor for site preparation, purchasing of

additional seed to supplement the base mix from US Fish and Wildlife Service to increase the diversity and

seeding rate, maintenance mowing during the establishment phase, and

invasive species control during the establishment phase of the plantings.

Stay tuned for updates as we work on these habitat restoration projects!

By: Dr. Ben VanderWeide, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager

Prairie restoration at Charles Ilsley Park that we completed

with a 2014 USFWS grant.

Muddy water runs from the farm fields into the wetlands at Watershed Ridge Park each spring. Our restoration work will help slow and filter that water, making the habitat healthier for the frogs, salamanders and other wildlife in our wetlands.

11 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Natural Areas Information at your Fingertips!

Have you checked out our blog recently? The Natural Areas Notebook has the latest about what’s happening in the parks, news about the latest stewardship work, and up-to-date information about stewardship events. Find this and much more at oaklandnaturalareas.com.

Natural Areas Stewardship Events Please come out and join us for one of these events! Updated information and any last minute changes

to these events can be found on our Natural Areas Notebook website at oaklandnaturalareas.com.

Weekly Bird Walks - Pre-registration Required

Join us every Wednesday through the end of August for our weekly bird walks. We want to document the bird species using our parks so that we can work to improve their habitat. Walks will start at 8:00 am. Bring your own binoculars. This summer, walks will be limited to 10 participants per walk, and pre-registration is required. Pre-register at https://

oaklandtownship.recdesk.com/. All participants will need to follow social distancing and other safety rules. Walks may be cancelled due to COVID-19.

1st Wednesday of month – Bear Creek Nature Park

2nd Wednesday of month – Cranberry Lake Park

3rd Wednesday of month – Charles Ilsley Park

4th Wednesday of month – Draper Twin Lake Park

5th Wednesday of July – Lost Lake Nature Park

Volunteers Needed!

Would you like to learn new skills, work with a great team, and get more involved in local conservation? Our natural areas stewardship volunteers help with bluebird nest box monitoring, native seed collecting, prescribed fire, invasive species control, photo monitoring, pollinator garden maintenance, outreach, and more! We fit opportunities to your availability and interests. No special skills required. We’ll provide all training and tools you’ll need. To learn more contact Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Ben VanderWeide (bvanderweide@oaklandtownship.org).

Invasive Shrub Workdays at Bear Creek Nature Park

July 11, July 27, and August 6, 9 am to 12 pm

We will be removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and autumn olive to help native species thrive in the northern marsh at Bear Creek Nature Park. Wear solid boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt and bring water and a snack. Tools and training will be provided. All workdays are 9 am to 12 pm. This summer workdays will be limited to 10 participants, and pre-registration is required. Please pre-register at oaklandtownship.recdesk.com. Meet at the Snell Road parking lot at 740 W. Snell Road.

Why remove invasive shrubs?

Buckthorn and autumn olive are invasive shrubs that threaten our natural resources. Leafing out earlier and holding their leaves longer, they out-compete native plants for nutrients, light and moisture, thus degrading wildlife habitat and changing soil hydrology. This displaces critical food chain components, especially for invertebrates in marshy areas.

More information may be found through the Oakland County CISMA group.

CommonBuckthorn1_517364_7; Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

12 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Natural Areas Stewardship Volunteers: Kathleen Dougher ty, Louise Har tung, Tom Korb, Cam Mannino, Laurie Peklo, Donna Perkins, Jon Reed, Stacey Smith,

Recreation Volunteers at Winter Carnival! Emily Barkham, Cathy Rooney, Hank Van Agen, Annalia Schoenherr

Support your local businesses. They will support you! Thank you to our local Oakland

Township Hungry Howie’s, 4930 Adams Road, for being a generous sponsor of Oakland Township Parks and Recreation’s annual Winter Carnival five years running. Hungry Howie’s store manager, Narune Phach, and his team provided free pizza to approximately 675 hungry festival goers throughout the event. We sincerely appreciate your continued support!

Thank You! Thanks to our

Volunteers and Donors!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

goo.gl/ZTP18N)

13 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Cranberry Lake Farm is open for your enjoyment, relaxation, and exercise. Walk the grounds and see the treasures on display with old implements, stone barbeques, picnic areas, and historic surroundings. Located at 388 West Predmore Road in northern Oakland Township. The sixteen acre historic district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and represents a rural farmstead’s evolution into a recreational retreat.

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Watch for the Plein Air painter’s sharing their creative talents from painting the landscapes at the farm. Watercolor of the Hen House and Hatchling House courtesy of Janet Almstadt-Davison.

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The Bee programs are on a temporary hold. There are bee swarms set up to attract the bees and when they are ready to capture, we will email anyone interested. Leave contact info bbarber@oaklandtownship.org.

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Calling all gardeners Friday June 26, 2020 11am to 12:30pm for a fun-filled program / tour learning about volunteer recruitment ideas for the farmstead. Our Farm is Your Farm, and your ideas will help us manage the community historical center to cherish for future generations. Cancelled if raining. Please RSVP to above contact information.

Cranberry Lake Farm—A historic park, at your fingertips—sanitized please!

Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District

A community historical center - work in progress for you. Come out to the farm! For more information contact the Historic District Commission office 248-608-6807

Check the website www.oaklandtownship.org or Facebook: Cranberry Lake Farm Historic District

Photo Credit of the Flumerfelt Barn by

Jennifer Hawley Photography on Facebook.

14 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

We know that the birds love Lost Lake and we know that the fish and the turtles do too. Have you ever

wondered what other interesting creatures and critters make Lost Lake their home? Let’s take just one

example…one of my absolute favorites from my childhood spent growing up with a pond in my backyard here

in Oakland Township…the water strider!

I have always been fascinated by these alien looking insects that so easily travers the surface of the water.

Some people think that water striders are spiders since they clearly share a similar body shape. Water striders

are actually true insects from the infraorder Gerromorpha. What makes this group of insects unique? They are

known as semiaquatic because they spend most of their days on the surface and shores of the water. What is

even more cool is how these insects get around. They are called ꞌskatersꞌ (ꞌslow walkers on surface filmꞌ for

those who want to be very specific) in that they can scoot across the surface of the water. How the heck do they

pull off this cool trick?

To understand how they walk on the water, we also have to understand the idea of

surface tension. While we may not think about it much, water does have a skin on top of

it that is created by the attraction of the molecules to each other – particularly where

exposed to air. You can observe this phenomenon by filling a glass full of water. Once

you think it is full, try slowly adding more and more water. Eventually you will see that

you can actually make the level of the water at the center of the glass higher than the

edge of the glass itself…the surface tension will keep the water from simply pouring

over the side of the glass. Cool eh? This tension provides a surface for our water strider

to successfully walk. Water striders have three pairs of legs. Their front and middle

legs are covered in water repellent velvety hairs. These hairs are

covered in tiny grooves that serve to trap air making strider buoyant. They use the air

trapped by their leg hairs to help keep them afloat on the surface of the water. Also

notice the shape of the strider with their long legs that stretch out around them. This

shape helps to spread their body weight out over a greater area. They are so efficient at

this trick that it has been estimated that they can support up to 15 times their body

weight and still say afloat! On the other hand, if their legs slip below the surface of the

water it can be very difficult for them to recover (remember that surface tension only

exists on the surface of the water).

Life for the water strider doesn’t start off this way though. Like other insects, the undergo a complex life cycle.

Courtship for water striders is not the most romantic of affairs. The male taps the surface

of the water…this tapping is attractive to predators. Why would the males do this? The

females have a protective shield that guards against mating…it is thought that she is

motivated to not use this shield and allow the male to mate so that he will stop the predator

attracting tapping. Definitely NOT material for a romance novel. Eggs are laid by the

female strider on the surface of rocks and emergent aquatic vegetation in and at the edge of

the water. After the eggs hatch the nymphs look like tiny versions of adults and will

undergo multiple rounds of this stage. Eventually they have a final molt and emerge as

mature adults capable of reproducing. The fancy term for all of this is ꞌincomplete metamorphosisꞌ.

Striding on the Surface

By: Sue M. Neal, Executive Director, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

Surface tension-paperclip floating; By Howard Perlman, USGS. Public domain.

Water Strider Molting; bugguide.net; Image © 2017 Kim Fleming

Water Striders Mating; wikiwand.com; Gerridae

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15 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Hungry water striders are efficient hunters. First, they move extremely fast. If you extrapolate their rate of

travel relative to their side, an adult male would have to swim at about 400 mph to match the speed of a strider.

They use their front legs to capture mosquito larvae and other insects that accidentally

fall in to the water. The struggling insects make ripples on the surface of the water that

the water strider senses and follows. They sometimes even respond in packs. The prey

are subdued and the water strider uses a hollow, straw-like mouthpart which pierces the

insect or larvae and sucks out all of the juicy nutrients. Striders are also food for

hungry birds which pluck them off the surface of the water but, oddly enough, fish

don’t them to be very appetizing!

Water striders play a key role in the ecosystem of many of our

ponds, vernal ponds and small lakes here in Oakland Township.

They keep mosquito populations in check, provide food for the birds and are super fun to

watch. Scientists are studying the composition of their legs to see if they can learn some

of the secrets of the water repellent nature of their hairy legs. These guys can even fly

(some generations are born with wings through a process known as polymorphism)

sometimes. This helps them find new ponds where they attracted by the reflective surface

of the water. That explains why you can find striders in some pretty surprising areas of

standing water. I hope that the next time you spot one of these fascinating critters that

you will stop and take some time to watch them as they speed around the surface of the

water. Lost Lake is one great place to observe these as well as many other cool pond

critters!

Check out the Nature Center Pond Dipping Open House on page 8 to get a fist hand look at all of the cool

things in the water at Lost Lake.

Here are a few good resources to learn more about water striders:

https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Water-

Striders

https://bugguide.net/node/view/163

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/build-a-water-strider

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikijunior:Bugs/Pondskater/Water_Strider

https://phys.org/news/2015-07-legs-striders-repel.html

http://soft-matter.seas.harvard.edu/index.php/

The_hydrodynamics_of_water_strider_locomotion

Striding on the Surface

By: Sue M. Neal, Executive Director, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

Water strider diagram by Sheri Amsel; www.exploringnature.org

Water Striders Eating Honeybee; wikiwand.com; Gerridae

Water Strider Group; wikiwand.com; Gerridae

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16 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

New Trail Signage Coming Soon

In 2018, the Paint Creek Trailways Commission received a $25,000 Iron Belle Trail mini-grant from the

Michigan Department of Natural Resources to update signage along the trail. Later this year, new gateway,

kiosk, and wayfinding signage will be added to the trail replacing signage that in some cases is over thirty years

old. The signs will include the trail’s newly redesigned logo as well as the Iron Belle Trail logo. The Paint Creek

Trail is part of the Iron Belle’s biking route, which travels up the east side of the state. The new kiosks will

include an updated map highlighting trail amenities, local points of interest, Iron Belle Trail connections, and

the new trail extension into downtown Lake Orion. The new signage is being fabricated by the Rochester Sign

Shop in downtown Rochester and will be installed this summer or early fall.

Paint Creek Trailways Commission Unveils New Logo

As part of the Iron Belle Trail mini-grant, the Commission worked with the Lansing-based consulting firm

Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc. to develop designs for the new trail signage as well as update its logo.

The new design is similar in concept to the previous logo but has a fresh modern aesthetic to it. As in its

previous iteration, the logo includes a cross-country skier, cyclist, equestrian, and hiker representing the diverse

users who enjoy the trail year-round. In the latest version, the cyclist is now seen carrying a fishing pole to

symbolize the many anglers who utilize the trail to access the Paint Creek. The new logo is intended to better

define the Paint Creek Trail’s brand, serve as an effective identity of the Trail, and to better promote the Trail’s

mission “to provide trail users a natural, scenic, and educational recreation experience while preserving the

ecological integrity of the Paint Creek Trail for the enjoyment of present and future generations”.

Paint Creek Trail News By Melissa Ford, Trail Manager manager@paintcreektrail.org

Thank you to the crews who worked so hard to remove downed trees on the trail after June 10 th storm!

facebook.com/PaintCreekTrail twitter.com/PaintCreekTrail PaintCreekTrail.org

17 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Join us for a scavenger hunt on the Paint Creek Trail - or even start in your own backyard.

Younger children can look for the simple items, older kids can dive into greater detail with

particular plants, animals or natural features. Remind kids to leave no trace, be sure to

leave treasures behind. Perhaps take photos of each item as you go.

By Color

□ Something brown

□ Something green

□ Something blue

□ Something yellow

□ Something red

By Touch

□ Something smooth

□ Something bumpy

□ Something slippery

□ Something prickly

□ Something fluffy

Things to Find

□ Little rock

□ Big rock

□ Pine Cone

□ Acorn

□ Bird’s nest

□ Bark

□ Leaf

□ Berry

□ Moss

Michigan Native Plants

□ Wildflowers

□ Prairie grass

□ Prairie flowers

□ Oak Trees

Michigan Animals

□ Deer

□ Owl

□ Snake

□ Frog

□ Turtle

□ Rabbit

□ Squirrel

□ Dragonfly

□ Butterfly

□ Robin

□ Cardinal

□ Fish

□ Animal Tracks

18 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Check out our new

interactive park map!

https://bit.ly/3g0GaRs

19 Parks and Recreation Newsletter July - August 2020 www.oaklandtownship.org

Oakland Township resident registration starts NOW! Non-resident registration begins one week prior to the program registration deadline date.

Registration Options:

1. Register online at https://oaklandtownship.recdesk.com with a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover). For Cash or Check see options 2 and 3.

2. Fill out the form below and both a program release of liability waiver and a COVID-19 waiver for each participant, and drop in the drop-box at Township Hall, (4393 Collins Rd.) or mail to address below at your convenience. (Two waivers are needed for each person and each program. Find liability waivers at www.oaklandtownship.org, go to Township Departments, click on Parks and Recreation, click on Programs and scroll to the waivers that you need in center of page.)

Make checks payable to “Oakland Township Parks and Recreation ” and include with registration form and both signed waivers for each participant and address to: Oakland Township Parks and Recreation, 4393 Collins Rd., Rochester, MI 48306

3. Visit us at our office location to register in person. Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover) Cash or Check. Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg. (2nd Floor) 4480 Orion Rd, Rochester, MI 48306 Office Hours: Monday –Friday 10am - 2pm

Adult’s Name:

Address:

City/Zip: Emergency phone:

Home Phone: Cell Phone:

E-Mail Address:

(Circle one): Oakland Twp. Resident Non-Resident

(You pay taxes & vote in Resident Community)

Enrollee’s Name: Age (if child):

Program Name: Date and Time:

Program Name: Date and Time:

Amount Due:

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Online Registration Available!

Additional registration forms and waivers are available to print from the park pages

at www.oaklandtownship.org

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation 4393 Collins Rd., Rochester, MI 48306

Online Registration Now Available!

Colin Choi, Chairman

Hank Van Agen, Vice Chairperson

Craig Blust, Treasurer

Emily Barkham, Secretary

Dan Bukowski, Commissioner

Cathy Rooney, Commissioner

Dan Simon, Commissioner

The Parks & Recreation Commission meets at 7 pm on the second Wednesday of every month in the Township Hall Boardroom. Please see www.oaklandtownship.org for meeting agendas and packets.

Office Hours and Location

Park permits, maps and descriptions are available at the Parks and Recreation Department office, located on the second floor of the Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road. Check Parks & Recreation page at www.oaklandtownship.org for office hours.

Commission Meetings

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

Parks and Recreation Commissioners

Parks and Recreation Director Melinda Milos-Dale Administrative Assistant Carol Kasprzak Clerical Assistant Deb Gallo Recreation Manager Becky McLogan

Recreation Program Assistant Julie Schoenherr Maintenance Foreman Doug Caruso Maintenance Technician Jeff Johnson Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Dr. Ben VanderWeide Stewardship Specialist Grant VanderLaan Maintenance and Recreation Staff Clif Selent, Robert Zbytowski

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Staff

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.