oakland township parks and recreation wins keep michigan ...€¦ · 5. no sledding allowed on...

Inside this issue:

Keep Michigan Beautiful 1

Lost Lake Sled Hill 1, 4

From The Director 2

What’s New in the Parks 2, 15

Winter Carnival 3

Nature Programs 5, 6

Cranberry Lake FarmKettles and Kames

7

Archery Programs 8, 9

Park Calendars10, 11,12

Stewardship 12, 13

Secret Lives of Birds 14, 15

Eagle Scout Thank YousPaint Creek Trail NewsSix Rivers RLC News

16

Help Wanted 17

Parks in Winter 18

Parks Map 19

Commissioners,Park Staff

20

The Mission of Oakland TownshipParks and Recreation Commissionis to provide a sustainable systemof parks, trails, programs,amenities, and services whichcreate memorable experiences anda sense of place, contributes to theeconomic value of the Townshipand preserves the historical andnatural heritage of the landscapesfor existing and futuregenerations.

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission NewsletterWinter & Spring 2014

Special points of interest:

Winter Carnival

Sled Hill

Nature Programs

Archery Programs

Cranberry Lake Farm

Stewardship

Paint Creek Trail

Parks In Winter

The sled hill will be open this winter whenever there is at least 4 inchesof snow accumulation and the ground is frozen. Please remember toalways check the Hotline, 248-651-4440, ext. 299, before you trek to thepark. We check the hill conditions daily and update the hotline everymorning. During the winter season, the park is only open when the sledhill is open and for Winter Carnival on February 8th. (See page 3.)Please remember to bring your own sleds, keep a safe distance fromothers when sledding, exit the bottom of the hill as quickly as possible,and to walk up the hill using the return trail.

Have fun, be safe, and respect your fellow sledders!

Winter Carnival

Page 3

Nature Programs

Pages 5 & 6

Archery Programs

Pages 8 & 9 The October 3rd Lost Lake Nature Park Grand Opening included awonderful award announcement from Marilyn Dulgerian, of KeepMichigan Beautiful Inc. (KMB)! This statewide organization recognizesbeautification and restoration projects throughout the state of Michigan.The kinds of projects that KMB considers for their awards must beexterior projects that involve environmental educational programs for

Oakland Township Parks and RecreationWins Keep Michigan Beautiful Award

Chairman Dave Mackley, Keep MichiganBeautiful President Cheri King,

Commissioner Colleen Barkham, andVice-Chairman Alice Tomboulian

children and adults. It is notsurprising that Keep MichiganBeautiful awarded OaklandTownship Parks andRecreation their secondhighest award, the MichiganPlaque, for the preservation ofthe scenic lake, wetlands andwoodlands at Lost Lake NaturePark and the opening of thenew nature center where weare already holding natureprograms. (See page 5.)

For more information about KMB, go tohttp://www.keepmichiganbeautiful.org/2013recipients.html#mi.

Lost Lake Nature Park Sled Hill!

2 Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2014

What’s New In The Parks

From the Director…

When you visit your Township parks thiswinter to hike, snowshoe, cross countryski, or sled, take a moment to reflect uponwhat that place means to you. Take adeep breath and close your eyes, listen tothe sounds of the natural world, smell thefresh air, feel the sun on your face, and thewind on your skin.

To protect these unique places and tokeep them healthy we need to share ourthoughts and feelings about them and tovolunteer to help manage them.

Park natural area volunteeropportunities will be available inSpring 2014! Ryan Colliton, ourStewardship Manager, will beleading programs to monitorbluebirds and hummingbirds andgrow woodland and prairie plants.(See page 13 for full details.)

Whether you are available to volunteer ornot, please support the preservation ofthese special areas by paying it forward:

Share these places with people you knowwho may not have been taught aboutnature

In the winter show a young one thesparkling snow crystals and make a snowangel

In the spring take them to a wetlandwhen the tiny spring peepers make adeafening call

In the summer take a hike to a standing,dead tree that is the feeding station ofthe pileated woodpecker

In the fall stare up into the tall oaks andpines that tower above.

Passing on our emotional connectionwith natural areas is where protectionbegins. If we do not stand up for naturalareas by passing their legacy onwardthrough sharing our love and respect forthem, natural areas will surely go away.

Mindy Milos-DaleParks and Recreation Directorand

Phyllis HigmanConservation Scientist

Six Township Parks Rezoned from Residentialto Recreation-Conservation Zoning!

After review by Oakland Township residents, the PlanningCommission and the Board of Trustees, the rezoning toRecreation-Conservation (R-C) was approved for Draper TwinLake Park, O’Connor Nature Park, Paint Creek Heritage Area– Fen, Stony Creek Ravine Nature Park, Watershed RidgePark and the Lost Lake Nature Park southern addition. Therezoning to R-C aligns the use of these parks with the zoningdistrict and clarifies their intended use. R-C zoning willregulate the use and improvement of these lands so as toprotect the parks’ natural features such as lakes, waterways,wetlands, and woodlands while providing recreationamenities.

Parking Lot Addition Proposed forMarsh View Park

In 2012 the Oakland Township Parks and RecreationCommission purchased a 5-acre parcel along Clarkston Road,adjacent to Marsh View Park, for the purpose of providingthat park with additional vehicular parking and recreationfacilities. The Commission has been working with a landscapearchitect and a civil engineer, Parks staff, Historic DistrictCommission and Historical Society representatives, CountyRoad Commission staff, and interested Township residents toanalyze site resources and to understand and provide for theneeds of park users and residents. Marsh View Park containssoccer fields, an archery range and a basketball court. Theaddition of a parking lot will enable the PRC to bettermaximize the use of these popular facilities.

(Continued on page 15)

Rising Phoenix Archery JOAD club, whose home base duringthe outdoor season is Oakland Township's Marsh View Park,

sent eight archers to three key archery tournaments thisseason and came home with nine medals! (See page 9.)

Parks and Recreation Newsletter Winter/Spring 2014 3

Scheduled Events

Saturday, February 8, 2014 11am-3pm

at scenic

Lost Lake Nature Park846 Lost Lake Trail

Snow or No Snow! The games must go on!

Ice Carvings

Come see Food Network Challenge

and Culinary Olympic Medalist

Chef Douglas St. Souver from

“Artisans in Culinary”

carve frosty works of art

before your eyes!

Nature Craft

Kids come and make a

pine cone bird feeder

inside the new nature center!

Master Magician!

1pm-1:45pm Strolling Magician

Thomas M. Plunkard will bring

magic tricks your way in

the open air!

2pm-3pm It’s Magic!

Award winning magician

Thomas M. Plunkard will delight

us with his magic tricks in our

warming shelter!

Snow Shoe Race

12pm-1pm

7 - 12 year olds use snow shoes

for a race to the finish!

Luge Snakes

12pm - 2pm

3 - 6 year olds play the Native

American Game judged by

distance the snake travels!

1st, 2nd, 3rd place medals

to the winners of all events!

Hockey Goal Shoot

12pm-1pm

All ages shoot the best to win!

Biathlon

1pm-3pm

Teens and adults compete in

combined snow shoe race and

archery target shoot!

All parking at Cranberry Lake Park

FREE parking and shuttle service from 10:30am-3:30pm

from Cranberry Lake Park, 388 West Predmore Road

(1/2 mile west of Rochester Road) to Lost Lake Nature Park.

Sponsored by Oakland Township Parks and Recreation

For more information call 248-651-7810

or visit www.oaklandtownship.org

Ongoing Events

11am - 3pm

Warm beverages

and snacks served

outside the warm-

ing shelter while

supplies

last!

Bundle up, grab your sled,

and head on over!

Sledding all day!No Registration required


Nature Center &

& Dock

Warming Shelter Open HoursWednesday nights 5pm - 9pm

Saturdays 1pm - 9pm

Sundays 10am - 5pm

January 20 - 10am - 5pm

(Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

February 17 - 10am - 5pm

(Presidents’ Day)

Every Wednesday & Saturday NightSledding Under The Lights!

Sled Hill Rules

1. Sledding is allowed in designatedareas only

2. No snowboarding or skiing

3. Maximum 2 persons per sled

4. Only walk up the hill using thedesignated return trail

5. No sledding allowed on returntrail

6. Children must be supervised by anadult

7. Glass bottles or containers areprohibited

8. Be sure the hill is clear beforeproceeding

9. No pets allowed in the activesledding area

10. No building of ramps, jumps, ormoguls

Call the hotline at 248-651-4440, ext. 299,for current conditions.

Must be 4 inches of packed snow onfrozen ground for hill to be open

Sled Hill HoursMondayTuesday

Thursday

Friday

Sunday

10am - 5pm

Wednesday andSaturday

10am - 9pm

Lost Lake Nature Park

846 Lost Lake Trail

Oakland, MI 48363

248-651-7810


Frozen Solid - After School Nature Nuts-K to 5th graders Tuesday, February 18, 2014 4:30-6:00pm

Lost Lake Nature Center (new!) 846 Lost Lake Trail

We will explore the world of ice and see how freezing temperatures change everything outdoors.Indoors we will go even colder as we paint with ice, do an icy craft, and experiment with dryice...brrr.

$3 resident; $5 non-resident Register by February 11th

Explore nature with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation

Winter/Spring 2014 Nature ProgramsWe 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, Discovery & American Express. Or mail a check to: 4393 Collins Rd., Rochester, MI 48306.

Our office is at the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call 248-651-7810 for more info.

Programs led by Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve naturalists, unless otherwise specified.

Winter Birds and Nests - Adults Sunday, February 9, 2014 1:30-3:00pm

Cranberry Lake Park 388 West Predmore Road

Enjoy an easy walk through the park to search for winter birds. We will also explorenests left behind from the past season to discover the different building techniquesand materials of the different birds. Indoors we will examine various bird nests andeggs and warm up with some hot chocolate.

$3 resident; $5 non-resident Register by January 31st

Extreme Sled Skee-ball - Teens-6th grade-17 years Friday, January 17, 2014 7:00-9:00pm

Lost Lake Nature Park Warming Shelter 846 Lost Lake Trail

Wicked fun is in store for us as the teens take over the sledding hill at Lost Lake Nature Park. Useunmanned sleds to take aim on your target as we experience skee-ball on a grand scale! We’ll also go sledding under thelights of the sledding hill and warm up over hot chocolate in the warming shelter. Bring your own sled or borrow one ofours (limited quantities).

Free to all participants! Register by January 10th

Winter Track Hunt and Snowshoe - Family-All Ages

Saturday, January 25, 2014 10:30am-12:00pm


We will examine many models of common Michigan animal tracks and make our very own track finder we can take outin the woods with us to help identify tracks. Outdoors we will take a fun walk through the woods as we search the parkfor signs of animals in winter...especially tracks! Weather permitting we will take our hike on snowshoes!

$3 resident; $5 non-resident $12 max per family resident; $20 non-resident Register by January 17th

Nature Through Our Senses: Textures of Winter - Preschool Park Pals (3-5 years)Thursday, February 13, 2014 11:00am-12:30pm


All year long our Park Pals will be using their senses to explore nature. In the winter season we will useour sense of touch to explore the amazing textures of nature. Feel your way through the woods and ex-plore. We’ll even make our own nature touch book and a few bark rubbings to take home.

$3 per child resident; $5 non-resident Register by February 6th


Monster Maples - Family-All Ages Sunday, March 16, 2014 2 sessions! 11:00am-1:00pm or 1:00-2:30pm

Cranberry Lake Park-Historic Main House 388 West Predmore Road

Visit the monster maples at Cranberry Lake Park. Inside we we’ll learn a bit about the tools, techniquesand history of maple sugaring. Outside we’ll learn how to identify maple trees and learn how to tap a tree.Warm up inside again as we learn how to boil sap down to syrup, do some taste testing and have a maplethemed snack. Each participating family will get to take home a tapping kit of their own with the basicsupplies needed to tap their own tree. Dress for the weather-wear waterproof warm boots.

$3 resident; $5 non-resident $12 max per family resident; $20 non-resident Register by March 8th

Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk - Adults Sunday, May 11, 2014 2:00-3:30pm

Blue Heron Environmental Area 3320 North Rochester Road

May is an excellent time to view both early and late spring flowers. During the first few days of May their bloom timesoverlap and woodland areas are spectacular. Join us for this leisurely walk through the Blue Heron EnvironmentalArea. Among the many wildflowers we hope to see are spring cress, spring beauty, squawroot, white and yellow troutlily, bishop’s cap, foam flower, trillium and wood anemone.

Free to all mothers and all residents; $3 non-resident Register by May 2nd

Prairie Garden - Adults Saturday, May 17, 2014 1:00-2:30pm

Cranberry Lake Park-Historic Greenhouse 388 West Predmore Road

Led by Ryan Colliton, Stewardship Manager, Oakland Township Parks

Learn how to collect, store and propagate native plant seed. Participants will visit the green house where native plantsare grown and learn about specific species and their propagation methods. At the end of the program participants willbe allowed to take some of the native stock home to enhance or start their own native gardens.

Free to all participants! Register by May 12th

Residents may register immediately by mailing this form and payment before the deadline dates listed to:

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation, 4393 Collins Road, Rochester, MI 48306

Non–resident registration begins two weeks before the registration deadline of each program.

Name Daytime Phone

Address

Program Title/Date

Participants Names and Ages

Email

Total fee enclosedMake checks payable to: Charter Township of Oakland

Explore nature with Oakland Township Parks and Recreation

Winter/Spring 2014 Nature ProgramsWe 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, Discovery & American Express. Or mail a check to: 4393 Collins Rd., Rochester, MI 48306.

Our office is at the Paint Creek Cider Mill Bldg., 4480 Orion Rd, 2nd floor, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call 248-651-7810 for more info.

Programs led by Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve naturalists, unless otherwise specified.


HISTORIC HOUSE PARTY IN THE HISTORIC DISTRICT!

Friday, March 28, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This fun, after school class is interesting for ages 8-13.Tour the historic buildings; learn about farming history, farming tools, farm implements, buildingstructures, and how important farming was for survival. Class location Cranberry Lake Farm, 388 WestPredmore Road, Oakland Township. For more program information, please visitwww.oaklandtownship.org, go to the Historic District Commission (HDC) page. Limited to 30participants.

$3 fee for Resident and $5 for non-resident. Please pay at the HDC office located in the Paint Creek Millbuilding, 4480 Orion Road. Questions? Call Barb Barber 248-603-6807 or [email protected].

CRANBERRY LAKE FARMHISTORIC DISTRICT

OAKLANDTOWNSHIP

388 W. Predmore Rd

Kettle and Kame at Lost Lake - Oh My!

The presentation by conservation scientist Phyllis Higman was a highlight of the well-attended Lost LakeNature Park Grand Opening ceremony.

Park visitors will certainly view the lake and sled hill in a new light after hearing Phyllis’ explanation ofhow they were formed 10,000 years ago when a mile-high glacier receded; stopping and starting as thetemperature cooled and warmed. Chunks of ice broke off and got buried by sediments deposited by theretreating glacier. Because they were buried, they didn’t melt as quickly as the ice sheets on top and theseburied chunks of ice formed depressions in the landscape. When they finally melted in the depressions,they formed lakes that we now call kettles (kettle lakes or kettle hole lakes).

When the glacier receded there were also melt waters that carried mounds of sediments into air pocketswithin the chaotic glacier front. These mounds of sediment were deposited and remained on the land-scape as hills which we now call kames. If you were to drill through these mounds, you would find thesediments to be roughly sorted by size.

Oakland Township has awesome kettle and kame topography, as exemplified by Lost Lake Nature Park’skettle lake and sled hill kame. Come check out these wonders of geology this winter!

October 3rd, 2013 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Lost Lake Nature Park Grand OpeningCurrent and former Parks and Recreation Commissioners and staff joined by members of the

Board of Trustees, Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve and Oakland County Parks


BEGINNING ARCHERY - ALL AGES (Ages 8 - Adult)

Learn the fundamentals of archery while you review equipment, learn about safety, learn basic shootingskills and have fun!

All equipment provided. 6 week class. Minimum 13/Maximum 20 students per class.

Resident fee: $60 Non-Resident fee: $77

Fridays 5/02/14 - 6/13/14 no class 5/23/14 6:00 - 7:30pm

Saturdays 5/03/14 - 6/14/14 no class 5/24-14 1:00 - 2:30pm

BEGINNING SENIOR ARCHERY - ADULTS (Ages 50+)

Learn the fundamentals of archery while you review equipment, learn about safety, learn basic shootingskills & have fun!

A perfect foundation for training to participate in the Michigan Senior Olympics! All equipment provided. 6week class.

Minimum 10/Maximum 20 students per class.

Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Twp Seniors: $60 Non-Resident fee: $77


INTERMEDIATE ARCHERY - ALL AGES (Ages 8 - Adult)

This class is for archers who have taken Beginning Archery and archers with some experience. Focus will beon improving your archery form and accuracy. All equipment provided or archers may use their own equip-ment. No crossbows. 6 week class.

Minimum 13/Maximum 20 students per class.

Resident fee: $60 Non-Resident fee: $77

Saturdays 5/03/14 - 6/14/14 no class 5/24/14 10:00 - 11:30am

INTRODUCTION TO ARCHERY - ALL AGES (Ages 8 - Adult)

This is a “Taste of Archery” class. This class will give all participants a brief introduction to Target Archeryusing a compound bow. If you love it, take one of our beginner courses. All equipment provided. Partici-pants can choose from any of the following classes. 1 class only. Minimum 5/Maximum 20 students perclass.

Resident fee: $15 per person Non-Resident fee: $20 per person

Saturdays 5/03/14 or 5/10/14 or 5/17/14 or 5/31/14 or 6/7/14 or 6/14/14 2:45 - 4:15pm

Sundays 5/04/14 or 5/11/14 or 5/18/14 or 6/01/14 or 6/8/14 or 6/15/14 2:00 - 3:30pm

Wednesdays 5/07/14 or 5/14/14 or 5/21/14 or 5/28/14 or 6/4/14 or 6/11/14 6:00 - 7:30pm

Want to learn how to shoot an arrow like The Hunger Games bow-slinging heroineKatniss EverDeen ? Marsh View Park's USA Archery certified instructors BrandonWright, Devon Boling and Clif Selent will teach you the safe and proper way to draw abow and shoot an arrow, and focus on the target. Discover Archery for yourself byregistering for one of our All Ages Archery programs now and learn to hit your mark! Instructor Devon Boling

Photo by Scott Orser

Oakland Township Parks and RecreationSpring 2014 Archery OfferingsResident registration open NOW, non-resident begins April 14th.

Deadline for paid registration is April 25th.To register call 248-651-7810 or visit us at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Township, M-F 8am-4:30pm.

We accept cash, checks, MasterCard, Discovery & American Express.Please send checks to: 4393 Collins Road, Rochester, MI, 48306 when mailing in payment.

USA Archery certified instructors.Marsh View Park Archery Range, 3100 Clarkston Road., Oakland , MI 48363. (NW corner of Clarkston & Adams Roads.)


Rising Phoenix Archery JOAD clubwhose home base during the outdoor season is Oakland Township's Marsh View Park, sent eight archers

to three key archery tournaments this season and came home with nine medals!

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-participants sign a waiver. Bring your own equipment or use ours on firstcome-first serve basis. No broadheads or crossbows allowed. Children between 8 and 17 years of agemust be accompanied by an adult.


Saturdays 5/03/14 - 6/14/14 no class 5/24/14 8:45 - 9:45am and 11:45am - 12:45pm

Sundays 5/04/14 - 6/15/14 no class 5/25/14 3:45 - 5:00pm

JUNIOR OLYMPIC ARCHERY DEVELOPMENT (JOAD Ages 8 - 20) &ADULT ARCHERY PROGRAM (Ages 21+)

Archers who have completed both Beginning and Intermediate Archery courses can join our JOAD Club orAdult Archery Program to begin working on advancing their archery techniques. Both JOAD and the AdultArchery Program is a logical “next step” for archers pursuing this lifetime sport. In addition to receivingclear instruction and coaching via our National Training System, membership in an archery club or pro-gram provides unique benefits including the opportunity to compete and earn awards, make new friends,build self-confidence, learn team building skills and is a great upper body work out! In collabo-ration with Rising Phoenix Archery. USA Archery sanctioned club.

Resident fee: $60 Individual/$130 Family (up to 4 participants)Non-Resident fee: $75 Individual/$150 Family (up to 4 participants)

Tuesdays 5/06/14 - 6/10/14 6:30 - 8:00pm

JOAD and Adult Archery Program registrations are through Brandon Wright at586-770-1859 or [email protected]

SCOUT BADGE WORKSHOPS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES & CORPORATE EVENTS

Marsh View Park Archery Range can be reserved for a workshop designed to help Scouts earn a merit badgein Archery, or for your child’s birthday party or even a corporate team-building event. Please contact theParks and Recreation office at 248-651-7810 with reservation date preference and to confirm instructoravailability.

Resident fee: $150 for one and a half hour sessionNon-resident: $200 for one and a half hour sessionScout fee to be determined.

State Outdoor Championships

Gold – Yeoman/Female/Compound Trisha WrightSilver – Bowman/Male/Compound Travis WrightBronze – Bowman/Male/Compound Caleb Knee

Meijer State Games Results

Silver – Bowman/Male/Compound Travis WrightBronze – Bowman/Male/Compound AJ LaRocheSilver – Yeoman/Female/Compound Trisha WrightBronze- Cub/Male/Compound Quinten Farrar

Sign up for Marsh View Park's Rising Phoenix Archery JOAD club this seasonand you too could be a medal winner!!

Michigan State University Fall Classic

Silver – Bowman/Male/Compound Caleb KneeBronze – Bowman/Male/Compound Travis WrightHonorable Mention:

4th – Bowman/Female/Compound Brianna Knee(Posted Personal Best!)4th – Cub/Male/Compound Aaron Fryzel (Firsttournament)Jack Jamerino Posted personal best and broke1,000pts in first tournament.

JOAD Archery Tournament Winners


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31

New Year’s Eve

Office Closed

1

New Year’s

Day Office

Closed

2 3 4

5 6 7 8

7pm-PRC

Mtg.- MTH

9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 7pm-

Extreme Skee

Ball-LNNP

18

19 20

MLK Day

Office Closed

21 22 23

6:30pm

SRRLC

Reception

24 25 10:30am

Winter Track/

Snowshoe

LLNC

26 27 28 29 30 31

January 2014

Oakland Township Park ActivitiesRegistration is required for all programs (except Winter Carnival).

1- New Year’s DayOffice Closed

8- 7pm PRC MeetingMain Township Hall

17- 7pm Extreme SkeeBall-LLNP WarmingShelter

20- Martin Luther KingDay-Office Closed

23- 6:30pm SRRLCReceptionBirmingham

25- 10:30am WinterTrack/ SnowshoeLLNC

8- 11am-3pm LLNPWinter Carnival

9- 1:30pm Winter Birds andNests CLP

12- 7pm PRC MeetingMain Township Hall

13- 11am Nature ThroughOur Senses LLNC

14- Valentine’s DaySRRLC Photo ContestDeadline

17- Presidents’ DayOffice Closed

18- 4:30pm Frozen SolidLLNC


1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11am

Winter

Carnival

LLNP

9

1:30pm

Winter

Birds/Nests

CLP

10 11 12

7pm-PRC Mtg.

MTH

13

11am Nature

through Our

Senses LLNC

14 Valentine’s

Day

SRRLC Photo

Contest

Deadline

15

16 17

Presidents’

Day

Office Closed

18

4:30pm

Frozen Solid

LLNC

19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28

February 2014


3- 10am-StewardshipOrientation Mtg. ForBluebird Boxes pg. 13PCCM

12- 7pm PRC Mtg.Main Township Hall

16- Monster Maples11am-1pm or1pm-2:30pmCLP Main house

17- St. Patrick’s Day

28- 4pm House PartyCLF

31- 10am-StewardshipOrientation Mtg. forHummingbirdFeeders pg.13PCCM

1- April Fool’s Day

9- 7pm PRC Mtg.MTH

18- Good FridayOffice Closed

20- Easter

22- 9am Earth DayStewardship Hike


March 30 March 31

10am

Hummingbirds

PCCM

1

2 3 10am

Bluebird

Nestboxes

PCCM

4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

7pm-PRC

Mtg. MTH

13 14 15

16 Monster

Maples CLF

11-1 or 1-2:30

17

St. Patrick’s

Day

18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28

4pm House

Party CLF

29

March 2014

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-GallagherCreek Park, LLNC-Lost Lake Nature Center, LLNP-Lost Lake Nature Park, MTH-Main Township Hall, MVP-Marsh View Park,MVC-Marsh View Connector, MRT-Mill Race Trail, OCP-Oakland County Parks, OT-Oakland Township, OTPS-Oakland TownshipParks 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 RecreationCommission, SCRNP-Stony Creek Ravine Nature Park, WRP-Watershed Ridge Park


1

April Fool’s

Day

2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9

7pm-PRC

Mtg. MTH

10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18

Good Friday

Office Closed

19

20

Easter

21 22 Earth Day

9am

Stewardship

Hike

23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

April 2014


In the summer of 2013 Oakland Township Parks and Recreation collaborated with the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) to help combat the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB). We providedharvest sites of young uninfected ash trees for use in the propagation of EAB biological control agents.Biological control agents, or bio-control agents, are typically insects from a pest’s home range that are usedto combat the spread of the undesired species. The hope is that this bio-control agent will allow ash treesto survive to maturity and restore the populations of this ecologically important tree in Oakland Township.As a participant in this program Oakland Township receives these biological control agents free of charge.

1- PCT CrawlRegistrationBegins

11- 2pm Mother’s DayWalk BHEA

14- 7pm PRC Mtg.MTH

17- 1pm PrairieGarden CLP

26- Memorial DayOffice Closed

Archery

Programs

See pages 8 & 9


1 PCT Crawl

Registration

Begins

2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 2pm-

Mother’s Day

Walk BHEA

12 13 14

7pm PRC

Mtg. MTH

15 16 17 1pm-

Prairie Garden

CLP

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 Memorial

Day

Office Closed

27 28 29 30 31

May 2014

Background

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service(APHIS) and Forest Service initiated a bio-controleffort shortly after the EAB beetle was detected inMichigan in 2002.

The EAB has since been identified throughout thestate and in 22 other states as well as 2 Canadianprovidences resulting in the loss of millions of ecol-ogically and economically important ash trees.

Exploration in China has identified three potentialbiological control agents.

Following testing in China and the United States, anEnvironmental Assessment was prepared outliningthe risks and benefits of the bio-control release.

The State of Michigan approved the release of thebiological control agents in July of 2007.

The bio-control production facility is dedicated to themass rearing of these three EAB parasitoid wasps.

These wasps are stingless, very small insects thatfeed on the emerald ash borer beetle egg and larvae.The wasps cannot sting humans or pets and pose norisk to human health.

Oakland Township Parks Release

In September approximately 500 were released inthe Bear Creek Nature Park.

The female lays eggs inside EAB larvae, eventuallykilling their host.

Because of its short ovipositor, wasp target larvae insmaller diameter (< 5 inches) ash trees and in theuppermost branches of larger trees where the barkis thin.

USDA continues to research and support biologicalcontrol of EAB as a long-term strategy in the UnitedStates. Thus far this year, wasps were released in 17States.

The next park scheduled to receive these biologicalcontrol agents is Blue Heron Environmental Area.

It’s A Bug Eat Bug World! By Ryan Colliton, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager

EAB actual sizeUSDA


Bluebird Box Maintenance andMonitoring (March through October)

Attend orientation meeting March 3rd,10a.m. at Paint Creek Cider Mill.Monitor bluebird breeding success and

maintain boxes for each clutch of offspring. Providebiological data to Parks and Recreation staffincluding number of hatchlings and survivorship.

Hummingbird Feeders Maintenance andMonitoring (April through October)

Attend orientation meeting March 31st, 10a.m. at Paint Creek Cider Mill. Maintain andmonitor hummingbird feeders. Assess the use offeeders by hummingbirds and provide data to Parksand Recreation staff.

Garlic Mustard Control (April through June)

Attend garlic mustard control day at selectparks including Lost Lake, Blue Heron, Stony CreekRavine, Bear Creek, Cranberry Lake, Charles Ilsley,and Paint Creek Heritage Area. Volunteers will bejoined by stewardship technicians to combat thisinvasive plant. Location and days will be posted onthe Parks and Recreation website.

Native Flower Gardens (April through October)

Parks and Recreation maintains three nativeflower beds at the Paint Creek Cider Mill, Bear CreekNature Park, and Gunn Rd. bridge on the PaintCreek Trail. Volunteers will be responsible forupkeep and design of beds. These beds serve several

purposes including acting as a source of native seed,an educational tool, and beautification.

Plant Propagation (May through October)

Collect seed and research propagationtechniques for spring ephemerals and savanna/prairie species. Maintain watering, weeding, andhealth. Plant mature specimens in selected naturalareas.

Wanted: Natural Areas Stewardship Volunteers!Oakland Township Parks and Recreation will be revamping its natural areas volunteer program in 2014. Ifyou are interested in volunteering, now is the time to sign-up! Volunteer groups will start as early asMarch and run through the fall. Below is a calendar of volunteer opportunities. If you see something thatinterests you, please contact Natural Areas Stewardship Manager, Ryan J. Colliton, at 248-651-7810 [email protected] and leave your contact information, your program of interest, and youravailability. We look forward to seeing you in the field and getting hands on with nature!

Earth Day Hike FREE!Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 9am-1pmMeet at the Paint Creek Cider Mill and carpool.Max 20/Min 5; Registration required.

Celebrate Earth Day by exploring some of theMidwest’s most unique habitat types right here inOakland Township. Meet at the Paint Creek CiderMill and travel to up to four parks. Participantsneed their own transportation; car pooling isrecommended. We will discuss the geologicalhistory, historic natural communities, and thecurrent state of affairs. Participants will gainknowledge of native plants, animals, currentrestoration activities, and get a lot of fresh air andexercise.


Wander among the trails in virtually any OaklandTownship park during the winter season and youwill have the opportunity to view a world that isnormally hidden. As the trees shed their leaves, thebird nests that have been hidden all summersuddenly become easy to observe. It may be a smallnest right at eye level that you have walked pastcountless times all year or a large nest occupyingthe very highest crux of a grand old oak. Bird neststell a fascinating story of the life that occupies ourparks in the summer...and when the trees are bareyou have the rare opportunity to examine themclose-up without disturbing the occupants! I loveto walk the parks in the winter to investigate thebird nests…it is such an incredible opportunity tosee into the secret lives of birds. I am often amazedat the construction skills of each different species…the diversity in technique, material and overallshape…and the incorporation of some amazing(and at times, amusing) items into their nests.

Bird nests are thestructuresconstructed bybirds for thepurposes ofprotecting andincubating eggs andrearing younghatchlings. Birdsdo not “live” in theirnests. Commonly a

bird will use the nest once during breeding seasonand then build a new nest for the next nesting cycle.There are of course exceptions to this and it is fairlycommon for birds to “recycle” building material bytearing apart old nests. Other birds never bother tobuild their own nests and instead “steal” an old nestconstructed by another species. With an incrediblevariety in nests, from the actual materials used toconstruct the nest, to the shape and size, themethod of nest construction and the location, thediversity is almost endless. The characteristics ofthe nest will also often give you additional insightinto the behavior and “private lives” of the birds.There is something interesting to be learned from

Among the Secret Lives of Birds

the nest of just about every bird in OaklandTownship!

Red-wingedBlackbirds, forexample, are acommon sight atseveral OT parks.Their nests are easyto find because theyare located closer tothe ground amongthe cattails, grasses,alders and willowbushes. Their nestsare basket shaped,having been artfully woven from grasses,sedges and mosses that the female collects.The nest is then lined with mud. The entirenest is built solely by the female over thecourse of three to six days. Strolling through aTownship park in the winter will surely yieldmultiple Red-winged Blackbird nests toobserve.

By Sue Neal, Executive Director

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

At the other end of the spectrum in terms ofease of locating is the nest of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Their nests are veryhard to locate as they are tiny in size and oftenperched in deciduous trees 10-40 feet abovethe ground. Their nests are also very wellcamouflaged. Though small in size their nestsare no less amazing in their construction. Thetiny hummingbirds collect bud scales off the

Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest

Photo: Bill Hilton Jr.

Red-winged Blackbird nest

Photo: yorkccd.org

Red-winged Blackbird

Photo by Vidular

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Photo: Michael Hogan

“ If you see a hummingbird in the spring hoveringaround the eaves of your home it is likely that it has

come there to collect some webs for building…”


trees as well as lichen. These buildingmaterials are then bound together using silkstrands that have been collected from spiderwebs! If you see a hummingbird in the springhovering around the eaves of your home it islikely that it has come there to collect somewebs for building. The nests are then linedwith down from plants such as dandelion orthistle and/or animal hair. They will return tooccupy the same nest each year, sometimes forseveral years running…though they do a littlerenovation and home repair each spring tokeep their nests in good shape.

Not all birds create traditional nests andinstead roost in other places.The Downy Woodpecker iscommonly seen cavortingamong the dead trees in theforested wetlands at severalTownship parks. The DownyWoodpeckers nest in cavitiesthat they create in trees. Thecavities are excavated by thesesmall woodpeckers over aperiod of about 10-12 daysand a brand new nest iscreated each and every year.

The birds will actually build several cavities toprovide for their roosting needs during thebreeding season. You see, the male is responsiblefor caring for the young at night so they will buildan additional cavity nearby that the female can usefor her nighttime “get away” - an additional cavitythat can be used as an alternate roost in case theoriginal nesting cavity is discovered or threatened -and possibly even a third cavity to use as a privateresidence for the juveniles once they are oldenough.

Downy Woodpecker nest

Plate: Ohio Historical Society

Barn Swallow nestlings in nest

Photo: dwellinintheword.files.wordpress.com

The parking concept plan studies have been the subject of review and comment at regular Commissionmeetings this year. The current plan proposes a 70-space parking lot and trail connections to the existingathletic fields and archery range. Future ideas for the 5-acre parcel include the expansion of the parkinglot, tennis courts, a playground, and a trail connection between Clarkston and Stony Creek Roads. Theconcept plan is available for review on the Parks and Recreation Commission page of the Townshipwebsite: http://www.oaklandtownship.org. Your comments regarding the plan can be shared with theCommission at their regular meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm at theOakland Township Hall or via email to [email protected]. For more information pleasecontact the Parks and Recreation Director at 248-651-7810.

Parking Lot Addition Proposed (Continued from page 2)

From the adobe-like mud nests of the BarnSwallow to the large double-walled nest of the Crowyou could spend a lifetime learning about andobserving the nests of the birds in just one townshippark. Consider taking a walk through the parks thiswinter for your chance to get a glimpse into all theactivity that has taken place under the cover ofleaves in the spring. You may find that a good pairof binoculars and a quality field guide might add toyour experience. If you would like to learn aboutbird nests of the Township parks and take a walkwith a naturalist to observe some first-hand,consider participating in one of the upcomingnature programs. (See pages 5 and 6.) You mayalso sign up as a volunteer nestbox monitor throughStewardship. (See page 13.)

Photo: Francesco Tomasinelli

and Emanuel Biggi

Thistle down

Photo: sugarmtnfarm.com

Examples of some types of nesting materials.

What’s New In The Parks


Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy NewsBy Danielle Devlin, Land Protection Director

"Nature Near You!" Photo Contest

Help us see and celebrate our natural heritage—enter the Six Rivers Land Conservancy Second

Annual photo contest! Cash prizes and NEW thisyear: a Junior category for ages 13-24! A great

reason to get outside and experienceNature Near You!

Photo submissions will be accepted throughFebruary 14, 2014. Photos must be of subjects or

scenes within the Six Rivers’ service area — Oakland,Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer and St. Clair Counties.

Contest rules are available at www.sixriversrlc.org.

Judges’ Reception &Preview Party in January

To celebrate our esteemed panel of five judgesparticipating in the Nature Near You! photo contest,Six Rivers is proud to announce a Judges’ Reception

and Preview Party January 23, 2014 at the newBoConcept Birmingham Danish Furniture store.

Art pieces donated by the Judges will be available bysilent auction at the event.

BoConcept & Six Rivers Judges’ Receptionat 670 S. Old Woodward Ave in Birmingham.

Thursday, January 23, 2014, 6:30 pmCheck online or call our office for details at

(248)601-2816.

To be guaranteed an event T-shirt, you mustpreregister by May 22, 2014.

You can register online athttp://www.paintcreektrailfriends.org from May 1 – June 4, 2014.

Paint Creek Trail NewsBy Kristen Myers, Trail Manager

4th Annual Paint Creek Crawl – June 7, 2014

Mark your calendars! On June 7, 2014, the Paint Creek Trail willcelebrate its 17th annual National Trails Day with our fourth annual PaintCreek Crawl Cycling Event! Join us for a 20 mile round-trip ride on thePaint Creek Trail. Participants will be entered into a Grand Prize drawingfor a $500 gift card to a local bike shop. All proceeds to benefit PaintCreek Trail improvements. Cost is $25/individual until May 22, $30/individual thereafter.

Mitchell Collins of Troop #60 recently completed theconstruction and installation of weatherproof cedarmap boxes at Bear Creek Nature Park, Cranberry LakePark, Lost Lake Nature Park, Marsh View Park andDraper Twin Lake Park. Thank you Mitchell for keep-ing our parks information high and dry!

Jack Angus of Troop #297 led the construction andinstallation of 150 linear feet of wooden boardwalk atthe north end of Cranberry Lake Park. These newboardwalks will keep the feet of walkers and runnersdry and will prevent bicyclists from sinking into satu-rated soils. Thank you Jack for keeping our park usershigh and dry!

New map box at

Draper Twin Lake Park.

New boardwalk at

Cranberry Lake Park.

Thank you Eagle Scout Candidates!


Level 2 USA Certified Archery Instructor (s)Marsh View Park Archery Range

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation is actively seeking to contract with Certified ArcheryInstructors to lead Beginning and Intermediate Archery classes for the coming 2014 spring,summer, and fall sessions. Additional opportunities to facilitate scout workshops, birthdayparties, corporate events, open range shoots and J.O.A.D. Club development if desired. See 2014archery class offerings on pages 8 & 9.

Required Education and Experience:

Current Level 2 USA Certified Archery Instructor Training or higher. CurrentUSA Archery Club Member eligible for Member Insurance Coverage. CurrentNational Red Cross First Aid and CPR training. Two years experience in teachingBeginning and/or Intermediate Archery. References for teaching experiencerequired.

Instructors are paid $25 per class hour.

We are excited to begin our third season this coming spring. As the first public archery range inthe Township, this community archery park is integral to the development of archery programsacross Oakland County. The beginner range caters to children, students, organized groups, andfamilies wishing to practice and develop their archery skills. The range includes 10 universallyaccessible shooting lanes as well as a universally accessible observation and staging area. TheParks and Recreation Department has acquired archery equipment and targets that will beavailable for participants to use in Township archery programs.

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation

HELP WANTEDResume´s are being accepted now until positions are filled.

Full details at the Parks and Recreation page of the Township website:

www.oaklandtownship.org

Full Time SeasonalMaintenance Technician

for the Oakland Township Parks andRecreation facilities. This position’s duties areto perform custodial, maintenance, and repairactivities. The full time seasonal maintenancetechnician will be directly supervised by theParks Maintenance Foreman which isresponsible for approximately 1100 acres ofpark land and recreation facilities as well asthe Oakland Township portion of the PaintCreek Trailway.

Applicants must be a high school graduate orhave a GED and a minimum of two yearsworking knowledge of facilities and groundsmaintenance, willingness and ability to work aflexible schedule including occasional eveningsand weekends.

Full Time SeasonalLand Stewardship Technicians

for the management of parks’ natural areasunder the direction of the Natural AreasStewardship Manager. Tasks may includespecies monitoring, invasive species control,prescribed burning, and assisting on volunteerstewardship workdays. Requires cooperationwith PRC staff, partner organizations,volunteers, and the general public.

Applicants should be working towards a degreein conservation biology, ecology, naturalresources management or related field.Knowledge of natural systems; GIS; GPS; MS

Office preferred. Willingness and ability towork a flexible schedule including occasionalevenings and weekends required.


Oakland Township ParksGet outdoors and explore our winter wonderland!

Be safe, stay warm and have fun!!

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

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

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

Bundle up and head out to one of your favorite parks this season. These natural jewels providegreat opportunities for you to get off the couch and burn some calories this winter!! Best of all,they’re just minutes away, easy to find and FREE!! In addition to enhancing yourcardiovascular workouts, winter is without a doubt the best time to observe tracks and animalsigns in the snow; a pastime that changes with each new snowfall. One excellent book to helpin that pursuit is Tracking and The Art of Seeing by Paul Rezendes.

Draper Twin Lake Park — This 90-acre park offers a level trail system in theeast meadow area ~ great for a vigorous cross-country ski or snowshoe workout!Park near the maintenance garage at 1181 Inwood. If you prefer a more tranquilouting, try some tracking or nature photography along the lake trail, accessed fromthe main parking lot just northeast of the Hadden and Inwood Roads intersection.

Lost Lake Nature Park — This 57-acre park is nestled away at 846 Lost Lake Trailon the south side of Predmore between Kline and Rochester Roads. The park comesalive February 8th for Winter Carnival. (See page 3.) Sign the kids up for aprogram in the new Nature Center! (See page 5.) Wild turkey like this park for winterroosting — try spotting them while hiking or snowshoeing the primitive trail. Pleasenote that dogs are not permitted in the sledding area or on the sled hill.Call 248-651-4440, ext. 299, for sled hill conditions.

Cranberry Lake Park — This 213-acre park is perfect for cross-country skiing withgentle hills, meadows, red maple swamps and thickets full of birds and rabbits. Keepyour eyes open for eastern bluebirds and soaring red-tailed hawks. Parking and aportable toilet are located at 388 West Predmore Road. The historic farmstead is opento the public during scheduled programs and events such as Winter Birds and Nests orMonster Maples. (See pages 5 & 6.)

Charles Ilsley Park — The rolling hills at this 120-acre park provide the perfect settingfor quiet cross-country skiing. Enjoy the solitude of the wide-open fields and picturesquefence-row oaks. Look for coyote tracks or a flock of turkey at the woods’ edge! Parking isavailable on the north side of Predmore, between Rush and Dequindre Roads.

Portable restrooms are available at Cranberry Lake Park and Lost Lake Nature Park during the winter months.

Parks and Recreation Director Mindy Milos-Dale

Recreation Manager Becky McLogan

Administrative Assistant Carol Kasprzak

Clerical Assistant Deb Gallo

Maintenance Foreman Doug Caruso

Maintenance Technician Roger Smith

Maintenance Technician/Archery InstructorClif Selent

Natural Areas Stewardship ManagerRyan Colliton

Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Staff

The Parks & Recreation Commissionmeets at 7 pm on the second Wednesdayof every month. Normal office hours arefrom 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday throughFriday. Due to limited staff size and fieldwork requirements, we recommendcalling (248) 651-7810 before you stop by.Park permits, maps and descriptions areavailable at the park office.

David Mackley, Chairman

Alice Tomboulian, Vice Chairperson

Roger Schmidt, Treasurer

Ann Marie Rogers, Secretary

Colleen Barkham, Member

Joe Peruzzi, Member

Andy Zale, Member

Commission Meetings

Oakland Township Park Rules are enforced by theOakland County Sheriff’s Office.

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911

If you have information or questions concerning areported crime or accident, call the substation at 248-652-4617 Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm. All other callsplease use dispatch at 248-858-4950.

Parks and Recreation CommissionCharter Township of Oakland4393 Collins RoadRochester, MI 48306-1670

Phone: (248) 651-7810Fax: (248) 601-0106www.oaklandtownship.org

Seal designed byRichard Krupp

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