Please join us for one of these free events!  Drop-ins are welcome, but it’s best if you email or call Grant Vander Laan in advance (gvanderlaan@oaklandtwpmi.gov, 248-651-7810). If you RSVP you will receive information about last minute changes or cancellations. You can also use the form at the bottom of the page to RSVP.

If you’d like to volunteer, but these days don’t work for you, consider getting involved in our volunteer programs for nest box monitoring, vernal pool monitoring, prescribed fire, native gardens, and more! Email Ben VanderWeide, bvanderweide@oaklandtwpmi.gov.

Volunteer Workdays at Bear Creek Nature Park – Winter 2025/2026

We will be removing invasive shrubs such as glossy buckthorn and autumn olive to help native species thrive! For all workdays meet in the parking lot at 740 West Snell Rd, Rochester, MI 48306.

For invasive shrubs, we recently completed work around the perimeter of the northern marsh at Bear Creek Nature Park, so we’ll continue to work south to begin removing invasive shrubs in the rest of the park. Wear solid boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and bring a water and snack. Tools and training will be provided.

Event	Location	Date	Time
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Dec 2	9 am to 12 pm
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Dec 9	9 am to 12 pm
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Dec 16	9 am to 12 pm
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Jan 6	9 am to 12 pm
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Jan 13	9 am to 12 pm
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Jan 20	9 am to 12 pm
Invasive Shrub Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Jan 27	9 am to 12 pm

Celebrate Spring, Pull Garlic Mustard!

Garlic mustard and dame’s rocket push out the native plants that our wildlife need. We need your help to remove these invasive plants from our parks! Workdays will be cancelled if the weather is bad. All volunteers must sign a waiver (with minor’s waiver signed by a guardian), and minors under 14 must also be accompanied by a guardian. Our workdays on April 29 and May 13 will be in the evening from 6-8 pm!

Event	Location	Date	Time
Garlic Mustard Workday	Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 West Snell Rd.	Apr 28	9 am to 12 pm
Garlic Mustard Workday	Watershed Ridge Park, 1880 West Buell Rd	May 5	9 am to 12 pm
Garlic Mustard Workday	Paint Creek Trail. Meet at the Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Rd.	May 12	9 am to 12 pm
Garlic Mustard Workday	Cranberry Lake Park. Meet at the north lot, 635 West Romeo Rd, Oakland MI 48363	May 19	9 am to 12 pm

What to Bring

Please remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain.  Please dress for the weather and bring gloves if you have them. We provide tools, light snacks, water, and know-how. All minors must have a waiver signed by a guardian, and minors under 14 must be accompanied by a guardian.

 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 tool you’ll need. To learn more contact Natural Areas Stewardship Manager Ben VanderWeide (bvanderweide@oaklandtwpmi.gov).

Use this form to RSVP or ask questions