Please join us for one of these free events! Drop-ins are welcome, but it’s best if you email or call Ben VanderWeide in advance (bvanderweide@oaklandtownship.org, 248-651-7810 ext. 401). 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@oaklandtownship.org.
Fall 2022 Stewardship Workdays
Seed Collecting
Many native plant seeds are only available for a few weeks in the fall, so we need as much help as possible during harvest! Seed collecting is a fun, relaxing way to learn new native plant species while experiencing unique natural areas. We use the seed to restore areas where have removed invasive plants. We will be cleaning the native seed in late November. All seed collecting and cleaning workdays are 12:30 to 3:30 pm.
Invasive Shrub Workdays
We will be removing invasive shrubs such as glossy buckthorn and autumn olive to help native species thrive around the perimeter of the northern marsh at Bear Creek Nature Park. Wear solid boots, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Water, snacks, tools, and training will be provided. 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.
| Event | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed Collecting Workday | Meet at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Rd | Oct 4 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm |
| Seed Collecting Workday | Meet at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Rd | Oct 11 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm |
| Seed Collecting Workday | Meet at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Rd | Oct 18 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm |
| Seed Collecting Workday | Meet at Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Rd | Oct 25 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm |
| Invasive Shrub Workday | Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Rd | Nov 3 | 9 am to 12 pm |
| Invasive Shrub Workday | Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Rd | Nov 8 | 9 am to 12 pm |
| Seed Cleaning Workday | Watershed Ridge Park, 1720 W. Buell Rd | Nov 15 | 12:30 – 3:30 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@oaklandtownship.org).
Natural Areas Notebook 
As a multiple year volunteer of this excellent Oakland TWP Stewardship team I somehow missed seeing this web page’s update and missed joining the volunteers.
May I suggest, in the future when this page is updated, someone also sends out an email to all the
Steward team members an update has occurred.
I have also now checked the “Notify me of new posts via email.” box at the bottom of this page.
It will encourage more participation with very little effort,
Jon Reed
Great suggestion, I’ll try to make this happen when I update the volunteer workday page in the future. Thanks Jon.