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.
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! Pulls last from 9 am to 1 pm, but will be cancelled if the weather is bad. It’s easy work and we provide refreshments. 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. This year we will again be partnering with Six Rivers Land Conservancy for our Garlic Mustard Workdays. We have four workdays in May 2019:
- Friday, May 3, 9 am to 1 pm. Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Rd.
- Friday, May 10, 9 am to 1 pm. Blue Heron Environmental Area, 3320 N. Rochester Rd.
- Friday, May 17, 9 am to 1 pm. Paint Creek Trail. Meet at the Paint Creek Cider
Mill, 4480 Orion Rd. - Thursday, May 23, 9 am to 1 pm. Cranberry Lake Park, 388 W. Predmore Rd.
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. Meet at the Snell Road parking lot at 740 W. Snell Road.
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).
