Spring is the perfect time of year to get out and explore nature! Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Department has a new line up of programs with something in store for folks of all ages! The programs are sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Commission and take place in nearby parks in Oakland Township. The programs are led by the naturalists from Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve. “We have made a significant effort to offer programs for individuals in all age groups and we are very excited about all the great programs coming up this spring and summer” according to Becky McLogan, Recreation Manager for Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Department.
Teens can check out a special “teen only” Bats by the Bazillions program for ages 12-17. Who doesn’t love the “Twilight Saga”, “Dark Shadows,” and “Batman?” We will gather around the campfire, watch real live bats fly out of the woods in a steady trickle, explore the myths and legends of bats in popular culture and then learn about the secret lives of bats in nature. We will even get some awesome vampire teeth and have a “bite” to eat! The campfire will take place Friday, June 21, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. The $3.00 cost for residents of Oakland Township and $5.00 for nonresidents will get you all the creepy fun you can handle! Please pre-register.
Individuals of all ages are invited to try out fishing during Free Fishing Day. We’ll learn how to cast, how to select the right bait and learn about the different types of fishes found in Oakland Township. The event will take place Saturday, June 8th and you can choose between 10 to 11:30 a.m. or noon to 1:30 p.m. This event is free to everyone but we do ask that you pre-register. Takes place on the dock at Draper Twin Lake Park.
Elementary school students can sign up for one or two different awesome after school programs. Totally Turtles will take us on a hiking adventure to search for turtles in the ponds of Bear Creek Nature Park. During Rockets Away!, students will get a little wet and a little wild as they build and launch their own water rockets! The Lost Lake Nature Park warming shelter will host this great activity. These programs are tons of fun and can fill quickly so register early! Totally Turtles will take place Wednesday, May 15, from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m., while Rockets Away will prepare for liftoff on Thursday, June 13, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each program is $3 for residents of Oakland Township and $5 for nonresidents.
Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their parent or caregiver are in for a special treat too this spring during Meet Mr. Wiggle Worm. At this program preschoolers will learn all about worms, go on a worm search, make a worm craft and even get a worm themed snack! The program will take place at the new Lost Lake Nature Park nature center on Tuesday, June 4, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $3 per resident adult/child pair and $5 per pair for nonresidents.
For information, including maps and directions to all Oakland Township Parks, and additional programming please visit our website at www.oaklandtownship.org or call 248-651-7810.
There are still openings for all of our programs but they’re sure to fill quickly, so call or go online to register today!
About Tom and Ann Gendich