Contact Info
Parks & Recreation
Administrative Office
2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328
Programs & Services
Nature and Environment
OCP is committed to restoring and managing our natural environment to preserve biodiversity, protect water and air quality, support robust populations of wildlife and connect people with high-quality experiences in nature by:
- Expanding and managing diverse, high-quality natural communities, habitats and wildlife corridors including creating refuges and passage for plants and animals
- Managing native tree canopy to sustain healthy forests in our parks, improve shade for wildlife and people and support climate resilience of our communities
- Protecting water quality for aquatic organisms, surrounding wildlife, recreational users and downstream communities
- Helping communities and residents expand the use of natural landscapes to support regional biodiversity and stormwater mitigation
- Educating and communicating with the public about nature and encouraging environmentally sustainable practices
Recreating in our Natural Spaces and Nature Preserves
While out enjoying our Oakland County Parks and Nature Preserves, please help us steward these beautiful and important spaces. Oakland County is a proud Leave No Trace Community Member and encourages the public to practice these Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Learn our park rules and read park maps before leaving the trailhead, prepare for weather and environmental conditions (mosquitoes, muddy trails, etc.)
- Travel on Durable Surfaces: Please stay on designated park trails at all times for your safety and the integrity of our natural spaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Always use pet waste bags, trash and recycling cans and bathroom facilities provided in convenient locations across our park system
- Leave what you find: Please take pictures and memories of our natural spaces but don’t leave with flowers, seeds, mushrooms or other pieces of nature
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: OCP only allows campfires within our existing campgrounds in designated areas. Campfires are not allowed anywhere else within the park system
- Respect Wildlife: Don’t approach or feed wild animals and encourage pets to do the same
- Be Considerate of Others: Keep our parks beautiful and serene for all visitors
Learn More
Questions or Concerns?
Please contact Jim Dunleavy, Manager - Operations at 248-858-0906 or dunleavyj@oaklandcountymi.gov.
Stewardship Days
Date:
04/23/2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMHelp create healthier habitats for Oakland County Parks
Help restore park land and understory for native spring flowers during Stewardship Day from 10 a.m.-noon April 23 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston. The focus will be hand pulling garlic mustard and motherwort. Join Natural Resources staff to learn what to look for and how to assist with efforts to pull the invasive garlic mustard and other invasive species in our parks.
You'll gain hands-on experience working on invasive species and habitat improvements while learning more about what OCCISMA and Oakland County Parks does to restore natural communities, why we manage invasive species, how we work to prevent future invasives and what we can do to reduce their impacts.
Other Stewardship Days are scheduled as follows:
- April 29 from 10 a.m.-noon at Lyon Oaks County Park in Wixom. The focus will be pulling garlic mustard.
- May 13 from 10 a.m.-noon at Waterford Oaks County Park. The focus will be pulling garlic mustard.
- May 27 from 10 a.m.-noon at Oak Park Woods in Oak Park. The focus will be pulling woody winter creeper and garlic mustard.
- June 2 from 10 a.m.-noon at Turtle Woods in Troy. The focus will be brush clearing and pulling periwinkle and garlic mustard.
- June 16 from 10 a.m.-noon at Oak Park Woods in Oak Park. The focus will be pulling woody winter creeper.
Please register online so organizers know how many volunteers to expect. Email Patrick Canniff at canniffp@/ with any questions about the events.
Details:
- Participants should expect to be off-trail on uneven ground
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring a water bottle and boots/shoes that you don't mind getting muddy