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.

Bond & Bloom

Date:

05/02/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Connect through play at new Bond & Bloom event

Families are invited to enjoy a special play date among nature during Bond & Bloom, an outdoor event designed for mothers, caregivers and their elementary-age children. The open house-style event, presented by Oakland County Parks, will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 2 at Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston.

Participants can explore the park at their own pace while taking part in several activity stations that focus on nurturing the body and mind. Activity stations include:

Mindful Moments Meditation and Yoga to unwind and recharge
Stomp and Stretch, a guided hike filled with adventure around every corner
An Indulgent Non-Alcoholic Beverage Bar to rest with the perfect sip
Build Your Own Potted Plant and share the joy of creating greenery to take home
Mommy Mingle, an opportunity to engage in conversation and share experiences
Garden Games, Crafts and More for spending quality time together

Preregistration is required, with limited availability day of registration. Cost is $20 for one caregiver and one child aged 3 and older. Each additional child is $5. Children younger than age 3 are free but need to be registered.

Details:

Although some activities are weather-dependent, the event will be held rain or shine
Registration is required and can be completed online at OaklandCountyParks.com