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Parks & Recreation

Administrative Office

248-858-0906

2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328

Programs & Services

248-858-0916

Oakland County Parks Blogs

Wilder Side banner with Jonathan Schechter

Lakeshore trekking at Kensington Metropark

Five years had gone by since my last exploration at Kensington Metropark in the southernmost reaches of Oakland County.  Kensington is one of the 14 Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Southeast Michigan that span more than 25,000 acres along the Huron and Clinton river systems. With a beautiful sunny day underway on Monday, it was time for a return visit to this 4,481 acre Metropark gem for an afternoon hike.  

I started my journey by parking next to their nature center and chatting with a staffer, picking up a trail map and deciding where I would hike. After admiring the vibrant color changes next to the nature center and taking my turn on a spotting scope, I opted to follow the trail that loops around Wildwing Lake. That two-mile trail provides excellent views and some wildlife encounters. If you are new to Kensington, that might be a great trail to follow. (a) 

There are numerous other trails at Kensington, but the Wildwing Loop nature trail only allows hiking so it’s best to plan ahead. Dogs, bikes, running and jogging are not permitted on the trail. There are also signs near the nature center reminding visitors that feeding of birds or other wildlife is not allowed. 

Within 10 minutes of starting my intentionally slow-paced trek I had unexpected company; a trio of Sandhill Cranes. The sandhills of Kensington are very accustomed to and comfortable with human activity. Some are actually a bit too accustomed to humans and expect handouts and will behave as if they expect one. (b) 

You certainly do not need a telephoto lens to photograph the cranes; they will walk almost right up to you.  As I trekked along the trail, I encountered quite a few trail users with professional style telephoto lens. I chatted with one gentleman who said he visits about once a week and said, “Nature’s show never ends on this trail”. He urged me to return early in the morning when it’s livelier and there are fewer people. I will. 

The trail is easy to follow and goes over several boardwalks that provide excellent views of the lake and the island.  Although I saw numerous species of ducks in the shallows, and a pair of Trumpeter Swans closer to the island, it was the Sandhill Cranes that kept holding my attention. (c) 

At one point in my nature embracing trek I encountered an Eastern Gray Squirrel perched on a railing at an overlook. The squirrel barely gave me a glance and continued to munch on nuts as I passed withing about 10 feet of it; a reminder that wildlife along the trail is very accustomed to human activity. (d) 

I’m glad that ‘squirrel pause’ occurred because I then noticed a Great Blue Heron in the shallows just yards from me that was standing motionless. A family was near me at the time and their young daughter asked why it was not moving. She laughed when I said it was waiting for dinner to swim by. (e) 

Interpretive signs along the way share excellent information. Although I saw very little bird activity at the island, the nests of the Great Blue Herons were obvious. I did notice a few Turkey Vultures soaring high above near the island riding the thermals.  

Color changes of leaves are well underway at Kensington and leading the pack along some sections of the trail is poison sumac. The brilliant red leaves of the poison sumac are unmistakable and some of these wetland loving shrubs are immediately adjacent to the trail at what I would call face-slapping height. (f) 

There are multiple places to take a break on a bench and embrace the sights, sounds and smells of the season.  It was really a great day for embracing nature’s way and as I meandered along I paused at a sign that “It’s A Great Day for Wildlife Watching” and standing almost next me was another Sandhill Crane. The best place to start your exploration is by parking in the lot of the Kensington Metropark Nature Center and the colorful days of autumn will add to your eye-catching adventure.   

Oakland County Parks staffer Jonathan Schechter is an avid “nature-embracing” hiker who follows phenology - the study of natural cycles of nature’s way - to inspire his blogs.

two people looking at a sign among fall foliageA sandhill craneA person sitting on a bench and a person walking on a boardwalka squirrel eating at nutA duck in the waterFall foliage along an unpaved trail

Past The Wilder Side Blog Posts 

Oakland County Parks Blog Posts

Fresh Air, Fun Adventures: Outdoor Activities for Beginners part events

Spending time outdoors is a great way to reduce stress, clear your mind and work on your physical fitness goals. Even a short while outside can have a positive impact on your day. 

Oakland County Parks offers numerous ways to help you stay active during all four seasons, including walking, jogging, cycling, archery, disc golf, fishing, playgrounds, pickleball, swimming, golf and kayaking. There’s something for everyone, and you don’t need advanced skills or expensive equipment to explore all the beginner-friendly options.

Read the Beginner Activities blog post

National Pollinator Month flower

June is National Pollinator Month! We often think only about the beneficial relationships of pollinators, which receive food while plants get their pollen transferred for reproduction.

Evolution is an unthinking natural process that doesn’t care about fairness, though, which has led many species to evolve cheats or tricks — some downright amazing! 

Read the Pollinator Month blog post




 

Summer without limits: Your guide to accessible recreation in Oakland County archery event

When the summer sun starts to shine and temperatures heat up, everyone naturally wants to head outside for fun activities and special memories. Accessible parks and adaptive recreation programming make the Oakland County Parks (OCP) welcoming for all guests.

Read the Summer Adaptive Recreation blog post



 

Spring is salamander season! salamander

If you’re hiking the parks this time of year on a rainy day, look for salamanders crossing the trails. Oakland County Parks boasts at least eight species of these amazing amphibians. They will range in size and color, including spotted. 

Read the Salamander blog post

 

Rooted in History, Growing for the Future: Celebrating 60 years of Oakland County Parks

For 60 years, Oakland County Parks (OCP) has been providing recreation experiences for residents.

group gathered with Oakie in the OC Commission room

Before we knew it, six decades passed and OCP’s 17 parks emerged as essential resources for health and community connection across all corners of the county. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, OCP will host several special events for the public to enjoy, including Oakie’s Birthday Bash from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 24 at Independence Oaks County Park.

Read the 60th Anniversary Proclamation blog post.



Something to Tweet About! Oakland County receives Michigan Bird City recognition

blog

Michigan Audubon designated Oakland County as the first Bird City Michigan Community of Natural Resources in 2026! By focusing on bird habitat restoration and protection, engaging the public, and ensuring these efforts are as sustainable as possible, the county is restoring much of its 7,000 acres of parkland into natural sanctuaries that benefit more than the health and well-being of residents – they also provide thriving habitats for local bird species!

Read the full Michigan Bird City recognition blog post

Discover Adaptive Recreation around Oakland County

adaptive recreation

Beat your cabin fever with an outdoor adventure! Oakland County Parks (OCP) offers a variety of Adaptive Recreation programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Read the full Adaptive Recreation blog post

Chill out at Fireworks and Flannels!

waterford oaks

Enjoy two days of wintery fun during this year’s Fireworks and Flannels celebration at Waterford Oaks County Park. Kick off the weekend’s festivities with the Light the Night Flannel 5K Friday, Feb. 13 and return Saturday, Feb. 14 for Cozy Night Out, an evening filled with winter activities.

Read the full Fireworks and Flannels blog post

The Beaver Brief

natural resources

A critter that cuts down trees with its teeth sounds like a fantastical, made-up creature, but beavers really are native animals that make their home in Michigan. They are the third-largest rodent in the world, averaging about 40 pounds but occasionally weighing more than 100 pounds!

Read the full Beaver Brief blog post

Two Oakland County Parks earn Old-Growth Forest Recognition

independence oaks

Parts of the forest at Independence Oaks and Addison Oaks county parks have received an Old-Growth Forest Recognition from The Old-Growth Forest Network.

Read the full Old-Growth Forest Network blog post

Older Blog Posts

Contact Info
Parks & Recreation

Administrative Office

248-858-0906

2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328

Programs & Services

248-858-0916