Oakland County, MI
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Contact Information
Red Oaks Nature Center
248-585-0100
NatureEducation@oakgov.com
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Wint Nature Center
248-625-6473
NatureEducation@oakgov.com
Clarkston, MI 48348
Nature Education
Register online for Nature Education programs
Connect with the natural world through exciting indoor and outdoor nature programs, interactive displays, captive animal exhibits, educational health and wellness opportunities at Red Oaks Nature Center in Madison Heights or Wint Nature Center within Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston.
A variety of programs are open to the public and appointment-based services are available to serve families, adults, children, school groups, homeschool students, scout groups, and more.
Program Information
- Summer Nature Education Program Schedule
- Fall, Winter Nature Education Program Schedule
- Wellness in the Woods 2026-27 Program Schedule
- Wellness in the Woods 2025-26 Program Schedule
- Trailblazers Hiking Series
- Forest Therapy On the Go Series
- Nature at Night Program Schedule
- Early Childhood and Homeschool Program Schedule
- Wild Birthday Parties
- Portable Planetarium Flyer
- Nature Coloring Pages
Forest Therapy On the Go Series
Nurture your well-being as you experience the physical and mental health benefits of forest bathing. During this series, participants will enjoy the benefits of forest therapy, a slow restorative walk in a natural setting that follows a standard sequence of elements.
The series includes six sessions:
- Oct. 13, 1-3 p.m. – Autumn Colors Forest Therapy Walk at Clinton River Oaks Park
- Dec. 20, 1-3 p.m. – Winter Solstice Forest Therapy Walk at Pontiac Oaks
- Feb. 16, 4-6 p.m. – Hearing the Heart Forest Therapy Walk at Orion Oaks County Park Nature Area
- April 18, 10 a.m.-noon – Water is Life Forest Therapy Walk at Independence Oaks County Park – North Nature Area
- June 21, 7-9 p.m. – Summer Solstice Forest Therapy Walk at Turtle Woods County Park
- Aug. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Summer Sun Forest Therapy Walk at Lyon Oaks County Park
These programs are suitable for individuals ages 12 and older. Preregistration with payment required. Cost is $20/person/session.
How to Register
Call 248-858-0916 during business hours to register and pay by phone. VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted.
Register in person at the Red Oaks or Wint nature centers or at the parks office, 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford during regular business hours. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.
Register online anytime.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Red Oaks and Wint nature centers have American Sign Language interpreters available during specific programs as noted on the Nature Education Program Schedule. Please call Red Oaks Nature Center at 248-585-0100 or Wint Nature Center at 248-625-6473 for more information.
Braille is included on animal displays at the nature centers.
Need an interpreter or accommodation? Please let our staff know!
Additional Resources
Bond & Bloom
- Date: 05/02/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: Wint Nature Center
9501 Sashabaw Road
Clarkston, Michigan 48348
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
Red Oaks Nature Center
30300 Hales St.
Madison Heights, MI 48071
248-585-0100
NatureEducation@oakgov.com
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.
Wint Nature Center
9501 Sashabaw Road
Clarkston, MI 48348
248-625-6473
NatureEducation@oakgov.com
Thursday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Memorial Day-Labor Day extended hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.