Nature Education

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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

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.  

Register for Forest Therapy On the Go

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

Stewardship Days

Help 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@oakgov.com 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

Register Today!

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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.