Oakland County Parks' Natural Areas program focuses on supporting the health of natural areas within the park system. At selected sites, OCP may use tools such as invasive species control, native planting, prescribed fire and habitat restoration when supported by approved ecological objectives and site conditions. 

Natural Area staff can be seen in the parks removing invasive plant species, planting and seeding native plants and restoring natural fire cycles through prescribed burns. Prescribed fire is a tool used at selected sites when supported by approved ecological goals, safety requirements, operational capacity and management direction. These efforts work together to conserve and restore the ecology and ecosystem services unique to Oakland County, supporting long-term ecological health.

Learn More

• Herbicide Use in Natural Areas
• Prescribed Burns FAQ
• Native Plants Info. Card
• Native Plants in Your Neighborhood Info. Card
• Benefits of Aquatic Plants Info. Card
• Winter Invasive Plant Removal Info. Card
• Natural History in Oakland County Info. Card