Public Nature Programs

Register for Nature Center programs

Explore the outdoors year-round! Seasonal public programs are offered at each nature center for families and individuals. Examples include DIY clay pottery sessions, animal encounters and mini camps. Topics, prices and age requirements vary; visit our events calendar or online shop for more information on specific sessions.

Nature at Night

Want to explore the park after dark? This series invites you to do just that with our staff leading the way. Examples of evening programs include astronomy nights, bat chats, owl prowls and more.

Wellness in the Woods

This series helps us slow down our minds or quicken our heartbeats as we try new activities. Examples of wellness series programs are Tai Chi in the trees, yoga, guided meditations and more.

Forest Therapy Walk 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 four sessions:

• May 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Nurtured By Nature Forest Therapy Walk at Waterford Oaks County Park
• June 26, 7-9 p.m. – Summer Sunset Forest Therapy Walk at Rose Oaks County Park Nature Area
• July 16, 10 a.m.-noon – Refresh and Renew Forest Therapy Walk at Highland Oaks County Park Nature Area
• Aug. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Dusk to Dark Forest Therapy Walk at Oak Park Woods

Cost is $15/person/session and preregistration with payment is required. 

Trailblazers Hiking Series

Join Oakland County Parks staff for informative, scenic hikes during the TrailBlazers Hiking Series. This four-month hiking series offers a chance to stretch your legs on a one-hour guided hike covering a variety of topics.

Each series will include the following programs:

• The Wood Wide Web - Trees use networks of mycelia to communicate. Find out how and why this helps the forest community
• Native, Naturalized, Invasive - Learn the history of Michigan’s introduced plants - how did they get here? Who brought them? Why were they brought? Which ones are harmful to native species and which ones have become naturalized during their time here?
• Fly Away Home - Birds, butterflies and bats are set to make their way south. Find out why some species leave while others stay
• Fall Color Tour - Enjoy the fall splendor and discover the science behind why leaves change colors

Series are scheduled at Rose Oaks County Park Nature Area, Lyon Oaks County Park & Golf Course and Pontiac Oaks Park. All programs are from 6-7 p.m. View the Trailblazers Hiking Series Information Card for program dates at each park.

The TrailBlazer Hiking Series is an affordable, enjoyable way to squeeze fitness into your busy schedule by being able to socialize, get in your steps and learn new facts about the natural world all in one exciting hour-long program. Hike with a friend or meet new people on the trails.

Hikers should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and bug spray.

Each four-session series costs $10. Preregistration is required. Call 248-858-0916 or register online.

Program Information

• Spring, Summer Nature Education and Nature at Night Program Schedule - NEW!
• Wellness in the Woods Program Schedule
• Forest Therapy Walk Flyer

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.

Need an interpreter or accommodation?  Please let our staff know!