Public Nature Programs

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red oaks nature center
wint nature center
red oaks nature center

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. 

Program Information

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!

Outdoor Discovery Camp

  • Date: 07/06/2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM  

Immerse your child in the wonders of nature

Outdoor Discovery Camps are week-long summer day camp experiences for children ages 6-11. Available at Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston, Red Oaks County Park in Madison Heights and Waterford Oaks County Park in Waterford, each week will focus on a different nature theme with unique daily outdoor activities guided by experienced staff.

Camps will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday the weeks of July 6, 13,  20 and 27 and Aug. 3 and 10. Additional child care will be available from 3-5:30 p.m. 

Depending on the camp location, campers will experience a variety of outdoor recreation experiences like kayaking, archery, golf, gardening, fishing, biking, climbing, orienteering and more.  

Outdoor Discovery Camps are offered in partnership with MSU Extension.

Details:

  • Campers will enjoy hiking adventures, create nature-based projects, and gain a sense of belonging in the natural world
  • Call Chief of Nature and Outdoor Education Ashlie Smith at 248-705-7212 for more information

Register Now!

nature education

 

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