Healthy Communities Updates

Upcoming Event

Join Oakland County Parks staff for informative, scenic hikes during the TrailBlazers Hiking Series from 6-7 p.m. at Pontiac Oaks Park. This four-month hiking series offers a chance to stretch your legs on a one-hour guided hike covering these topics.

• July 30 - The Wood Wide Web. Trees use networks of mycelia to communicate. Find out how and why this helps the forest community
• Aug. 13 - 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?
• Sept. 10 - Fly Away Home. Birds, butterflies and bats are set to make their way south. Find out why some species leave while others stay
• Oct. 8 - Fall Color Tour. Enjoy the fall splendor and discover the science behind why leaves change colors

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.

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

• Printable Trailblazers Hiking Series Information Card

Register for the Trailblazers Hiking Series

About

Pontiac Oaks, formerly known as Hawthorne Park, preserves 77 acres of green space in a lush, beautiful setting filled with mature trees, abundant nature areas and numerous recreational activities. The park features the shorelines of Creger Lake and Upper Silver Lake with water access for kayaking, canoeing and fishing provided through a dock and boat launch. Pontiac Oaks features a playground, pavilion, horseshoes pits and an 18-hole disc golf course. A dedicated picnic area includes tables, grills and trash receptacles. Modern restroom facilities available. Oakland County is investing more than $1.5 million to improve park facilities and has assumed long-term responsibility for park management and maintenance. The City of Pontiac retains ownership of the park property and collaborates with Oakland County Parks regarding the future of the park.

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