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Welcome to Notes from Nature!
This is our new monthly e-newsletter where we will highlight all things natural resources in Rochester Hills. If there is anything in particular you would like to learn about, share it with us via email at parks@rochesterhills.org.
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Invasive species are those that are not native to Michigan and cause harm to our landscapes and environment. There are several methods to try and control and remove invasive species, but none are perfect. Here are few examples of how we try and handle invasives in our natural spaces.
Mechanical Removal - Physically pulling, cutting and removing vegetation can work with some invasives. However, it's important to get to the roots and remove it before it goes to seed. If you use this method, keep in mind how you dispose of the invasive plants. Learn more here about disposal.
Prescribed Fire - Burning off invasives dates back to pre-settlement days. We recently performed a prescribed burn at Ruby Green Space to set back invasive vegetation, promote native species, and remove biomass that has accumulated on the forest floor.
Herbicide Treatments - This is never a first option, but in some cases due to severity and aggressiveness of the invasives, it is the most effective and reliable option. These are highly targeted treatments, impacting only the species of interest.
Kid's Healthy Hike
Learn about basking animals, cold vs. warm blooded animals, sun safety and take a short hike at our free Kid's Healthy Hike at 10am on Wednesday, May 31 at Innovation Hills. This program is perfect for grades kindergarten-3rd grade but all ages are welcome.
Click here to pre-register!
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Fossils and Riverside Campfire
Search for fossils along the Clinton River while roasting s'mores over a riverside fire at 6pm on Thursday, June 1, at Bloomer Park. You will learn about some local plants and animals, while trying to ID the fossils you find. Cost is $10 per person.
Click here to pre-register!
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Outdoor Survival for Young Ladies, Teens
Explore your adventurous side in our Outdoor Survival programs. The first is for young ladies and starts at 10am on Saturday, June 3, while the second is for teens and starts at 1pm at Bloomer Park. Students will learn archery, how to build a shelter, start a fire with flint and even identify a few wild edibles. Cost is $15 per person.
Click here to pre-register!
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Innovation Hills Green Space is City's largest at nearly 50 acres
The largest piece of green space in Rochester Hills is located near the City's most popular park - Innovation Hills.
Aptly named the Innovation Hills Green Space, this 48.38-acre parcel is located on the north side of the Clinton River and Innovation Hills Park. Its significant natural features and location offer connectivity to the Clinton River. Wet meadows, tamarack swamps and upland woodlands are some of the different habitat types found here.
For more information on green spaces, visit rochesterhills.org/greenspace.
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Wild turkeys strut their stuff this time of year
Once a declining species in the U.S. and especially in Michigan, wild turkeys now thrive in our state and are quite common in Rochester Hills.
This time of year the turkeys are a little more active with male turkeys (toms) puffing up and strutting around to display their feathers and impress hens.
Turkeys roost in trees in the evening to get rest away from predators at night. And yes, turkeys can fly! In fact, wild turkeys can reach speeds up to 55 mph.
Click here to watch this video we created awhile back about turkeys.
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Long live the White Oak tree!
We love a White Oak tree in our community! These large, strong and native tree can adapt to a variety of soil textures and some have been known to live well over 500 years.
Even the iconic Bebb Oak is a hybrid species that comes from a White Oak and Bur Oak.
Unfortunately, oak trees are susceptible to a disease called Oak Wilt. It's important to remember to refrain from trimming or cutting oaks this time of year as that could cause it to become infected. Oak wilt has been found in other parks of Oakland County and can be devastating to oak canopies.
Contact us at 248-656-4673 if you suspect your tree may have Oak Wilt, and learn more by clicking here.
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