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Share your thoughts on Notes from Nature!
We have enjoyed putting together this newsletter, and are always looking for new ideas. If there is anything you would like to learn about, share it with us via email at parks@rochesterhills.org.
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Did you know we have a Maple problem here in Rochester Hills? Well, kind of. Maples dominate our street tree population, representing 30% of the total urban street population. Although many of these Maples are native and great trees for the landscape and habitat, having too much of one thing can come with some downfalls.
Urban forests dominated by few species are vulnerable to attack by species-specific epidemics or threats. This can lead to significant losses to a community's tree canopy. A recent example of this vulnerability is the impact of Emerald Ash Borer, which decimated our Ash trees here in Rochester Hills and across Michigan. Another example is Dutch Elm Disease. Many people may remember their childhood streets lined with Elm trees that are no more. Diversity of plant and tree species is important in all habitats and it is no different for our urban landscapes.
Now, back to Maples. There are currently a couple threats that may attack Maples, like Spotted Lanternfly. With this in mind, the Rochester Hills Forestry Team has made a point of minimizing our Maple plantings through our tree planting programs. We also encourage new developments and homeowners to consider other tree species besides Maples. This is especially the case with Red Maples, which makes up 9% of all our street trees.
Reptile Roundup
Weather postponed our first try and more spots have opened up for you to get hands-on with snakes, lizards, turtles, and more at Reptile Roundup on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. The program will feature a variety of native Michigan wildlife as well as exotics such as skinks, pythons and more. Program is for all ages. Time slots are 10am, 11am, and noon.
Click here to register!
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Making Maple Syrup
This backyard guide for beginners program will teach you the first steps to make your own maple syrup! Join us on Saturday, March 2, at 11am or 1pm, to learn about the types of maple trees, tapping process and sap boiling setup. Program recommended for ages 12+
Click here to register!
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S'mores and Stars
Enjoy a scenic view of the night sky through telescopes with the Oakland Astronomy Club on Thursday, March 7, at Bloomer Park. If it's a cloudy night, enjoy a guided night hike, owl calling and more. We will end the night with s'mores by a campfire. Program is for all ages.
Click here to register!
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Sap to Syrup Pancake Breakfast
Visit our Sugar Bush in Bloomer Park to see an old-fashioned sap-to-syrup boiling operation at our Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 13, at 9, 10, or 11am. You will taste syrup right from the trees in Rochester Hills. Breakfast is complete with sausage, juice, and coffee. All ages welcome, children 2 and under are free.
Click here to register!
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Explore our Green Spaces!
Instead of focusing on one specific property - we want to highlight all 144 acres of permanently preserved natural areas here in Rochester Hills.
Check out this video about our Green Spaces and get out and explore today!
Learn more about our green spaces at rochesterhills.org/greenspace
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Enjoy the shade of the Blackgum
Blackgum, sour gum, or tupelo is a native shade tree here in Michigan that is able to adapt to many soils and moisture levels (even standing water in rain gardens). Their dark leaves transition to glorious fall color and support wildlife.
Flowers are inconspicuous, but excellent forage for pollinators, including as the source for prized tupelo honey.
This is an excellent shade tree with large leaves providing shelter right away. Through slow growing, this tree needs space to spread out!
Blackgum is an excellent alternative to Maples, attracting wildlife, providing beautiful fall color, and shade during the summer.
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Place your order for a free tree
We have two great programs for residents looking to add free trees near their home.
Free Street Tree
Interested in having a tree planted in front of your home on the road right-of-way? Get your free street tree orders in now for the spring planting by the first Friday in March. Order here.
Community Canopy
Beginning on March 18, residents can reserve their free trees to plant on their private property at arborday.org/rochesterhills. Trees are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Residents can reserve up to one tree that will be sent by mail. They are expected to care for and plant the tree in the location chosen through the online tool.
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Look to the sky for the Red-Tailed Hawk
The most common hawk in North America is the Red-Tailed Hawk. They soar above open fields, slowly turning circles on their broad, rounded wings. Other times you will see them atop telephone poles, eyes fixed on the ground to catch the movements of a vole or rabbit, or simply waiting out cold weather before climbing a thermal updraft into the sky.
The Red-Tailed Hawk has a thrilling, raspy scream that sounds exactly like a raptor should sound. The oldest known wild Red-Tailed Hawk was at least 30 years and 8 months old when it was found in Michigan in 2011, the same state where it was caught and banded in 1981.
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Follow us on Instagram
Rochester Hills Parks and Natural Resources is now on Instagram! Follow us @rochesterhillsparks and tag us in your photos on your visits to our parks and green spaces. We will be using this page to share program information, wildlife, staff spotlights and so much more.
Follow us on Instagram here.
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