Oakwoods Nature Center

GET INVOLVED

Volunteering

Oakwoods has a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year and

some annual events in which volunteers are needed.

Some of the annual events in which volunteers are needed include the following:

New Year’s Feathered Census

A way for us, and you, to get a jump-start on your yearly bird list.

Earth Day Clean-up – April

Help to keep the Metroparks clean by helping to remove trash from the park. Lunch is provided.

Buckthorn Grab – November

Lend a hand in controlling invasive plants, like European Buckthorn, within the nature study area at Oakwoods. Lunch is provided.

Rockwood Christmas Bird Count – December

Aid us in collecting data on bird species within the park. Results will be added to the national count totals.

Benefits of Volunteering

The benefits of volunteering vary depending on the amount of time volunteered. Volunteers working less than 24 hours receive free entry into the park on the day(s) they are working. Volunteers working 24 hours or more receive an Annual Vehicle Entry Permit for the year that work is done and an annual appreciation lunch. Volunteers working 64 hours a year or more receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a Metroparks Annual Vehicle Entry Permit for the following year and a Metroparks volunteer polo shirt. Volunteers working 200 hours a year or more are eligible to attend the HCMA Recognition Dinner with a spouse or guest under the same guidelines as an employee. One volunteer (with a guest) will be selected from each park/parks unit to receive recognition as “Volunteer of the Year” and to attend the Recognition Dinner for free. They also receive a Metroparks volunteer jacket.

Procedures for Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering at Oakwoods, please contact the Nature Center @ 800-477-3182 or 734-782-3956.

Making Donations

The Oakwoods Nature Center is currently seeking donations of/for the following items:

Books

North Woods Wildflowers by Doug Ladd $24.95

Birchbark Canoes of the Fur Trade by Timothy Kent $49.95

Interpretation for the 21^st Century by Beck and Cable $50

Fort Ponchartrain at Detroit by Timothy Kent $125

Maps

1800s Vegetative Map of Michigan $25

Puppets – Prices range from between $30-$50

Adult Raccoon

Cottontail Rabbit

Brown Bat

Red Fox

Taxidermy Mounts

Canada Geese (in flight) - $150 each

Great Blue Heron - $200

Muskrat - $125

Kingfisher - $100

Woodchuck - $125

Song Birds, various - $100 each

Waterfowl, various - $125 each

Canada Lynx

Black Bear

Marten

Fisher

Porcupine

Elk

Caribou

Bobcat

Snowy Owl

Wolf