Become a Nature Detective–Take a Winter Walk

Visit the parks online at DestinationOakland.com

Look around while you walk. Can you tell who was there before you? Try to identify wildlife by carefully looking at tracks and examining the surroundings for clues.

DeerA deer has two toes on each foot. If the snow or mud is deep, sometimes the dew claws show. A dew claw is a bump on the back of the deer’s leg. If a deer is moving quickly, the toes may split apart.

TurkeyTurkeys spend a lot of time on the ground. Wild turkeys can fly, so some turkey track trails end in the snow with wing tip prints, showing where the bird took off in flight. Detective clue: Tracks look like large chicken tracks (turkeys are members of the “chicken” family).

SquirrelThe squirrel tracks found in winter are those of tree squirrels, including fox, gray and red squirrels. Ground squirrels, including woodchuck, chipmunk and 13-lined ground squirrel, are hibernating. Detective clue: Tracks that begin or end at the base of trees are probably squirrel tracks!

RabbitIf you spot rabbit tracks, follow them to where the rabbit has been browsing—eating shrubs or tree seedlings. Notice how the rabbits clip off buds at an angle and chew on the bark. Rabbits and squirrels move by hopping. It’s tricky— the back feet land in front of the front feet! Detective challenge: Try to determine the rabbit’s direction of travel.

Fox Fox tracks appear delicate with a claw mark at the end of each toe. The claw marks distinguish the track from those of a large house cat, which is about the same size. Cats retract their claws when they walk. Detective challenge: Can you find fox and cat tracks? Notice their differences and similarities.

Pre-registration and payment are required for all programs.

WINTNATURECENTER

Two nature centers offer nature education opportunities including interpretive programs for all ages, Scout Badge Days, field trips and school programs.

Call the nature centers directly or visit DestinationOakland.com for hours and information.

Providing rich nature education experiences for more than 25 years, the Wint Nature Center features hands-on natural history exhibits and live native animal displays as well as a feeding station viewing area; sensory and water gardens; classrooms; and access to 12 miles of hiking trails, 68-acre Crooked Lake and an outdoor amphitheater.

Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park9501 Sashabaw RoadClarkston, MI 48348248.625.6473

The log cabin nestled in Suarez Friendship Woods features seasonal displays; interactive exhibits including live animals; an auditorium/classroom and meeting areas; and a small deck

leading to a nature trail. A pond with low waterfall at the entrance provides a water source for local wildlife.

Red Oaks Nature Center 30300 Hales Street

(off 13 Mile between John R and Dequindre roads) Madison Heights, MI 48071

248.585.0100

Tuning Your Tot into WinterJan. 22 or Jan. 25—Wint Nature CenterFor children ages 3–6. Celebrate nature through songs, crafts, snacks and a hike.

Nature SproutsJan. 29—Red Oaks Nature CenterFor children ages 3–6. Celebrate nature through songs, crafts, snacks and a hike.

Winter Star PartyFeb. 1—Wint Nature CenterLearn about constellations visible during the winter season. Includes a planetarium show and outdoor sky viewing. For school-age children and adults.Pottery of the Earth WorkshopFeb. 8 - Red Oaks Nature CenterMake an earth-themed, functional keepsake with clay.

WINTER NATURE EDUCATION

Detective challenge: Can you find where deer rest or sleep? Where deer tracks stop, look for an oval depression in the snow, measuring two–three feet in length.

Evening with Nature Author & ArtistFeb. 12—Red Oaks Nature CenterSpend an evening with author/illustrator Lori Taylor who will read a chapter and share tips on nature illustrations and journaling.

Nest Box Volunteer TrainingMarch 2—Wint Nature CenterLearn to help monitor nest boxes at six parks.

Great Backyard Bird CountFeb. 15—Wint Nature CenterOpen house style event to learn about the bird count, common winter birds and how to establish a feeding station.

Frog Survey Volunteer TrainingMarch 14—Wint Nature CenterLearn about assisting staff with night surveys at two parks.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas you can’t see, smell or taste.Radon can be harmful when present in buildings.

$10 Radon Test Kits are available at the Oakland County Health Division.

Conditr/ExternalHardDrive/EnvironmentalHealth/Radon 11.27.2013

OAKLAND COUNTY HEALTH DIVISION1200 N Telegraph 34E Pontiac MI 48341 248.858.1312 | 27725 Greenfi eld Southfi eld MI 48076 248.424.7190

TEST FOR RADON THIS WINTERIs Your House Making You Sick?

get healthy