Metroparks Blog

Though classified as a shorebird, this lanky-legged bird makes its summer home in fields, lawns, on golf courses and even parking lots. This migrant species has adapted well to human environments. Killdeer are ground-nesters and a male will choose a nesting site by scraping the ground into a bowl shape with his feet. Once eggs are laid in this barren…

Are you tired of being cooped up and ready to get back to racing? Well, the race is on at your Metroparks! The Metroparks have partnered with Epic Races for a Heart MI Virtual Series: Swim. Bike. Run. This year, we invite you to be your own race director and choose the event or events of your choice this summer. …

Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”  Your Metroparks are excited to partner with Detroit Parks and Recreation to make improvements to restored prairie habitats within Rouge Park. In March Huron-Clinton Metroparks signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Detroit Parks and Recreation on a three-year agreement to complete natural areas management…

July is Parks and Recreation month, and this year the focus is on showcasing the talented workers at parks. Your Metroparks have many skilled staff, performing a variety of tasks that keep the parks safe, maintained and ready for visitors. You might not be aware that we have a skilled Natural Resources Department that is hard at work all year…

The highly anticipated redevelopment of the Shelden Trails at Stony Creek Metropark is officially underway! The redevelopment was identified as a need during the master planning process for Stony Creek in 2016. In 2018, The Huron-Clinton Metroparks started the multi-year redevelopment with a goal to extend and develop the Shelden Trail system to create a premiere multi-use natural surface trail…

It’s no secret that this summer looks different than any other before it. This Fourth of July holiday weekend is sure to look different as well – but your Metroparks have what you need to make it just as memorable. The night sky above your Metroparks won’t lite up with color this year because we have canceled our annual fireworks…

We hear a lot about pollinators these days. So, who are these pollinators? With a few clicks of my mouse and some fast typing, I can pull up pictures of bees, wasps, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths (even hummingbird moths!), bats, beetles, wasps, and flies. I’ve been doing a lot of computer-based learning lately, and perhaps you have too. But the great…

On June 11, 2020 the Board of Commissioners of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks took action to endorse the following open letter statement. There is no question we are living in a time of profound challenge, hurt, anger and frustration. From the coronavirus health pandemic that hit Michigan, our region and communities of color hard, to the horrific incidents and images that…

  Each school year, the Metroparks Interpretive Department works to provide quality educational experiences to southeast Michigan students. Programs are designed to meet curriculum standards and inspire students through hands on applied learning in a way that can’t be done in the classroom. Although the end of this school year changed drastically, our goal did not. The Metroparks were fortunate…

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted and changed services and operations in all businesses, and even still we are continually monitoring and changing the way we operate to better serve our visitors. The Metroparks have worked hard to provide a safe place for our communities to enjoy outdoor recreation during the pandemic.  Although some amenities and activities were (and remain) temporarily…

In honor of the upcoming Independence Day we are featuring, you guessed it, the Bald Eagle!  This #BirdoftheWeek was chosen as the symbol of the United States in 1782 for its strength, longevity and majestic appearance, which represents the strength and freedom of our nation. Benjamin Franklin argued against our nation’s symbol, because the eagle steals food from more vulnerable…

The Green Heron is our featured #BirdoftheWeek.  With its squat posture, shaggy crest and glossy greenish back, this small heron is a sight to behold.  In April, the male Green Heron arrives to their northern breeding grounds and establishes nesting territory in a swampy patch or in a forest near water. A super cool fact about the Green Heron is…

At night at your Metroparks are active with many birds.  This week’s #BirdoftheWeek is the Eastern Screech Owl.  These small, stocky owls are most active at night.  They are not often seen but can be heard; listen for their distinct sound of a descending whinny and longer trill.  The Eastern Screech Owl has a large head and no neck and…

As you drive through your Metroparks, look for the iridescent blue head and upper body and all white underside of the Tree Swallow.  They are often found perching on roadside nest boxes. Although these nest boxes are intended to provide nesting habitat for the Eastern Bluebird, species like the Tree Swallow use nest boxes as well. The boxes are usually…

The Mute swan is often seen gliding gracefully on the waters throughout your Metroparks.  When swimming, these large white birds hold their wings above their back and curve their neck into a S-shape. Contrary to their name, these swans do grunt and hiss. Mute swans were introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800’s.  Considered an invaisive species, Mute…

In early spring a small, round, shorebird begins to call. It’s a shorebird you will not find along a lake or river shore. The male American Woodcock chooses grassy clearings, such as fields and forest openings. At dawn and dust, you can venture to these special habitats to witness the aerial displays and calls, or “peents”, of these unique birds.…

Everyone knows Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff of summer fun. Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re committed to helping the people of Southeast Michigan welcome summertime while staying safe and healthy. With a near-perfect weather forecast in store for us this holiday weekend, we’ll be excited to welcome you back to the Metroparks for fresh air, green trees,…

Stalking the shallow waters of the Metroparks, the Great Blue Heron is an expert fisher. Standing statue-like they will look for aquatic prey in the water, on a sunny day you may see one spread out their large wings to block the sun's reflection on the water. The s-shape and special vertebrae in their neck allow them to quickly strike…

When I mention "field of bees," what image comes to mind? Do you see a spring field bursting with clover and daisies, the hum of fuzzy, industrious honey bees filling the air? It's a beautiful image, but it's decidedly… new. All of these wonderful flowers and honeybees, though mostly naturalized now, came to North America in the last several hundred…

May is an exciting time in Michigan. Harsh cold snaps have finally given way to sunnier days and lush green backdrops have replaced the emptiness left after months of cold snow. For birders though, the wonder of May lies in the fact that it is peak migration season for many songbirds. Among those is the Black-throated Green Warbler, a small…

Prothonotary Warbler, hard to pronounce, hard to find! The Pro-tho-notary or pro-thon-otary warbler is a bright yellow warbler with blueish-gray wings. It makes its home in wooded wetlands, with a strong preference for river flood plains. It competes for nesting cavities with house wrens and is a favorite host for cowbird eggs. Tough luck! If they can find a home,…

When I think of Mothers' Day, I'll admit that Canada geese aren't the first thing that pops to mind. Around my house they're affectionately known as "the Poopers." As in, when you spot Canada geese in the yard, you call out, "Hey, look, the Poopers are in the yard!" Later on, when you're running across the same yard to grab…

For birders in southeast Michigan, the beginning of May is an exciting time of the year as it’s the start of the great spring warbler migration in North America. 54 species are found throughout the continent, 35 of which have been spotted in one of your 13 Metroparks. One of the most common and widespread warbler species in the United…

One of the most common warblers in North America, the conspicuously bright Yellow Warbler begins its northward spring migration during the first weeks of April, which is earlier that most other warblers. Like many of the over 50 warbler species found in North America, the Yellow Warbler overwinters in South America and is known to fly nearly 800 miles across…

As through my window daylight spread and birds broke out in song, I forced my eyes to open and thought, I’ve been inside too long. I cannot go to work today, T.V. has no fascination, I cannot endure this solitude, I need some recreation. Alas! I cry where shall I go? What place has what I seek? It’s over there…

“Hello Fence, (hello)(hello) How’d things go for you today? Don’t you miss them Since they had to go home and stay? And I’ll bet you dread to spend Another lonely day with me But lonely fence, I’ll keep you company” I may not have the good looks and silvery voice of Faron Young, (ok, maybe not the most relevant reference…

I can never decide which I like more in the spring, the dawn chorus of songbirds or the twilight symphony of frogs. We’ve been hearing the trill of American toads these last few days and the spring peepers, eastern chorus frogs and wood frogs are still going strong. And as beautiful as they sound to my ears, they must sound…

Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re proud that so many people across Southeast Michigan have chosen to visit their favorite Metroparks these past weeks. Keeping everyone healthy – physically and mentally – is a critical part of the state’s recovery plan and our commitment to the region. The Governor’s orders now allow us to open Metroparks Golf Courses as the…

One of the birds that many people look for to signal the return of spring is the Eastern Bluebird. However, many Bluebirds over-winter in our area, which gives them the first pick of the best nesting areas come spring. At one time Bluebird numbers were declining across North America, but with the help of conservation efforts such as habitat protection…

When your job involves exploring a trail through the woods with a group of elementary school students, a day when you catch a snake is a good day. As a park Interpreter, sharing the right story or insight about trees or squirrels brings a gleam to the eyes or a giggle to the lips of many a kid. But find…

When you’re out for a walk and discover a flower that looks like a violet… and smells like a violet… and even tastes like a violet… but isn’t, well, violet-colored… can it still be a violet? Why, of course! We have seventy-seven species of violets growing in North America, with closer to 900 species across the globe. Most people recognize…

My 7-year-old daughter and I crept beneath a stand of massive willow trees, trying to spot a fox squirrel that scampered to the other side of the trunk at our approach. As I scanned the deep-cleft bark for our fuzzy quarry, my daughter surprised me by asking, "Daddy, this is a big history time, isn’t it?" I stopped, squirrel momentarily…

Once referred to as a "glowing gem" by Henry David Thoreau, the male wood duck is a most magnificent sight, and each wood duck's life starts with an equally magnificent journey. Female wood ducks nest in tree cavities about 25 feet high. She will lay 6-15 eggs, though she may have to raise up to 30 hatchlings due to intraspecific…

One of the most common (and loudest) visitors at Kensington is the red-winged blackbird. Found all across the country in wet and marshy habitats, this migrator returns toward the end of February, beating out the Robin as the true harbinger of spring. Listen for the distinctive "look-at-me" call of the male red-winged blackbird as he displays his bright red shoulder…

Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re proud that so many people across Southeast Michigan have chosen to visit their favorite Metroparks these past weeks. Keeping everyone healthy – physically and mentally – is a critical part of the state’s recovery plan and our commitment to the region. All 13 Metroparks will continue to stay open, in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s…

If you're stuck at home like most of us, you might find yourself absentmindedly staring out the window and gazing at the birds. And if you're like me, you might make an amazing discovery: with its stunning white head, is that a bald eagle at the bird feeder? Nope, just the genetic oddball that is a leucistic grackle. Which, in…

As we transition from winter to spring, many migratory birds are flying north to call Michigan their summer home, among these birds are Osprey. During the last two weeks of March, telephone poles, cell phone towers and light posts will begin to serve as perching spots for these unique birds of prey (right). Travelling from as far as South America,…

The Northern Flicker is only one of eight species of woodpecker in Michigan, and its looks and behavior are unique among the rest. From the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail, the Northern Flicker measures at 12 inches, falling second behind the Pileated Woodpecker, who reaches a length of 19 inches! Their light brown bodies are…

Now that the snow's gone and we've been teased with 50-degree weather, do you find yourself hungering for something green? Something lush? Something… alive? We'll have spring buds-a-bursting any day now, but… why wait? Find the green now! Visit Oakwoods Metropark, saunter down our Longbark Trail and enjoy what I like to call our "Sittable Forest." This sittable forest isn't…

“Are there normally stars there?” I wondered aloud. Have you ever caught something weird out of the corner of your eye and wondered, what did I just see? Even stranger, have you ever stared right at something and still wondered, what the heck am I looking at? This happened to me at 5:37 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020, while…

“Social distancing” has become the best policy for fighting the spread of coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself in your homes for the duration of the outbreak. Instead, one of your best options is making your way to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. After all, the experts tell us it’s okay to be outdoors while social distancing. And…

Here at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks, we’re proud that so many people across Southeast Michigan have chosen to visit their favorite Metroparks these past weeks. Keeping everyone healthy – physically and mentally – is a critical part of the state’s recovery plan and our commitment to the region. First and foremost, the Governor’s orders allow us to keep all 13 Metroparks…

By Jessica Getschman, CIG The month of March is upon us, and everyone will soon be keeping an eye out for the first robin and green spikes of daffodils poking through newly exposed soil (unless you’re a park interpreter – we’re watching for skunk cabbage and red-winged black birds, but they’re somewhat of a different story).   Even before these first…

Patrick Bigelow, Kensington Metropark Farm Center Supervisor The first snows of winter have now blanketed farm fields and pastures of southeast Michigan. With fields gleaming white, what do farmers do until spring? While it is true that winter is a slower season for agriculture, it is far from vacation time for farmers. For farms with livestock, winter is business as…

Adventure, explore, education and free go perfectly together at your Metroparks. Our Interpretive Services Department provides opportunities for schools to expand their classroom learning through field trips. Classes can come out to a Metropark for various adventures to explore different and unique ways to learn new things and best of all they can do it for free. In 2020, we…

Did you know your Metroparks offer opportunities to volunteer throughout the year? Volunteers support the parks on a wide variety of initiatives from event support and trail maintenance to invasive species removal and seed collection. In 2019, nearly 5,000 volunteers donated over 27,000 of hours of time and talent. Because of dedicated and generous individuals, families, and companies, several large…

Skip the stores on Black Friday and instead #OptOutside BRIGHTON, Mich. — The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is proud to partner with REI Co-Op as a destination to #optoutside on Friday, November 29. Five years ago, REI made a made the decision to close its doors on Black Friday and instead encourage employees, members and the public to spend the day with…

All funds raised will support the new accessible playground at Kensington Metropark Maple Beach DETROIT, Mich. – Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks looks to focus their fundraising efforts for the Kensington Metropark Maple Beach Playground. The play area is utilizing universal design standards to be accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities. Metroparks…

Kevin Arnold, Southern District Interpretive Services Supervisor As the deep “hoot” of the male Great Horned Owl reverberated through the woods, the crowd caught their first glimpse of the magnificent bird sitting high atop the large Bur Oak. His form, silhouetted against the evening sky, was surprisingly easy to see in the bright cast of moonlight from the full moon.…

Leah Harrison, Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator As everything else winds down for Fall, many plants are hard at work producing seeds to grow the next generation. During this time, the Metroparks Natural Resources Department, along with the help of volunteers, begin to harvest seed from native plants for use in degraded areas. To restore these degraded areas and expand healthy…

Get Out and Learn program supports schools with hands-on field trips to local Metroparks  The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is now accepting scholarship applications from local schools for its Get Out and Learn program to support field trips that must be completed by Dec. 31, 2019. The program gives teachers and students the opportunity to participate in engaging, nature-connected field trips to…

If you have visited Kensington Metropark Nature Center recently you might have noticed a new outside addition on the northeast side. The Metroparks received a grant from Ford Motor Company Fund for $7,500 to create an outdoor amphitheater at the nature center. With the help of 18 volunteers from Ford, and 108 volunteer hours later, the Kensington Metropark Nature Center…

Jason Smith, Wolcott Mill Metropark, Supervising Interpreter Farm and Historic Center The days are getting noticeable shorter, the average temperatures are dropping by the week, and the leaves on the trees are fewer and fewer with each passing day. Many of us are winding down from our summer adventures and preparing ourselves for the upcoming winter ahead, but farmers throughout…

Explore Southeast Michigan with hike-bike, fitness, rustic and water trails Michigan Trails Week was held September 22 through September 29 and your Metroparks provided unique opportunities to get out and explore, but it doesn't have to stop after that week is over! The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have several trails throughout southeast Michigan, including hiking, biking, equestrian and even water trails that…

When the temperatures begin to cool and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to create your fall bucket list. “Fall is an exciting and special season around the Metroparks,” said Amy McMillan, Director at the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. “It’s a great time to visit the parks and experience the fun activities they have to offer, not to mention the…

By Stephanie Kozak, Interpreter As the days grow shorter and the weather cools down, excitement for fall festivities grows and visions of cider, donuts, pumpkins, and hayrides start dancing in our heads. When the months get colder around the Metroparks, the human visitors start to bundle up, but the animals that call the Metropark habitats home have different plans. As…

Sara Scussell, Chris Becher and Julie Champion - Metroparks Interpreters  There’s a delicate insect living right here in Michigan that makes an incredible 2,500 mile journey every year just to survive. This species at risk of  becoming an “endangered species” but quietly pollinates our native plants every year. Do you know what it is? It’s the Monarch Butterfly! The beloved…

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Foundation is proud to announce its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic, slated for Friday, September 27th at Kensington Metropark golf course. The foursome golf scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. and end with an awards reception, featuring keynote speaker and Detroit Tiger legend, Willie Horton. Trevor Thompson, reporter/host of Fox Sports Net Detroit…

Improvements empowered by grant partners include trail redevelopment and new hand-cycle BRIGHTON, Mich. — The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Planning and Development Department is making parks more accessible, creating new recreation opportunities, and expanding trail connectivity to serve everyone in the local community. Multiple grants support these ongoing initiatives. “A main focus for us is making sure the parks serve everyone,” said…

Southeast Michigan’s osprey population was once in doubt. Today 50-60 nests are in the region. MILFORD, Mich. – More than 20 years ago, the future of ospreys was unclear in southeast Michigan, but a lot has changed in that time. This year, southeast Michigan’s oldest known osprey, C09, turns 20. C09 was originally brought to Kensington Metropark as a chick…

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority today released the following information and statements from Chief of Police Michael Reese and Director Amy McMillan following a thorough internal investigation of a recent alleged discrimination incident at Lake Erie Metropark on June 30: Michael Reese, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Chief of Police: “We moved swiftly to ensure a thorough and timely internal investigation, following up…

As with anything related to the park experience, this is an issue we take very seriously at the Metroparks. The cited report misrepresents the facts. The Macomb County Department of Health performs regular, rigorous testing per the Environmental Protection Agency’s approved method to ensure our beaches are safe for visitors. Throughout 2018, the Lake St. Clair Metropark Beach was closed…

This year your Huron-Clinton Metroparks have committed to working harder towards “going green.” As stewards of the environment, we know it is our duty to create a more sustainable future. Multiple projects are underway to reduce waste, increase recycling and grow the Metroparks green footprint. Projects are as small as fishing line recycling bins at our fishing sites or larger…

Large grant project will improve natural habitats and create new experiences for visitors The Huron-Clinton Metroparks will soon start work on a new collaborative restoration project at Lake Erie Metropark to improve shoreline and coastal wetland in the park. The project is possible thanks to a $1.5 million grant from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Great…

Mike Broughton, Kensington Nature Center Interpreter It was late in the day July 20, 1969, and a little eight-year-old boy was sitting on his living room floor, eagerly waiting for astronauts to land on the moon. Apollo 11, NASA’s mission to land the first person on the moon had just launched on July 16. That little boy was absolutely fascinated…