Encompassing about 25,000 acres across five counties in southeast Michigan, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks contains some of the largest and most diverse greenspaces in our area. Open prairies, shady forests, and lively wetlands are home to an incredible array of plants and wildlife and provide prime opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, nature study, and a host of other outdoor activities.
The Metroparks Natural Resources Department oversees and manages undeveloped land throughout the 13 Metroparks. The goal of the Natural Resources Department is to protect and restore significant elements of natural diversity while balancing ecological stewardship with compatible recreational uses.
The natural diversity of the Metroparks is reflected in the number of unique habitats, animals, and plants found throughout the parks. For example, Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie are home to remnants of the disappearing Great Lakes coastal marshes; Kensington, Stony Creek, and Indian Springs host healthy populations of the rare Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake; and a population of mullein foxglove at Oakwoods is one of only two known in the state of Michigan. The Natural Resources Department actively protects and manages these precious resources, often calling upon volunteers to lend a helping hand.
Natural Resouces Documents
- 2021 Deer Management Plan Update Statement
- 2021 Deer Management Plan FAQ
- Mowing Plan – 2018
- PFOS Do Not Eat Advisory FAQ
Our Partners
The Natural Resources Department frequently collaborates with government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit groups in order to restore habitat and advance ecological research in southeast Michigan. Here are some of our partners.
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
- Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
- Oakland County Parks
- Huron River Watershed Council
- Clinton River Watershed Council
- The Nature Conservancy – Oak Openings Region
- The Stewardship Network
- Ducks Unlimited
- Pheasants Forever
- Michigan Nature Association
- Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory
- Wayne State University
- The University of Michigan
- The Ohio State University
- Michigan State University Extension
- Michigan Sea Grant