The Oakland Conservation District is looking for 8-10 volunteers to unload trailers and bundle up plants. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours for work, school or community projects. Plus, all volunteers earn up to a 20% discount on their future orders too! Join us and feel free to invite your friends, neighbors and work colleagues. Even eager/reliable high school students are welcome. Simply call and together we'll find a mutually convenient time. You do not have to commit to all five days or even all day; we will work with your schedule.
We want to say thank you to all our Volunteers in making our 2022 Spring Tree & Shrub Sale a success again this year. Our success for this event is the result of the commitment and dedication of all our Volunteers in supporting the Oakland Conservation District.
We want to say thank you to all our Volunteers in making our 2022 Spring Tree & Shrub Sale a success again this year. Our success for this event is the result of the commitment and dedication of all our Volunteers in supporting the Oakland Conservation District.
The Oakland Conservation District is in search of individuals who care about soil and water conservation to help out whenever they can throughout the year. No huge time commitment is required; just volunteer for what you want, when you want! Whether it be assistance with tree packaging in preparation for our annual Spring Tree Sale or giving a presentation on an environmental issue that you’re passionate about at one of our workshops/seminars. We greatly appreciate any form of volunteerism– indoors and outdoors! If interested, fill out the contact form below, or call (248) 922-7822.
The annual 2023 Spring Tree and Shrub sale will be April 29th 2023.
The annual 2023 Spring Tree and Shrub sale will be April 29th 2023.
2022 SPRING TREE SALE DATE:
May 7, 2022
2022 SPRING TREE SALE DATE:
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Each spring we hold a tree and plant sale offering a wide variety or native and non-invasive species of trees and plants. Our primary source of funding is through our Spring Tree Sale. Proceeds enable us to partner with other natural resource organizations and cooperate with Oakland County Parks and Recreation and MSU Extension on their projects.
BACKYARD HABITAT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
This is the perfect time to begin planning your custom backyard habitat. Join us for a comprehensive four-session course and learn everything you need to know. Click here for brochure. 2022 SPRING DATES: March 7, 14, 21, 28 |
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March Meeting
The meeting is held on March 16th at 6 p.m. at 7150 Dixie Highway Suite 2 Clarkston, MI 48346.
2021-2022 Board Meetings - Public Welcome.
The meeting is held on March 16th at 6 p.m. at 7150 Dixie Highway Suite 2 Clarkston, MI 48346.
2021-2022 Board Meetings - Public Welcome.
The Oakland Conservation District appreciates our county landowners' role in utilizing and managing our natural resources. We would love to hear from our landowners about the resource and conservation issues that affect you! We will be holding the 2022 Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
2021-2022 Board Meetings - Public Welcome.
2021-2022 Board Meetings - Public Welcome.
Where did THAT come from?
Invasive Species Highlight
Oriental Bittersweet
Maybe you’ve ended up with a stiff back from pulling garlic mustard in the spring, or punctured hands from removing barberry bushes. Now there’s another really noxious weed that is sure to strain your body as well as your trees: oriental bittersweet.
This nasty vine was introduced over 100 years ago as an ornamental, and has now taken advantage of its welcome by crawling over everything. We do have a native bittersweet that is better behaved, and is on Michigan’s list of Special Concern species. Identification differences are that the invasive bittersweet has oblong, finely toothed, glossy leaves. Both the native and Oriental species have similar colored, deep orange to scarlet fruits with a yellowish outer skin, but the invasive vines have those fruits distributed along the entire branch. The native species has these fruits only at the ends of the branches.
Oriental bittersweet has become abundant in southern Michigan, creeping along forest edges and openings and overtopping mature trees. These vines can strangle smaller trunks and branches, reduce access to sunlight, and grow heavy enough in tree crowns to pull them down. As with a lot of our ‘successful’ invasive woody plants, mowing or just casual pulling without removing all the roots only stimulates new and more growth. As it established by seed most easily on mineral soil, prescribed burning alone will also not control it.
How bad can it get? Just ask one of our wonderful MFA members from northern Washtenaw County, Whitney Field. This nasty vine has overrun several of the open areas of their property, as you can see from the pictures here (which, according to Whitney, is not the worst infested area). Trying to be a responsible landowner, he tried manually to remove the invasive with no progress. Resorting to an herbicide, triclopyr, was the next desperate step, being careful to avoid spraying on trees or other desirable broadleaves. He is hopeful that this approach is starting to put a dent in the infestation, but it does show how these nasty problems can quickly run away on a property and become a lifetime struggle. Or, at least until something else comes along…
Keep an eye out for this vine, knock it out when it’s still controllable, and report it to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network website (https://www.misin.msu.edu/) to help researchers get a better handle on its distribution and spread. If it’s at all possible, check with your neighbors, too, to coordinate control efforts. Your trees will thank you!
If you’d like to explore more information on Oriental bittersweet, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory has a great publication online: https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/OrientalBittersweetBCP.pdf
This nasty vine was introduced over 100 years ago as an ornamental, and has now taken advantage of its welcome by crawling over everything. We do have a native bittersweet that is better behaved, and is on Michigan’s list of Special Concern species. Identification differences are that the invasive bittersweet has oblong, finely toothed, glossy leaves. Both the native and Oriental species have similar colored, deep orange to scarlet fruits with a yellowish outer skin, but the invasive vines have those fruits distributed along the entire branch. The native species has these fruits only at the ends of the branches.
Oriental bittersweet has become abundant in southern Michigan, creeping along forest edges and openings and overtopping mature trees. These vines can strangle smaller trunks and branches, reduce access to sunlight, and grow heavy enough in tree crowns to pull them down. As with a lot of our ‘successful’ invasive woody plants, mowing or just casual pulling without removing all the roots only stimulates new and more growth. As it established by seed most easily on mineral soil, prescribed burning alone will also not control it.
How bad can it get? Just ask one of our wonderful MFA members from northern Washtenaw County, Whitney Field. This nasty vine has overrun several of the open areas of their property, as you can see from the pictures here (which, according to Whitney, is not the worst infested area). Trying to be a responsible landowner, he tried manually to remove the invasive with no progress. Resorting to an herbicide, triclopyr, was the next desperate step, being careful to avoid spraying on trees or other desirable broadleaves. He is hopeful that this approach is starting to put a dent in the infestation, but it does show how these nasty problems can quickly run away on a property and become a lifetime struggle. Or, at least until something else comes along…
Keep an eye out for this vine, knock it out when it’s still controllable, and report it to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network website (https://www.misin.msu.edu/) to help researchers get a better handle on its distribution and spread. If it’s at all possible, check with your neighbors, too, to coordinate control efforts. Your trees will thank you!
If you’d like to explore more information on Oriental bittersweet, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory has a great publication online: https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/OrientalBittersweetBCP.pdf
Design a custom wildlife habitat for your backyard. This four-part workshop is perfect for all experience levels. Big yard or small, every habitat counts! Classes are Mondays in March, from 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm at the Waterford Township Library. A laptop or tablet is required at the location to finish the class. For information and to apply, email OaklandConservation@gmail.com or call 249-922-7822.
Soil testing
Need soil testing? We got you covered! Soil testing can provide information regarding the soil's ability to supply nutrients for the best plant growth, providing a scientific basis for deciding if and how much lime and nutrients are needed. You can order online on this website, or request by mail by calling (248) 922 - 7822.
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We are sorry to announce that we can not accept any new orders. Thanks to your amazing amazing support we have sold out of each species. Thank you for your incredible support! We look forward to hearing from you next year. Please be sure we have your contact details so you have full details for 2022.
we are sold out!
accepting no new orders for 2021 tree sale
Fall soil health workshop
Learn about cover crops, composting and the importance of soil testing for your farm or garden! Event takes place on October 16th, 2021 from 10AM - 1PM at the Edible Flint Educational Farm, 1628 Beach Street, Flint, MI, 48503. RSVP at www.edibleflint.org/soilevent! This class counts for MAEAP Phase 1 credit.
Please forward any questions to Kelly, either by email at kelly@edibleflint.org or by phone at (810) 244-8547.
Please forward any questions to Kelly, either by email at kelly@edibleflint.org or by phone at (810) 244-8547.
Click for Guide
With the longest freshwater coastline in the United States, over 11,000 inland lakes, and extensive wetlands, Michigan is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of invasive plants. They pose a significant threat to Michigan’s aquatic and wetland resources and their impacts are wide-ranging.
Invasive plants reduce overall plant and animal diversity, destroy critical biological resources such as fish nursery habitat, simplify natural communities, reduce property values, restrict fishing, boating and other recreational opportunities, and necessitate large public and private expenditures to mitigate their spread.
Invasive plants reduce overall plant and animal diversity, destroy critical biological resources such as fish nursery habitat, simplify natural communities, reduce property values, restrict fishing, boating and other recreational opportunities, and necessitate large public and private expenditures to mitigate their spread.
Click for Guide
We are pleased to share this comprehensive field guide, courtesy of Michigan State University. Whether you are planting your very first tree, are a lifelong gardener or a professional land manager, you will come to rely on this in depth field guide.
Inside you will find color photos, a description of each plant, its habitat preferences, reproductive strategies and a brief overview of suggested methods for monitoring and treating small, newly detected infestations.
Inside you will find color photos, a description of each plant, its habitat preferences, reproductive strategies and a brief overview of suggested methods for monitoring and treating small, newly detected infestations.
everything you need TO IDENTIFy INVASIVEs species
1200 ACRES OF LAND TO BE TREATED FOR INVASIVE SPECIES WITH 2016 CISMA GRANT
The Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (OC CISMA) is a partnership of county departments, municipalities, land conservancies, watershed councils, and non-profits aimed at fostering multi-jurisdictional, public-private partnerships to identify and control invasive species.
In 2016, the Oakland Conservation District is among 18 OC CISMA members hoping to attain funding from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. If successful, the grant will allow treatment of over 1200 acres of public, private, and protected land in Oakland County for invasive phragmites, knotweed, flowering rush, and swallow-wort. The Oakland Conservation District will play a key role in this partnership by serving as a supporting liaison to landowners in NW-Oakland County struggling with management of invasive swallow-wort on their properties. Swallow-wort is a vining plant in the milkweed family, that quickly forms monocultures in uplands, pastures, and old-fields. Toxic to livestock and monarchs, swallow-wort economically degrades hayfields and provides no habitat value to wildlife. The grant will support treatment of swallow-wort on private lands adjacent to high-quality natural areas in NW Oakland County.
As a grant partner, the OC Conservation District (OCCD) has committed to serve as a supporting liaison to private landowners and where applicable, provide a conduit to USDA-NRCS Federal cost-share programs (EQUIP/CIG/RCPP) to promote affordable, long-term management options to large private parcels impacted by swallow-wort. In addition, the Oakland Conservation District will support the OC CISMA’s collaborative invasive species management efforts by providing outreach and education about invasive plants for landowners, at their booth located at the Oakland County Market which welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually.
The Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (OC CISMA) is a partnership of county departments, municipalities, land conservancies, watershed councils, and non-profits aimed at fostering multi-jurisdictional, public-private partnerships to identify and control invasive species.
In 2016, the Oakland Conservation District is among 18 OC CISMA members hoping to attain funding from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program. If successful, the grant will allow treatment of over 1200 acres of public, private, and protected land in Oakland County for invasive phragmites, knotweed, flowering rush, and swallow-wort. The Oakland Conservation District will play a key role in this partnership by serving as a supporting liaison to landowners in NW-Oakland County struggling with management of invasive swallow-wort on their properties. Swallow-wort is a vining plant in the milkweed family, that quickly forms monocultures in uplands, pastures, and old-fields. Toxic to livestock and monarchs, swallow-wort economically degrades hayfields and provides no habitat value to wildlife. The grant will support treatment of swallow-wort on private lands adjacent to high-quality natural areas in NW Oakland County.
As a grant partner, the OC Conservation District (OCCD) has committed to serve as a supporting liaison to private landowners and where applicable, provide a conduit to USDA-NRCS Federal cost-share programs (EQUIP/CIG/RCPP) to promote affordable, long-term management options to large private parcels impacted by swallow-wort. In addition, the Oakland Conservation District will support the OC CISMA’s collaborative invasive species management efforts by providing outreach and education about invasive plants for landowners, at their booth located at the Oakland County Market which welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually.
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Alert! Invasive asian carp
Also known as dog-strangling vine may appear beautiful with their colorful violet, star-shaped flowers, but looks are deceiving. See below for the DNR fact sheet and help control this highly invasive plant.
swallow wort now a concern in michigan
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2020 SPRING TREE SALE Pickup DATE:
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Each spring we hold a tree and plant sale offering a wide variety or native and non-invasive species of trees and plants. Our primary source of funding is through our Spring Tree Sale. Proceeds enable us to partner with other natural resource organizations and cooperate with Oakland County Parks and Recreation and MSU Extension on their projects.
Do your part! be Septic Smart.
When you flush the toilet, some pipes lead to a sewage treatment plant. But more than 1.3 million homes in Michigan depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses, and household toxics to local waterways.
Proper septic system maintenance protects public health, the environment, and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.
Proper septic system maintenance protects public health, the environment, and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.
2020 Spring Tree Sale Date - Saturday, May 2
ORDERS DUE BY WEDNESDAY APRIL 8, 2020
We have a wonderful selection of evergreens, hardwoods and shrubs. All of our plants are native, non-invasive and sourced right here in Michigan.
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is one of the leading
OAKLAND COUNTY RECEIVES NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION CERTIFICATION
Oakland County has been officially designated a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Coulter will receive the award at approximately 10:45 a.m. and give remarks. Oakland County is the third largest designated county by population in the United States and the fourth community in Michigan to receive the honor. A Community Wildlife Habitat project creates multiple habitat areas in backyards, schoolyards, corporate properties, community gardens and other spaces. The celebration also includes presentations on the Michigan Air Line Trail, transforming public spaces into edible forests and water flow monitoring in the Clinton River Watershed.
https://www.oakgov.com/pages/news.aspx#/oakland-county-receives-national-wildlife-federation-certification-as-wildlife-friendly-community
https://www.oakgov.com/pages/news.aspx#/oakland-county-receives-national-wildlife-federation-certification-as-wildlife-friendly-community
FREE Well Water Testing! - September 14, 2019
Join us at the Oakland County Farmers' Market on September 14, from 9-1 p.m. for FREE Nitrate/Nitrite well water testing for residents with private wells. Please swing by the booth with your sample.
Join us at the Oakland County Farmers' Market on September 14, from 9-1 p.m. for FREE Nitrate/Nitrite well water testing for residents with private wells. Please swing by the booth with your sample.
MEDIA COVERAGE
C&G Newspapers
Conservation group jumps into spring with tree sale
By Tiffany Esshaki
Posted March 15, 2016
C&G Newspapers
Conservation group jumps into spring with tree sale
By Tiffany Esshaki
Posted March 15, 2016
Volunteers Needed
Order Soon!
We receive only a limited amount of each plant offered.
Order online or by mail before April 9.
Questions? Call (248) 922-7822.
We receive only a limited amount of each plant offered.
Order online or by mail before April 9.
Questions? Call (248) 922-7822.
Watch for 2019 Spring Dates - Sign up for email announcements
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Oakland Conservation District Certified Wildlife Habitat---Complete with plaque and yard signage! Learn More →
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Oakland Conservation District Certified Wildlife Habitat---Complete with plaque and yard signage! Learn More →
To Volunteer Call:
Patrick Costello (248-459-2221)
Patrick Costello (248-459-2221)
Spring Tree Sale CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS, ORDER FORMS & ONLINE PURCHASES
A special thanks to the 2018 Tree Sale volunteers! This has been our most successful sale ever. With your loving care and hard work thousands of trees have found new homes throughout Michigan.
Cindy, Jay, Jeremy, Kim, Nancy, Patrick, Roberta, Sonja, Tammy ,Tom, Mollie, Mark, Betsy, Victor, Stewart, Jim, Bonnie, Beth, Kathleen, Kathy, Kelli, Lisa, Anne, Barb, and a special thank you to Lynn for all you do!
*If we have missed anyone, please let us know.
Cindy, Jay, Jeremy, Kim, Nancy, Patrick, Roberta, Sonja, Tammy ,Tom, Mollie, Mark, Betsy, Victor, Stewart, Jim, Bonnie, Beth, Kathleen, Kathy, Kelli, Lisa, Anne, Barb, and a special thank you to Lynn for all you do!
*If we have missed anyone, please let us know.
thank you for your support! We'll see you Saturday, may 4, 2019
Call (248) 922 -7822 if you have questions.
The Oakland Conservation District is looking for 8-10 volunteers at the end of April. We will be unloading trailers and bundling up orders. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours for work, school or community projects. Plus, all volunteers earn up to a 20% discount on future orders too! Join us and feel free to invite your friends, neighbors and work colleagues. Even eager/reliable high school students are welcome. You do not have to commit to all three days, and if you can't stay for the entire day, that's okay too. Simply call and together we'll find a mutually convenient time.
volunteers needed for 2018 tree sale -- Plan now!
michigan native plant sale
MICHIGAN NATIVE PLANT SALE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Neiman's Family Market
7121 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston
More info →
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Neiman's Family Market
7121 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston
More info →
orders must be in by Friday, april 6
there will be no extra trees or shrubs to buy the day of pickup - april 28
Check out the 2018 selection of locally grown, native trees and shrubs. Blueberries and Asparagus also available!
Order Soon!
We receive only a limited amount of each plant offered.
You can order here with PayPal, or by mail.
Questions? Call (248) 922-7822.
We receive only a limited amount of each plant offered.
You can order here with PayPal, or by mail.
Questions? Call (248) 922-7822.
What: Winter Workshop-Backyard Habitat Certification
Where: Waterford Township Library - Conference Room
When: 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Who: Must be registered to attend and you need a laptop.
Where: Waterford Township Library - Conference Room
When: 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Who: Must be registered to attend and you need a laptop.
backyard habitat certification class now enrolling
Backyard Habitat Certification
Four-Session Workshop
February 27, March 1, March 5, and March 27.
Four-Session Workshop
February 27, March 1, March 5, and March 27.
This class is customized and only 12 participants will be enrolled.
~ Sat. October 13 we'll be discussing 2018 objectives.~
learn about the exciting plans for next year.
We want to hear from you!
learn about the exciting plans for next year.
We want to hear from you!
The Oakland County Farmers Market, open three days a week, provides grower-direct fresh produce, flowers and hand-made goods. Vendors showcase their products via indoor and outdoor stalls. Red Wood Grill provides on-site BBQ fare. Special events are held throughout the year, including Oakland Uncorked, food truck rallies and community garage sales. Nutrition and health programs are hosted by Michigan State University Extension and Master Gardeners, as well as the Oakland Conservation District and the Oakland County Health Division.
Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat:
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Oakland Conservation District Certified Wildlife Habitat---Complete with plaque and yard signage!
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Oakland Conservation District Certified Wildlife Habitat---Complete with plaque and yard signage!
Register by completing the form here or by calling the Oakland Conservation District
Phone: (248) 922-7822
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JAN 26 FEB 2 FEB 9 FEB 16 FEB 23 |
SOIL IDENTIFICATION
POLLINATOR HABITAT FEATHER, FUR, AMPHIBIAN & REPTILE HABITATS MANAGING INVASIVE PLANTS BACKYARD HABITAT LANDSCAPE PLANNING BACKYARD HABITAT CERTIFICATION |
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CLASSES MEET THURSDAYS 7 - 8 p.m. AT THE WATERFORD OAKS ADMIN OFFICES 2800 Watkins Lake Rd. Waterford, MI 48328 We thank Oakland County Parks for providing the classroom. |
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BACKYARD HABITAT
Ready...Set...Certify!
Spring is the perfect time to begin planning your backyard habitat. Join us for our six week course and learn everything you need to know.
Backyard Habitat Certification Course now available
Classes started April 7
~ Interested in our next session? Sign up for email updates ~
Spring is the perfect time to begin planning your backyard habitat. Join us for our six week course and learn everything you need to know.
Backyard Habitat Certification Course now available
Classes started April 7
~ Interested in our next session? Sign up for email updates ~
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TREE SALE
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The Oakland Conservation District is looking for 8-10 volunteers on April 26 & 27. We will be unloading trailers with small trees and shrubs (12" - 36") and bundling up orders. This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours for work, school or community projects. Plus, all volunteers earn up to a 20% discount on orders too!
Join us and feel free to invite your friends, neighbors and work colleagues. Even eager/reliable high school students are welcome. You do not have to commit to all three days, and if you can't stay for the entire day, that's okay too. Simply call and together we'll find a mutually convenient time. |