all photos by Jonathan Schechter

The snows are gone, cranes are singing, flowers are blooming and  frogs are calling! Summer is just around the corner.  Although nearly constant rains in May slowed the construction progress of a boardwalk and fishing dock, on Saturday, May 28th Independence Oaks County Park - North opens to the public. These photos are a nature supplement to accompany the detailed story/hiking column that will appear in the Sunday, May 29th edition of The Oakland Press.

For details on Independence Oaks County Park and the new northern extension and all 13 parks in the Oakland County Parks system see the website: http://www.destinationoakland.com/
NOTE:  The only access for this new section if from a separate entrance on Sashabaw Road one mile north of the main entrance. Park entry permits required. Fishing license required if you fish. Dogs must be leashed.

       A female red-winged blackbird at the edge of Upper Bushman Lake

Beaver were busy all last fall. Evidence remains among a fresh crop of skunk cabbage and sensitive fern.

     This morel came home with me. Found it at Independence North on my exploratory hike last week! 
        One of the last of the 2011 shrooming season

    Cedar and tamarck grow at the edge of the field. Wild mustard in foreground.

The shallows and shore of Upper Bushman lake are attractive to muskrat---and mink.

  Look closely: That's a wild turkey feather behind the sensitive fern on the birch log.

      Finishing touches added to the fishing dock a week before the opening.       

            Park staff worked all winter to bring the boardwalk and dock to completion.

     Executive officer Dan Stencil near the southern tip of Independence Oaks County Park - North
                                                         all photos by Jonathan Schechter