Proposed Michigan House legislation to Prevent Eligible Citizens from Voting
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
See How Nature Prepares for Spring
March is an exciting time to explore outdoor spaces and learn more about the nature all around us at Wint Nature Center. Birds and wildlife often begin their spring preparation despite the weather conditions, so you never know what you’ll see this time of year. Located in Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston, Wint Nature Center naturalists will help you make the most of your time outdoors. Here’s a look at what’s coming up:
- Explore the science of Geology during the Let’s Be Geologists Mini Camp from 1-3:30 p.m. March 7. Learn about how rocks are made, the different characteristics of rocks and much more by looking at real specimens and participating in hands-on activities. Plus, start your own rock collection. All supplies are included. This program is suitable for ages 5-10 years old. A release form is required with registration. Cost is $15/child
- Children ages 3-6 can enjoy nature fun as they increase their love for the outdoors during the monthly Puddle Jumpers program from 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 13. A naturalist will engage children with a story, nature talk and a related hands-on activity. Each child will make a craft to take home. March’s theme is At the End of the Rainbow. Cost is $5/child
- Ring in the maple season with our new mobile sugar shack! Explore the world of maple with a hands-on lesson on its history, science and geography during two sessions of To the Sugar Shack from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. March 14. See the sugaring process from tree to table and taste the result. This program is suitable for all ages. Cost is $10/person
- Learn about the history of maple sugaring during the Homeschool Series Program To the Sugar Shack from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 18. From Native American legends and pioneer tools to modern techniques, you’ll learn how to turn sap into syrup (and eventually sugar) while trying your hand at tapping a maple tree and exploring our new sugar shack. Cost is $10/child/session. Sessions are designed as a drop-off program for youth. All students are welcome, including those from a traditional homeschool, pod or virtual learning setting. A release form must be completed with registration
- “Sala-meander” your way down to Wint Nature Center to look for salamanders, frogs, fairy shrimp and many other animals during the Vernal Pool Stroll program from 7-9 p.m. March 28. Vernal pools are known as the “coral reefs” of Northern forests. This program is suitable for school-aged children and adults. Cost is $5/person
- ECHO (Early Childhood Hour Out) brings together parents, grandparents, nannies and caregivers from 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Thursday. This program features a caregiver-led activity provided by nature center staff and coffee, tea and conversation with other caregivers, strengthening community connections. Optional activities may take place outside. This program is free and no preregistration is necessary. Caregivers must supervise children at all times. Siblings are welcome
Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays or 248-625-6473 during nature center hours or register online anytime.
Wint Nature Center Information
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Wint Nature CenterWint Nature Center, located within Independence Oaks County Park, provides hands-on natural history exhibits, a captive live animal collection and an outdoor sensory garden as well as a bird feeding station and natural viewing area. Year-round educational programs presented by park naturalists are available to the public. American Sign Language interpreters are available during specific programs as noted on the Nature Education Program Schedule. Specialized nature programs include in person and virtual field trips, naturalist-led hikes and Wild Birthday Parties. Community Outreach Programs include nature presentations and nature information and touch tables. A portable inflatable planetarium can be booked either at the nature center or as an outreach program. |
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MHSAA NOW Volume 10 Issue 48
MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association
This week Around The State
 Durand Makes Good on 1st Impressions, Lands School’s 1st Finals Title in Any SportNick Wood had an inkling early that something special was afoot for his Durand High School boys bowling team. It was during tryouts. “You could just see that these kids were gifted athletically,” said the first-year coach. “They listen well, they took right in and they ran with it.” More from the Boys Bowling Finals: Division 1 | Division 2 | Division 4 |
 Milan Girls Strike Early, Sweep Bracket to Clinch Historic ChampionshipAn eerie quiet had descended over Jax 60 when Kenleigh Vandergrift stepped onto the approach in the ninth frame. The sophomore bowler from Milan High School walked toward the foul line, released her ball and broke the silence by yelling, “Yes!” before her ball had touched any pins. More from the Girls Bowling Finals: Division 1 | Division 2 | Division 4 |
 Hudson Starts Saturday Celebrating Record-Setting Coach, Ends with Testament to His WorkScott Marry always likes to spread the praise. The longtime Hudson wrestling coach always points to his wrestlers, school administration and Hudson community when talking about the successes of his program. More from the Wrestling Finals: Division 1 | Division 2 | Division 3 |
 Dad’s Memory Drives Bunch to Finish Kearsley Weekend Sweep with Singles WinWhenever she got into times of trouble or adversity during the Division 2 Singles Finals on Saturday, Flint Kearsley junior Noel Bunch knew who to turn to for comfort. Throughout the day, Bunch said her late father was often on her mind, particularly when she needed a good shot. Her father died last November after battling cancer. More from the Individual Girls Bowling Finals: Division 1 | Division 3 | Division 4 |
 From JV as Junior to Finals Champ, Patrick Caps Improbable Rise with Dream FinishUnder normal circumstances, this would have been the most pressure-packed shot in the life of St. Clair Shores Lake Shore senior bowler Devin Patrick – and also maybe the most pressure-filled shot any bowler has faced this season. More from the Individual Boys Bowling Finals: Division 1 | Division 3 | Division 4 |
 Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Boys Regional PreviewDistricts offer every team new life and second chances – and after a week full of those, 128 hopefuls are only three more wins from booking a trip to Michigan State. Find everything you need to know this week about tickets, brackets and more as the tournament continues on the Boys Basketball page. To watch any of several games online, visit the NFHS Network, and click here for several of the intriguing matchups. |
 Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Girls District PreviewThis month’s girls basketball championships will once again cap the MHSAA winter tournament schedule, and nearly 670 teams will play in Districts this week with dreams of finishing this three-week run on the season’s final day. We always switch up our “Breslin Bound” format once the MHSAA Tournament starts, as last week’s most intriguing results are followed this time by glances at three District brackets of note in each division. |
 Forest Park Working to Make Most of Every Second in Drive to Return DownstateThe Crystal Falls Forest Park boys basketball team appears to be on a mission as it progresses through the postseason. Forest Park is fresh from earning its third-consecutive Division 4 District basketball title with a 73-38 defeat of Norway on Friday in Crystal Falls. |
 Concord Basketball Celebrates Rare Feat: Foursome of 1,000-Point ScorersConcord has a rich basketball tradition, but something has happened this year that no one could have predicted. The Yellow Jackets have had four players – two girls and two boys – reach the career 1,000-point milestone. “It seems like a pretty rare occurrence,” Concord athletic director Matt Lehman said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’ve never seen anything like it.” |
 Be the Referee: Over the BackBe The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials. Here is this week’s segment – Over the Back – Listen. |
Game Time
Upcoming MHSAA Tournament Schedule
Girls Gymnastics · Finals: March 6-7
Individual Wrestling · Finals: March 6-7
Ice Hockey · Finals: March 7
Boys Swimming & Diving (LP) · Finals: March 13-14
Boys Basketball · Finals: March 14
Girls Basketball · Finals: March 21
MHSAA TV
MHSAA PODCASTS
This Week In High School Sports
Explore the cozier side of winter during Fireworks and Flannels
Explore the cozier side of winter during Fireworks and Flannels
Two-day event features the Light the Night Flannel 5K, live music and many other cool activities
WATERFORD, MI – Jan. 27, 2026 – The return of Fireworks and Flannels and the Light the Night Flannel 5K are sure to turn chilly temperatures into warm memories with frosty fun like horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting farm, pony rides, winter games, sledding, fat tire biking, crafts and an illuminated walking path as well as live music, food trucks and a beer tent. This two-day community celebration takes place on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14 at Waterford Oaks County Park in Waterford.
“Fireworks and Flannels proves that winter doesn’t have to be boring. We’re bringing all the warm vibes, so grab your favorite flannel and bring your sense of adventure to Waterford Oaks,” OCP Chief of Recreation Programs and Services Brandy K. Boyd said.
Light the Night Flannel 5K
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 with the opening of the Illuminated Trail followed by the start of the Light the Night Flannel 5K where participants are welcome to run or walk while wearing their comfiest, coziest flannel.
“This is an out-and-back race through the park on paved and unpaved surfaces, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery at Waterford Oaks,” Recreation Program Coordinator and Race Organizer Riley Hayes said. “After the race, enjoy a cozy bonfire, hot cocoa and a quiet night under the stars.”
Cost is $28/person. Each race participant will receive a beanie, medal and drink ticket for the Feb. 14 beer tent, part of the Cozy Night Out event. Register by scanning the QR code on the Fireworks and Flannels Flyer posted at OaklandCountyParks.com.
Cozy Night Out
General event activities are free, with hot food and drinks available for purchase from local food trucks and in the beer tent. Join the fun from 4-8 p.m. Feb. 14.
New this year is the Fat Tire BMX Experience. Trek Bicycle Pontiac will bring a demonstration fleet of fat tire bikes to the BMX track so participants can take a spin on a specially marked snow-covered course.
A highlight of Fireworks and Flannels will be the fireworks. They will light up the wintry skies in spectacular fashion beginning at 8 p.m. Bring a camping chair and blanket to watch fireworks outdoors or enjoy the view from the comfort of your heated vehicle.
Illuminated Walking Path
After Fireworks and Flannels comes to a close, continue to enjoy the Illuminated Walking Path. The path will be open from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27-March 1.
Additional Information
Fireworks and Flannels is hosted by Oakland County Parks with support from race sponsor McLaren Oakland and Cozy Night Out sponsor Trek Bicycle Pontiac. Because Fireworks and Flannels takes place during possible inclement weather, organizers encourage participants to dress warmly and prepare appropriately. In addition, with the size of Waterford Oaks County Park and the layout of activities, the use of strollers and walking-assisted devices is advised, as needed.
While leashed dogs are permitted during the Light the Night Flannel 5K, no animals except service animals will be allowed during the Cozy Night Out event due to the live animals on site for the petting farm and pony rides as well as the fireworks.
Waterford Oaks County Park is located at 1702 Scott Lake Road in Waterford. For the full schedule of events and the latest updates, visit OaklandCountyParks.com and follow OCP at Facebook/OCParks.
For more information about Oakland County Parks, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.
DNR Public Meetings: Waterways, fisheries, trails and more
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DNR Public Meetings
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