Highland Recreation Area

09/20/2026

More volunteer stewardship workdays have been announced!

The next scheduled day is October 31, from 9am - 12pm

Join ongoing efforts to clear out invasive species from a dry-mesic southern forest strip with some large oak trees and restore a neighboring area to an open grassland. Volunteers will be cutting invasive shrubs.

Where: Meet at the Barn Course Field Trial Grounds

What to Wear and Bring: Please dress for outdoor work, wearing long pants, long-sleeve shirt, work boots, and sun protection. Bring layers to dress for the weather. For wetland sites, waterproof boots are recommended. Bring water, a snack, and any medication you might need. To prevent the spread of invasive species, ensure all gear is free of mud and seeds. Work gloves, eye protection, and hand tools are provided, though please feel free to bring your own.

More about the Volunteer Stewardship Program: Volunteer stewardship workdays with the DNR engage volunteers through hands-on restoration and education as they help remove invasive plants threatening high-quality ecosystems in state parks across southern lower Michigan. Volunteers learn plant identification, see rare ecosystems, connect with others and more. No experience is necessary and equipment and instruction are provided.

If you have questions regarding Volunteer Stewardship with the DNR, please contact SE Natural Resource Steward:
Anna Cone
[email protected]
517-551-4969

To register for this event or to see the entire list of workdays at Highland or neighboring parks, please visit:

https://michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com/vm/programs/8

09/14/2026

The best time of the year to observe nature is rapidly approaching! With the changing fall colors, our EnChroma-enabled viewers are available at the south side of Teeple Beach and Goose Meadow, allowing visitors to experience the full spectrum of colors!

Several state parks – including some locally - offer or will offer the specially adapted lenses designed to help visitors with red-green colorblindness experience vibrant autumn hues more clearly, distinctly and vibrantly.

09/11/2026

A beautiful sunset sky over the park tonight!

09/09/2026

08/21/2026

AND shuttle buses will provided around the area and up and down the Hill. Enjoy the Haven Hill Barn Stormers and their guests the Royal Oak Wahoos for a 10am vintage base ball match. AND guest speakers under the Pavilion at 12pm as well as the Outdoors and History Tent Fair at Goose Meadow all day!

07/18/2026

Join us this summer at one of our free archery clinics at Goose Meadow!

07/17/2026

The bacteria advisory has been lifted for Teeple Beach and back to fully open 👍

07/16/2026

Teeple Beach is currently under advisement due to elevated bacteria levels. Oakland County Health Division will update the results tomorrow. The beach is currently still open.

07/02/2026

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who participated in this year’s garlic mustard pull days in the Haven Hill Natural Area. Rain or shine, your efforts make a difference in protecting the natural resources we all cherish.

Thank you again for everyone’s hard work! we look forward to future stewardship days at the park!

06/03/2026

Volunteer dates added! We will be hosting two more garlic mustard work days this month:

June 14th and 24th from 10am - 12:30pm.

Help us remove garlic mustard that threatens to take over the high-quality forest in Haven Hill Natural Area.

Meet at the mountain bike trailhead parking lot on the north side of Livingston Rd.

These workdays are a blend of hands-on restoration and outdoor education. We provide all the gear and training you need. No experience required! We will be covering a lot of ground, so come prepared for a hike.

Please dress for outdoor work, wearing long pants, long-sleeve shirt, work boots, and sun protection. Bring layers to dress for the weather. For wetland sites, waterproof boots are recommended. Bring water, a snack, and any medication you might need. To prevent the spread of invasive species, ensure all gear is free of mud and seeds. Work gloves, eye protection, and hand tools are provided.

Registration is required for participation. Sign up here:

https://michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com/vm/programs/8