Name: OCC Highland Lakes Campus walk about and update
Start: 2025-11-20T16:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-20T18:30:00-05:00
Location: Oakland Community College north parking lot off Hospital rd

This is a “call-to-action” event that will include information about the OCC (Oakland Community College), Highland Lakes Campus. The campus is closing and the land is up for grabs. Community leaders want to save the green space and develop an Outdoor Education Center. The OCC Chancellor seems to be hell bent on selling to developers. (If this is true, we wonder why he is helping developers but not helping the community)
We’ll meet at 4:15pm. Park at 7350 Cooley Lake Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48327, on the north end of campus by the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve sign.
**Schedule:**
**4:30pm**: meet for an update on the state of the property: short easy walk of the grounds (1 mile on campus sidewalks and parking lots)

Join us for a peaceful and purposeful hike through the 57-acre Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve, a cherished natural sanctuary in Waterford of woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows. This tranquil area—named after beloved biology professor Louellen Woughter—has long served as an outdoor classroom and refuge for wildlife and people alike. Now, its future is uncertain. Oakland Community College (OCC) plans to close its Highland Lakes campus in 2026 and for more than a year now has been making plans to sell this land to developers. But we believe this publicly funded property—part of the headwaters of the Clinton River watershed—should remain public.
During this short, guided hike, we’ll explore the preserve’s diverse habitats, observe local flora and fauna, and discuss community efforts to protect this land for future generations. We’ll also share how residents can urge OCC to sell the 91-acre northern section—including the preserve—to **Oakland County Parks (OCP)**, which is considering proposals to create a **170-acre nature and environmental education park** in partnership with **MSU Extension** and the **Waterford School District**.

Oakland County Parks even made an offer to buy the land at the end of last year, but the college never even discussed it with the county—ironically, the very entity that sold the land to OCC about 60 years ago. (Why) We think the county should have the first right to buy it back before the college considers selling it to developers. Such transactions today usually include a buyback clause!
After the hike, **OCC is holding a Community Forum** that will help determine the future of the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve. **Registration is required** to attend this forum: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-forum-tickets-1770383216859?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-forum-tickets-1770383216859?aff=oddtdtcreator). Come support our efforts and watch the show...
Click on “**Reserve a spot**,” and an email ticket will be sent to you. If you don't get a ticket, you can still gather with our activists before the forum to protest plans to develop this natural treasure.
By joining this hike, you’ll help amplify the call to **Keep Public Land Public**—preserving a unique space for conservation, recreation, and education.
Bring your walking shoes, curiosity, and commitment to protecting our community’s natural treasures. Together, we can make a difference.
**Meeting Time and Location:**
We’ll meet at 4:15pm Park at 7350 Cooley Lake Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48327 on the north end of campus by the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve sign. The hike will start promptly at 4:30pm, so please don't be late.

**Disclaimer:**
By signing up for and participating in this event, or any other Michigan Adventurers Club event you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with this activity and freely accept all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and fully assume responsibility for your own safety, and further agree to release and discharge the organizers of this event from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest’s participation in the group activities.
More information can be found at the this conservation groups website. [COWLmich.org](http://cowlmich.org/)

Pete Ogg

Michigan Adventurers Club

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OCC Highland Lakes Campus walk about and update

Oakland Community College north parking lot off Hospital rd

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OCC Highland Lakes Campus walk about and update

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