Hike to Save the Louellen Woughter Nature Preserve (Oakland County) Register

Date and Time:
Thu, Nov 20, 2025; 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Southeast Michigan Group

Location: Luellen R Woughter Nature Reserve, 7350 Cooley Lake Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48327, USA

Map | Directions

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. 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 nowadays!

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.
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. 

Fun Fact: The preserve is home to vernal pools hosting threatened species like the Fairy Shrimp and Blanding’s Turtle. Volunteers with Conservation of Waterford Lands (COWL) have documented these habitats through MSU’s Vernal Pool Patrol program.

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.

Hike Leader:
For questions, email sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.

Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and the season’s weather appropriate clothing. Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.

Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.

Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.

Hikes are free and open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event and we are always happy to receive a donation to support our activism and outings in Southeastern Michigan.

Level: Easy