Headwaters Cluster
Service area: Greater Oakland County (Michigan)
About us: The Headwaters Cluster (HWC) was the first Stewardship Network local Cluster to form in the fall of 2003. The Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy led the formation of the Cluster as a way to build cooperative relationships between the various agencies who were responsible for managing high quality ecosystem areas under protection in Oakland County and surrounding areas, thereby enhancing the stewardship of those areas. Oakland County is home to the headwaters of five different river systems along with an exceptional ecological diversity and is experiencing extreme development pressure on remaining natural areas.
The HWC has two main areas of focus: 1) on the ground conservation action and planning, and 2) educating community members in conservation issues, techniques and other relevant topics. We focus on local stewardship issues and plans to address those concerns through implemented action. The HWC provides unique educational opportunities through events, workshops, activities and online networking to share ideas, information, skills and resources to enable local groups to increase their capacity to care for local land and water.
Participating organizations include:
Oakland County Partners: Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs (EDCA), Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, Oakland County Water Resources Commission, Road Commission for Oakland County
Non-Profit Conservation Organizations: Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Rouge, Huron River Watershed Council, Michigan Nature Association, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, Oakland County Conservation District, Oakland University, Royal Oak Nature Society, Six Rivers Land Conservancy – Highland Chapter, Six Rivers Land Conservancy, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy
Cities, Villages and Townships: Addison Township, Village of Beverly Hills, Village of Bingham Farms, Charter Township of Bloomfield, City of Birmingham Parks and Recreation, Charter Township of Brandon Village of Clarkston, City of Clawson, Commerce Township, City of Farmington Hills, Groveland Township, Holly Township Charter Township of Highland, Charter Township of Independence, City of Keego Harbor, City of Lathrup Village, Charter Township of Milford, Village of Milford, City of Novi
Contact information: Learn more about HWC’s Member Community Coordinator, Emily Duthinh, on the Our Team page or contact her now at eduthinh@gmail.com