For those who greet the first snowfall of the year with glee, Oakland County Parks is recruiting eager winter enthusiasts for the Nordic Ski Patrol at a meeting on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center in Independence Oaks County Park.
Patrollers will traverse 10 miles of groomed and marked trails at Independence Oaks.
There are two levels of participation and the minimum age to apply is 16. Associate patrollers work as the ‘eyes and ears? and look for skiers in distress. With further training, they can become National Ski Patrollers.
Ski equipment is provided for those lacking. Training sessions are offered focusing on first aid and search and rescue skills.
In exchange for 40 hours of service, volunteers will receive a 2006 Oakland County Parks vehicle permit good for unlimited entry to six parks, Fourth of July fireworks, and free entry to the 4-H Fair at Springfield Oaks County Park on ‘Oakland County Parks Day.?
Independence Oaks County Park is on Sashabaw Road, 2? miles north of I-75.
Jim Meloche, a 25-year patrol veteran, is in charge of recruiting and can be reached at 248-376-4076 or 248-625-8205 for more information.
Visit the Oakland County Parks website at www.oakgov.com/parksrec for a map to Independence Oaks and information on other winter activities.