Michigan homeowners can protect their yards this winter by acting before the first hard freeze.

 

Raking leaves prevents mold and lawn disease, while composting them returns valuable nutrients to your soil in spring.

 

Mowing your grass to about 2.5 inches helps avoid matting and reduces snow mold risk.

 

Applying winter fertilizer strengthens roots for a strong comeback after the thaw.

 

Pruning dead or damaged branches shields trees and shrubs from heavy snow and ice, while wrapping sensitive plants keeps out cold winds and hungry deer.

 

Drain hoses and shut off outside water lines to prevent damaging freezes, and don’t forget to clean and store garden tools.

 

Finishing with a generous layer of mulch insulates plant roots and curbs winter weeds.

 

A little effort now ensures a lush, healthy yard when spring arrives.

Tucked behind Fish Hatchery Park, Waterford Historical Village stands as a captivating tribute to the township’s pioneer past.

 

With the loving care of the Waterford Historical Society’s volunteers, visitors are transported back in time through a charming cluster of restored 19th-century buildings.

 

Guests can wander through a log cabin, general store, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and doctor’s office—each filled with stories that illustrate Waterford’s vibrant early days.

 

The Village is especially vibrant during special events like Christmas in October, set for October 17 and 18, 2025.

 

During this two-day celebration, the Log Cabin Store opens its doors, offering festive crafts and unique holiday finds, bringing local history to life with engaging exhibits and hands-on fun.

 

Located at 4490 Hatchery Road, the Village not only preserves Waterford’s heritage but also welcomes volunteers eager to make a difference in the community’s legacy.

Waterford Township is rallying around the restoration of historic Freehan Field, a beloved baseball diamond named for Detroit Tigers legend Bill Freehan.

 

Katie and Andy Belliotti, new to the area, have discovered the field in their backyard and are passionately leading its revival.

 

The couple plans to honor the field’s legacy, which dates back to 1972 and saw its first pitch thrown by Freehan himself in 1975.

 

Efforts focus on building a new backstop and preparing the field for local teams next year.

 

To fund the project, the Belliottis have launched a GoFundMe and aim to create the Freehan Field Foundation, inviting corporate sponsors and community support.

 

Residents can get involved by attending local events like the Trunk or Treat at Bethel United Church of Christ or Harvest Happening at Hess-Hathaway Park.

 

Together, Waterford is working to ensure Freehan Field once again inspires young athletes and unites neighbors.

The proposed Sheetz gas station in Waterford Township remains undecided after a 3-3 tie at the latest Planning Commission meeting, delaying any final vote until next month.

 

Local residents spoke out with concerns about potential crime and the fit of a 24-hour gas station within the township’s master plan.

 

Robin McGregor questioned whether the Sheetz project would undermine community safety or disrupt existing neighborhood development.

 

Controversy deepened following news that Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Woodward is a paid consultant for Sheetz, sparking conflict-of-interest worries among township leaders.

 

While Woodward insists his consulting role has no bearing on county affairs and says he’s recused himself from related decisions, the county ultimately denied an essential easement for the gas station.

 

The debate now spotlights wider tensions around local development, ethics, and community priorities as residents await further action.

Waterford Township has overwhelmingly approved a $36.4 million bond to build a cutting-edge, 60,000-square-foot community center.

 

The new facility will rise on a spacious 51-acre site, formerly part of the Oakland Community College-Highland Lakes Campus, offering both indoor and outdoor features.

 

Plans include multiple pickleball courts, walking and biking trails that connect to the Waterford Riverwalk, and a variety of wellness and fitness spaces.

 

Versatile rooms for classes, gatherings, and activities for both youth and seniors promise to make this center a hometown hub for all ages.

 

The project will be financed through a 21-year bond, with property owners seeing an initial millage rate of 0.8492 mills.

 

Construction is expected to start in early 2026, with the grand opening planned for mid-2027.

 

The new center aims to foster community spirit and support Waterford’s growth for years to come.