Please come out and join us for one of these free events! There is no need to pre-register unless otherwise noted. If you have a large group (more than five people) that is interested in attending a volunteer stewardship event, please contact our Workday Coordinator at least two weeks in advance of the event.
Please remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. We provide tools, light snacks, water, and know-how at our Stewardship Workdays. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or bring a signed release form (pdf) to attend workdays. For park directions, meet-up locations, and bus information check out this helpful guide.
January
Stewards' Circle: Wetland Restoration: What are the opportunities and techniques for weland restoration in the winter?
January 10, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. This month's topic: Wetland Restoration: What are the opportunities and techniques for wetland restoration in the winter? For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Stewardship Workday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
January 16, Monday
Bluffs Nature Area
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity to make your day “off” a day “on” for community service. Join in to help remove invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn shrubs from the Bluff Nature Area. Meet us at Crawford Elks Lodge, 220 Sunset Rd., where we will warm-up with hot tea or cocoa before starting the workday. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. For more information go to www.mlkday.gov
Citizen Pruner Training
January 28, Saturday
Wheeler Service Center - 4251 Stone School Rd.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Love Trees? Want to learn a new skill? Looking for a new and unique way to volunteer in the community? Consider becoming a Citizen Pruner! Citizen Pruners volunteer during City sponsored work days to care for newly planted city trees by pruning, monitoring, and providing general tree care. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about tree care, we will teach you everything you need to know and even loan you the tools! Training includes both indoor and outdoor time, so come prepared to be comfortable in both settings. Please register by January 25, troselle@a2gov.org or 734-794-6627.
February
Stewardship Network Workshop
Woody Plants in the Home Landscape
February 7, Tuesday
Cost: $10 for Stewardship Network member/$15 for non-members
NEW Center - 1100 Main Street
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Woody plants are often overlooked as a component of the native landscape. Most people think of prairies and tall grasses. However, there are many native shrub species suitable for landscapes, and they provide a lot of aesthetic and wildlife benefit. Bring drawings of your property, soil type, moisture, etc! Click here to register.
Stewardship Network Workshop
Weed Warriors: Share Your Stories and Strategies
February 8, Wednesday
Cost: Free!
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Room 125
6:45 pm to 8:30 pm
Weed Warriors (Black Belt) Jason Frenzel and Toni Spears will be leading off our discussion of new techniques and strategies for dealing with invasive plants. Come and share your experiences, successes, or continuing problems with garlic mustard, autumn olive, spotted knapweed, and others. Learn about imminent invaders such as Japanese hedge parsley, narrowleaf bittercress, and more. Got a favorite tool? Time for show and tell. If you have questions ahead of time, please contact Andrea Matthies at (734) 604-4674. This event held in partnership with Wild Ones (Ann Arbor Chapter). No registration required.
Stewards’ Circle - Prescribed Fire – How and when to use prescribed fire
February 14, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. This month's topic: Prescribed Fire: How and when to use prescribed fire. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Public Meeting – Controlled Ecological Burn Program
February 28, Tuesday
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center – 1831 Traver Rd.
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Fire is used as a restoration tool in many of Ann Arbor’s natural areas. This meeting provides information, and is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, learn about the ecological benefits of burning, and hear about the specifics of effectively and safely using fire as a restoration tool. Burns are conducted in city nature areas throughout the spring and fall. If you plan on volunteering with our burn crew for the first time, it is recommended that you attend this meeting in addition to the training. Open for all interested in learning why we burn.
Controlled Burn Volunteer Crew Training
February 29, Wednesday
Cobblestone Farm - 2781 Packard Rd.
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Become a part of NAP’s Volunteer Burn Crew! This is the required training session for anyone interested in assisting with NAP’s controlled burns. Burns typically take place Monday through Friday between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Registration is required by February 27, as enrollment is limited. Call 734-794-6627 or email nap@a2gov.org to register or for more information.
March
Stewards' Circle- Herbaceous Invasives: Successful approaches to controlling herbaceous invasive plants and monitoring for new threats.
March 13, Tuesday
Bruegger's Bagels - 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural area - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land steards, plus others interested in nature. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Salamander Survey Kickoff Training
March 10, Saturday
Nature House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Rd.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Did you know we have at least five species of salamanders in Ann Arbor? If you have some identification experience and a willingness to get muddy, please help us monitor their population and the health of their habitats. Surveying is done three to six times during early spring at multiple sites, and each round takes a few hours. Please register by March 8, nap@a2gov.org or 734-794-6627.
Frog and Toad Survey Kickoff Meeting
March 10, Saturday
Nature House, Leslie Science & Nature Center – 1831 Traver Rd.
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Please join us to help monitor frog populations in Ann Arbor. It’s fun to learn how to identify the frogs of Michigan by ear and eye. Surveying is done three to six times from early spring through June at multiple sites, and each round takes a couple of hours. No previous experience required. Family-friendly. Please register by March 8, nap@a2gov.org or 734-794-6627.
Photo Monitoring Kickoff
March 17, Saturday
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Rd.
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Do you like photography and spending time outdoors? Photo monitoring may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! We need volunteers to take beautiful photos at specific locations each season to record and track the progress of our restoration work. You must have your own digital camera. Come join us at this informational meeting for more details about this volunteer opportunity! Please register by March 15, nap@a2gov.org or 734-794-6627.
Workday Leader Training
March 17, Saturday
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Rd.
12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
This training is for volunteers who are interested in leading and/or co-leading NAP volunteer stewardship workdays. It will cover safety, procedures, ecological considerations, tips and tricks to lead a successful event. An interest and background in ecology (and plant ID) is strongly desired, but not required. A strong commitment to preserving the environment, while fostering community and engaging the public are necessary. Minimum age of 18. Please register by March 15, nap@a2gov.org or 734-794-6627.
Stewardship Network Workshop
How to Run a Stewardship Workday
March 24, Saturday
Cost: $10 for Stewardship Network member/$15 for non-members
Nature House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Rd.
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join us for a look at coordinating volunteer workdays that benefit your natural area and the volunteers involved. Preparation, leadership during the workday, records and follow-up—this workshop will help you pull it all together and avoid pitfalls, for good stewardship and good times. Click here to register.
Stewardship Workday
March 24, Saturday
Dolph Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Did you know that Dolph Nature Area is home to the only natural lakes in Ann Arbor? The trails running through the park are situated to offer fantastic views for bird-watching and wildlife sighting. Get outside and lend a hand helping cutting back invasive shrubs for increased bird watching. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
April
Breeding Bird Survey Kickoff
April 10, Tuesday
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Rd.
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
This is the night to sign up for your favorite park and pick up materials for our annual survey. Some experience in bird identification necessary. City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong will also report on the 2011 data and survey highlights. For more information about joining our Breeding Bird Survey or to register call our office by April 8th at 734-794-6627, or send us an email at nap@a2gov.org.
Stewards’ Circle: Birds
April 10, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. This month’s topic: Birds: How do we create restoration goals for our avian friends? What stewardship is helpful for birds and what should we be careful doing? What can be done about those pesky invasive birds? For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Stewardship Workday
April 14, Saturday
Wurster Nature Area
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Bring friends and family out to lend a hand combating garlic mustard and other invasive plants so the native plant species have a chance to thrive. While you are here, make sure to catch a glimpse of Wurster’s own champion oak tree! With a picnic table, grill, open field, and playground, this multi-use park is the perfect place to stick around after the workday. Meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off of W Davis Ave.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Stewardship Workday – Earth Day
April 22, Sunday
Scarlett Mitchell Woods
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Get outside and help to keep the trails beautiful and accessible in this oak-hickory woodland. We will be pulling spring invasive plants, and clearing trails and spreading woodchips. Please bring your own plastic sleds to help with the hauling. Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Earth Day Festival
April 22, Sunday
Leslie Science & Nature Center- 1831 Traver Rd.
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
This free, family-friendly event features displays from local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. This event is focused on community education and youth activities. All ages welcome. For more information, visit www.a2gov.org/green
Stewardship Workday - Arbor Day
April 29, Sunday
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come celebrate Arbor Day by lending a hand planting native shrubs. Meet at the end of Verle Ave, west off of Platt Road between Packard and Ellsworth.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
May
AADL Series: Spring Nature Walk
May 3, Thursday
Bird Hills Nature Area
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Please join Natural Area Preservation on a nature walk through Bird Hills Nature Area. On this walk we will observe and discuss native plants present in the spring, as well as restoration efforts which have occurred over the past few years at this site. This is part of a series of walks in partnership with Ann Arbor Public Library to give participants a more in-depth understanding of the natural areas and restoration work in the city. Meet in the Bird Hills parking lot off Newport Rd. just north of M-14.
14th Annual Garlic Mustard Weed-Out Day!
May 5, Saturday
Participating parks: see below for list.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Garlic Mustard Weed-Out Day is an annual event in which volunteers hand-pull invasive garlic mustard in natural areas all around Ann Arbor. Garlic mustard is an aggressive invasive plant which can quickly crowd out native foliage and decrease species diversity in the woods. Identifying and pulling garlic mustard is fun and easy for all ages, so this is a great volunteer opportunity for families.
Please wear long pants and colsed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, water, and know-how provided. Free.
Participating parks:
Berkshire - Meet at the end of Exmoor Road off of Glenwood North of Washtenaw.
Bird Hills - Meet at the Bird Road entrance, west of Huron River Drive (additionl parking at the Barton Nature Area - Dam Entrance)
Cedar Bend - Meet us at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive, just northeast (and across the river from) Fuller Rd and Maiden Lane.
Dolph - Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
Hannah - Meet at the west end of Bath Street, west of 7th (between Miler and Huron).
Redbud - Meet at the park entrance at the intersection of Parkwood Avenue and Jeanne Street.
Stewardship Workday
May 5, Saturday
Greenview Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Bring friends and family out to lend a hand wood chipping trails, and combating garlic mustard and other invasive plants so the native plant species have a chance to thrive. Greenview, adjacenet to Pioneer Woods, has many beautiful native trees, as well as a meadow, a pond, and even wetlands. Come on out and help NAP, neighbors, the Friends of Greenview, and the Ann Arbor Public Schools to preserve this publis greenspace! Meet on Greenview Drive, in fron ot the Project Grow gardens, across from Barnard Road.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contac NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snhacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Stewards’ Circle: Herbaceous Invasives
May 8, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. This month’s topic: Herbaceous Invasives: What are proven approaches to controlling herbaceous invasive plants? Is anyone testing out innovative techniques? How do we monitoring for new threats? For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Bird Walk
May 11, Friday
Gallup Park
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Free for all ages and family-friendly! Join City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong as she leads a walk to look for birds in the evening in Gallup Park and Furstenberg Nature Area. Bring binoculars if you have them, but they are not necessary. Meet at the paddleboat dock in Gallup near the canoe livery.
Stewardship Workday
May 12, Saturday
Miller Nature Area
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Help improve Miller’s 22 acres of woods, flowers, and bird habitat by hand-pulling invasive plants, such as Dame’s Rocket and garlic mustard. Miller is easily accessible by bus and less than a mile from downtown. Meet us at the Westwood entrance, north off of Arborview Blvd.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Stewardship Workday
May 12, Saturday
Huron Parkway Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Bring friends and family out to lend a hand combating garlic mustard and other invasive plants so the native plant species have a chance to thrive. Meet in front of 3470 Woodland Rd. off of East Huron River Drive.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Stewardship Workday
May 19, Saturday
Furstenberg Native Garden
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Help us weed and preserve this native garden amidst the 38-acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor. Plus, you're certain to learn a lot about native plants, particularly prairie plants, from Park Steward and Master Gardener Aunita Erskine. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Spring Adopt-a-Park Kick-Off
May 19, Saturday
Various park locations
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Would you like to help beautify your neighborhood park and learn more about it? Would you enjoy planting a tree or some native flowers to make it more inviting? We rely on volunteers to support stewardship efforts in city parks. Training, tools, and support is provided. For more information contact the Adopt-A-Park coordinator at 734-794-6627 or Adopt-A-Park@a2gov.org, or visit us at www.a2gov.org/adopt-a-park.
Downtown Blooms Day
May 19, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Help spruce-up Ann Arbor and plant flowers throughout the downtown area! This is a fun opportunity for your whole family! Please meet the coordinators on Maynard St. between Liberty and William. Free pizza for lunch. To pre-register, or for more information call 734-794-6000 ext. 43112.
For more information about what each of these events may require, please read more about volunteering with NAP here.