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What are Natural Areas?
Natural Areas are undeveloped parcels of land that comprise over half of Ann Arbor 's park system. They are used for passive recreation activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and nature observation. Natural areas include Bird Hills, Black Pond Woods, Sugarbush, Barton and more than 70 other sites scattered throughout the City. Designated Natural Areas contain substantial native biodiversity and ecosystems that are representative of pre-settlement ecosystems. Parts of many other City parks contain also contain important natural area features such as forest or wetland. Lands owned by the University of Michigan, the Ann Arbor Public Schools, and Washtenaw County, along with some tracts of private land, also contribute to the overall habitat available for native species.
How do Natural Areas affect the environment?
Natural Areas provide benefits to both people and wildlife. They maintain habitat for native plants and wildlife, thus helping to maintain biological diversity. They maintain stormwater infiltration through the root zone of native plants, reducing the amount of run-off that enters and degrades creeks and rivers. Managing and restoring the mosaic of natural areas and green spaces preserves native plant and animal communities for future generations. Healthy natural areas also offer educational opportunities for Ann Arbor citizens.
More information
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Find out how YOU can help improve the State of Our Environment.
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Last Updated July 2009