Archived News Release: May 10, 2024 - City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor natural areas and to foster an environmental ethic within the community, with tasks performed by both staff and volunteers. NAP initiatives involve stewardship workdays, conducting plant and animal inventories and ecological monitoring, as well as offering environmental education and enrichment activities for kindergarten–fifth grade students (K–5), seniors and the general public. Each month, year round, NAP hosts community events to help with this effort, and to provide opportunities to learn about and enjoy city natural areas. NAP has many community events planned for June 2024; the list follows.
To attend an event, participants are encouraged to preregister using VolunteerHub at https://cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/lp/nap; registration links to each event in VolunteerHub are also provided with each description.
Stewardship Workday
National Trails Day
Bird Hills Nature Area
Saturday, June 1
9 a.m.-noon
Celebrating National Trails Day with a public workday at Bird Hills is a NAP tradition! Volunteers have been showing up for Bird Hills since 1994 at NAP's very first public workday. And it's no surprise that one of Ann Arbor's most loved natural areas keeps bringing volunteers back year after year! Keep the stewardship tradition going and help improve the trails with NAP for National Trails Day. Meet at the Newport Road parking lot entrance, just north of M-14. Volunteers will perform trail maintenance by cutting back shrubs using hand pruners and loppers. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Stewardship Workday
Bird Hills Nature Area
Saturday, June 1
1-4 p.m.
Pulling invasive weeds supports the natural habitat of insects and other invertebrates, which are one of the most important sources of energy for our furry and feathery, smooth and leathery, scaly and prickly friends! This will be two days in a row of volunteer events at Bird Hills, and the transformation is highly anticipated. The wildlife of this nature area will greatly benefit from the immense volunteer effort. Meet at the Newport Road parking lot entrance, just north of M-14. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Stewardship Workday
National Trails Day
Bluffs Nature Area
Sunday, June 2
1-4 p.m.
Calling all hiking enthusiasts and anyone who likes a stroll or roll through nature: Join NAP for a rewarding trail maintenance event on National Trails Day! No prior experience is necessary — just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty! Volunteers will enhance pathways for hikers, bikers and outdoor lovers to explore and enjoy for years to come. Embrace the spirit of stewardship and adventure by signing up now to help build a better trail for all to enjoy! Meet at the park entrance on Orkney Diver. Volunteers will perform trail maintenance by cutting back shrubs using hand pruners and loppers. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
K-5 Forest Fridays
Finding Frogs
Friday, June 7
4:30-6 p.m.
Bandemer Park Shelter
Learn about Michigan frogs, what their calls sound like, and then go for a 1-mile hike to try to find some! It will be muddy, so wear your boots! Meet at the Bandemer Nature Area shelter, entering the park from Barton Shore Drive. (Then take the trail from the southeast corner of the parking lot.) For K-5 students accompanied by an adult. Please dress to be prepared for weather. Preregistration through VolunteerHub is required. NAP uses VolunteerHub to manage participant waivers — please create individual accounts for each child. (Adults can use their own email address for child accounts). Feel free to call NAP for assistance, 734.794.6627.
Stewardship Workday
World Environment Day
Fuller Park
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m.-noon
Celebrate World Environment Day and take action with NAP! This invasive-weed pulling event will help restore and protect our local natural habitats. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation efforts and learn more about the native flora and fauna. Join in a community of like-minded individuals committed to making a difference for our planet, promoting biodiversity and support a healthier ecosystem! Meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Stewardship Workday
Dolph Nature Area
Sunday, June 9
9 a.m.-noon
Help reclaim native landscapes! Join this upcoming invasive-weed pulling event and make a direct impact on preserving biodiversity in the community. No prior experience is necessary — just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to get your hands dirty. With other volunteers, work to eradicate harmful invasive species, allowing native plants to thrive and supporting a healthier ecosystem for all. Sign up today and be a part of the solution to protect the environment for future generations! Meet at the trailhead off Parklake Avenue, just south of Lakeview Drive. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
K-5 Nature Crafts
Build a Snake
Friday, June 14
1-2:30 p.m.
Bandemer Park Shelter
Build your own snake. Join NAP to spend some time looking for local snakes and then get crafting! Meet at the Bandemer Nature Area shelter, entering the park from Barton Shore Drive. (Then take the trail from the southeast corner of the parking lot.) For K-5 students accompanied by an adult. Please dress to be prepared for all weather. Binoculars will be provided for kids, but feel free to bring your own! Preregistration through VolunteerHub is required. NAP uses VolunteerHub to manage participant waivers — please create individual accounts for each child. (Adults can use their own email address for child accounts). Feel free to call NAP for assistance, 734.794.6627.
Stewardship Workday
Pollinator Week
Brokaw Nature Area
Saturday, June 22
9 a.m.-noon
Get involved this National Pollinator Week by volunteering for an invasive-weed pulling event! This hands-on activity is one of NAP's tools for maintaining the health of our local ecosystem, providing a safer habitat for pollinators and enhancing native plant life. No experience is needed, just a willingness to help and a love for the outdoors. Come make new friends and take a stand for the environment and our pollinator pals! Meet at the parking lot off West Huron River Drive, just southeast of Wagner Road. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Stewardship Workday
Pollinator Week
Olson Nature Area
Sunday, June 23
1-4 p.m.
Looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity AND want to help our local ecosystem? Why not dedicate just a few hours of your time to preserving the natural habitat of essential pollinators like bees and butterflies? Whether you're a seasoned environmentalist or simply eager to make a positive impact, this event welcomes all skill levels and ages. Come connect with nature and fellow community members while making a tangible difference — working together to ensure a thriving environment for precious pollinators! Meet at the entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Stewardship Workday
Weekday Workday
Bird Hills Nature Area
Friday, June 28
1-4 p.m.
Kick off your weekend with a purpose on this Friday afternoon by joining an invasive-weed pulling event! It's a perfect chance to enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends and make a tangible impact on our local ecosystem. No experience? No problem! NAP provides all the guidance and tools you need to help native plants flourish and keep our green spaces healthy. Sign up now and be part of a community dedicated to environmental stewardship. Meet at the Newport Road parking lot entrance, just north of M-14. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
Stewardship Workday
Bluffs Nature Area
Sunday, June 30
9 a.m.-noon
Join in the fight against invasive species at this volunteer event! This hands-on activity is a crucial part of NAP's efforts to protect local ecosystems and ensure the health of native plant communities. Whether you're a green thumb or just looking to lend a hand, NAP welcomes everyone to sign up now to contribute to this vital cause. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road, just east of the cemetery. Volunteers will pull invasive weeds from the ground by hand. Workday sites have unpaved trails and require going off trail. Preregister through VolunteerHub so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: How to prepare for a NAP workday (PDF).
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