Archived News Release: August 4, 2015 - City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor's natural areas and to foster an environmental ethic among its citizens. This involves conducting plant and animal inventories, ecological monitoring, and stewardship projects in Ann Arbor parks. These tasks are performed by both staff and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities coming up in September are listed below. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to workday events. Workday events are suitable for all ages but minors must be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Stewards' Circle: Novel Ecosystems
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Bruegger's Bagels – 709 N. University Ave.
Climate change, fragmentation, and invasive species are creating novel ecosystems. What do we know about how local ecosystems and plant communities will change over the coming decades and which topics remain unresolved? Should current management practices be updated now or can we afford to wait for more conclusive research? This gathering is part of a monthly, informal discussion hosted by the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
AADL Nature Hike
Thursday, Sept. 10, 7–8:30 p.m.
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
Join Natural Area Preservation and the Ann Arbor District Library on a nature walk through Black Pond Woods Nature Area. We will observe and discuss late summer native plant species, as well as some exciting restoration efforts that 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 Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot, 1831 Traver Road.
Stewardship Workday – National Day of Service: Dhu Varren Nature Area
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.–noon
Dhu Varren Nature Area is a beautiful, 13-acre woodland surrounded by oak, hickory and maple trees. Bring your friends and family out to help cut and remove invasive species, such as honeysuckle and buckthorn that make it difficult for native species to thrive. Please meet at the intersection of Birchwood Drive and Dhu Varren Road.
Stewardship Workday: Black Pond Woods Nature Area
Saturday, Sept. 12, 1–4 p.m.
This beautiful 32-acre woodland is visited by thousands of children every year where they play and learn all about the natural environment. Work with us using handsaws and loppers to remove invasive shrubs to protect this ecosystem for all. Please meet at the Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot, located at 1831 Traver Road.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, Sept. 20, 1–4 p.m.
Cedar Bend Nature Area
Cedar Bend Nature Area is the oldest park in Ann Arbor, dating back to the early 1900s. Enjoy the same scenic views of the Huron River that drew nature lovers to Cedar Bend over 100 years ago while helping to cut and remove invasive shrubs such as honeysuckle and buckthorn. Please meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive.
Nature Hike
Thursday, Sept. 24, 7–8:30 p.m.
Huron Hills Golf Course Nature Area and Rain Garden
Join Natural Area Preservation on a nature walk through Huron Hills Golf Course Nature Area. We will discuss the rain garden with Master Rain Gardener Roger Moon. Golf Course Maintenance Superintendent Scott Spooner will also talk about the golf course's sustainability efforts and we will then walk through the Nature Area. Meet in the Huron Hills Golf Course parking lot, 3465 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, near the rain garden.
Stewardship Workday – National Public Lands Day: Oakwoods Nature Area
Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Join us to celebrate National Public Lands Day by volunteering at Oakwoods Nature Area! This oak-hickory woodland includes a small pond and wetland — great spots for bird watching or listening for frog calls. We'll be cutting and removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle to improve the habitat in this natural area. Please meet at the park entrance off of Dunwoodie.
Stewardship Workday - National Public Lands Day: Wurster Park
Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Bring friends and family out to lend a hand combating invasive shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle from this quaint 5-acre park! While you are here, make sure to catch a glimpse of Wurster's own champion Chinquapin oak tree and the hilltop view of Ann Arbor! Please meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off of West Davis Avenue.
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