Archived News Release: February 3, 2016 - 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 March are listed below. All events are free. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
Stewards' Circle - Managing Habitats for the Massasauga Rattlesnake
Tuesday, March 8, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. | Bruegger's Bagels, 709 N. University Ave.
Join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for a monthly informal discussion. This month's topic: learn more about Michigan's only venomous snake, the Eastern Massasagua Rattlesnake. We'll talk about safety, conservation of this threatened species, and how habitat restoration can affect it. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Salamander Survey Kickoff & Training
Sunday, March 13, Noon–2 p.m. | Gallup Canoe Livery Meeting Room, 3000 Fuller Road
Did you know we have at least five species of salamanders in Ann Arbor? If you have a willingness to get muddy, you're invited to help monitor populations and the health of their habitats. Surveying is done three to six times in early spring at multiple sites, and each round is a few hours long. New participants must attend this indoor training. Space is limited. Please register by March 9. For more information or to register call Natural Area Preservation at 734.794.6627, or send us an email at [email protected].
Frog and Toad Survey Kickoff & Training
Sunday, March 13, 2:30–5 p.m. | Gallup Canoe Livery Meeting Room, 3000 Fuller Road
Everyone is invited to help monitor frog populations in Ann Arbor! It's fun learning to identify the frogs of Michigan by ear and eye. No previous experience required. Family-friendly! Surveying is done three to six times from early spring through June, and each round lasts a few hours. New participants must attend this indoor training. Space is limited. Please register by March 9. For more information or to register call Natural Area Preservation 734.794.6627, or send us an email at [email protected].
Photo Monitoring Kickoff & Training
Saturday, March 19, 10–11:30 a.m. | Natural Area Preservation Office, 3875 E. Huron River Drive
Do you like photography and spending time outdoors? Photo monitoring may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Natural Area Preservation needs volunteers to take beautiful photos at specific locations each season to record 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 16. For more information or to register call NAP at 734.794.6627, or send us an email at [email protected].
Workday Leader Training
Saturday, March 19, Noon–5:30 p.m. | Natural Area Preservation Office, 3875 E. Huron River Drive
This training is for volunteers interested in leading and/or co-leading Natural Area Preservation's park stewardship workdays. The training will focus on procedures, ecological considerations, and tips and tricks to lead a successful event. Participants must be 18 years old or older, and must have a strong commitment to preserving the environment while fostering community and engaging the public. An interest and background in ecology (and plant ID) is strongly desired, but not required. Participants should be dressed for classroom and time outside. Please register by March 16. For more information or to register call NAP at 734.794.6627, or send us an email at [email protected].
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