Archived News Release: July 5, 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 August 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.
Nature Walk with Ann Arbor District Library
Thursday Aug. 4, 7–8:30 p.m.
Kuebler Langford Nature Area
Kuebler Langford Nature Area is a 31-acre park tucked into a sharp curve of Huron River Drive. Located just beside Bird Hills Nature Area, this park features an old field habitat with dry prairie species and a deep ravine cutting through wooded slopes. Keep an eye out for some of Kuebler Langford's most notable plant species, including wild ginger, maiden-hair fern, and doll's eyes!
This nature walk is a collaboration between the AADL and Natural Area Preservation and is one of a series that take place each month throughout the summer and fall. For this one, we will meet in the parking lot on the western shoulder of Huron River Drive. Additional parking can be found across Huron River Drive at Barton Park or at the end of Beechwood Drive on the other end of Kuebler Langford Nature Area. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water and bug spray if desired. Some of the AADL science tools will be available for use during the walk, too!
Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.–noon
Kuebler Langford Nature Area
After exploring Kuebler Langford on the nature walk, come out to help maintain this beautiful nature area by pulling invasives! Exotic plants are invading the grasslands and volunteer help is needed to remove them. Please meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive.
Saturday, Aug. 6, 1–4 p.m.
Mary Beth Doyle Park
Walk along Malletts Creek, watch the birds at the pond, play a game of disc golf, or ride your bike on the paved path – no matter what you're doing in this park, you're sure to see the effects of ongoing restoration work. Mary Beth Doyle Park has been transformed by volunteers! Help continue the effort by removing trash and invasive weeds in the open areas of this park. Please meet at the end of Verle Road, two blocks west of Platt Road. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All minors must present a completed release form and should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks and know-how are provided. Free.
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Bruegger's Bagels, 709 N. University Ave.
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. Free! This month's topic: Forest pests! Our woods are under attack — you may know all about emerald ash borer, but can you identify signs of oak wilt or other tree pests? Bring your questions, and join us for a discussion about threats to urban forests.
Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m.–noon
Olson Park
This park has come a long way from its past as a gravel quarry — now it's enjoyed by bicyclists, dog owners, soccer players and hikers! There are also several uncommon butterfly species in this park that populate the open meadows. Unfortunately, invasive weeds are threatening to overtake those meadows — volunteers are needed to help hand-pull these exotic plants to maintain this butterfly habitat! Please meet at the entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail.
Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m.–noon
Marshall Nature Area
Marshall Nature Area is one of our larger parks, coming in at nearly 90 acres. Combined with the surrounding land owned by Washtenaw County and the University of Michigan, it's part of Ann Arbor's largest ecological network! Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive plant species that are invading the open woodlands and meadows here. Meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Road, north of Plymouth Road.
Saturday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.–noon
Barton Nature Area
This riverside park has open old field habitat that is used by American woodcock, field sparrows, and other breeding birds. Help pull invasive species in these open grasslands to create more space for native grasses and wildflowers! Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive.
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