Archived News Release: September 4, 2014 - 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 October 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.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to noon
Greenview Nature Area
Greenview Nature Area is home to many beautiful native trees, a meadow, a pond, and even wetlands. Come on out to work together with NAP, neighbors, the Friends of Greenview, and Ann Arbor Public Schools. We will spread woodchips on trails and cut and remove invasive shrubs, so the native plants have a chance to thrive. Visit www.friendsofgreenview.org for more information about all of the great restoration work that is happening at Greenview. Meet at the Greenview Nature Area sign, on Greenview Drive across from Barnard Road.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1 to 4 p.m.
Leslie Woods Nature Area
This oak-hickory woodland has some of the largest trees found in Ann Arbor parks. Join us in removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle to give native plants a chance to thrive. Meet at the north end of Upland Drive, just north of Plymouth Road.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Downtown Branch of Ann Arbor District Library, aadlfreespace
Fire is used as a restoration tool in many of Ann Arbor's natural areas. This meeting provides information and an opportunity for discussion about the Controlled Ecological Burn Program. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the ecological benefits of burning, and hear about the specifics of effectively and safely using fire as a restoration tool. Burns are conducted in city parks throughout the spring and fall. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting the city clerk's office at 734.794.6140; via email to: [email protected]; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: City Clerk's Office, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests need to be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Sunday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon
Stapp Nature Area
Within Stapp Nature Area's eight acres is a mature oak-hickory forest which has not been cleared since before 1937! Bring friends and family out to lend a hand cutting invasive shrubs and collecting native seeds at Stapp Nature Area. Meet at the park sign at the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway.
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 provided. Free.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Bruegger's Bagels – 709 N. University Ave.
Children are naturally eager to learn and have boundless energy. Join us for a discussion about the best practices for harnesses this energy for restoration work while fostering an environmental ethic in today's youth. 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
Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to noon
Mary Beth Doyle Park
Tremendous progress has been made to increase the native habitat at Mary Beth Doyle Natural Area. Help continue this effort by collecting native seeds, which will be spread at the park to encourage the growth of native foliage. Bring your family to learn about native plants and lend a hand collecting native plant seeds in this beautiful nature area. If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It's fun and educational for the whole family. Meet at the end of Verle Avenue, west off of Platt Road between Packard and Ellsworth.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 1 to 4 p.m.
Bluffs Nature Area
Tucked away within Bluffs' 39 acres is an open field filled with native prairie species. Come out and help us preserve this and other hidden gems at Bluffs, by removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet at the entrance off of Sunset Road.
Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road
All volunteers are invited to our annual appreciation event! Let's celebrate our collective accomplishments while sharing food and community. Games, door prizes, and fun activities for all. Please bring a dish to pass and friends or family. Costumes are encouraged. RSVPs appreciated. Call us at 734.794.6627 or email us at [email protected] by Oct. 20.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to noon
Dicken Woods Nature Area
Make a Difference Day is hailed as "The Nation's Largest Day of Service." Come celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this event by volunteering. Join NAP, the Friends of Dicken Woods, and neighbors to improve trails in this special woodland. We will be working on trail maintenance, removing invasive shrubs and planting perennials. Visit http://dickenwoods.org/ for more information about this nature area. Meet at the end of Dicken Drive, off South Maple Road
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to noon
Oakwoods Nature Area
Join us in celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Make a Difference 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. Meet at the park entrance off of Dunwoodie. 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 provided. Free.
Saturday, Oct. 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
Molin Nature Area
Make a Difference Day is hailed as "The Nation's Largest Day of Service." Come celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this event by volunteering to help remove invasive shrubs. Don't forget to hike all the way in to view the park's spectacular bur oak! Meet at the entrance near the corner of Powell Avenue and Columbia Avenue.
Sunday, Oct. 26, 1 to 4 p.m.
Kuebler Langford Nature Area
Bring your family to celebrate Make a Difference Day by learning about native plants and lending a hand collecting native plant seeds in this beautiful nature area. If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It's fun and educational for the whole family. Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive, north of Sunset Road.
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