Archived News Release: July 3, 2017 - 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. Both staff and volunteers perform these tasks. Volunteer opportunities coming up in August are listed below.
For stewardship workdays, please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Every participant must present a completed release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.
For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
Saturday, Aug. 5, 9 a.m.–noon
Olson Park
This park has come a long way from its past as a gravel quarry. Now bicyclists, dog owners, soccer players and hikers all use it. Volunteers are needed to hand-pull invasive weeds where they are invading open meadows. Meet at the entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail.
Saturday, Aug. 5, 1–4 p.m.
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
Come on out to experience a woods filled with oak, hickory, maple and dogwood. Volunteers will work on removing summer invasive plant species, like Japanese hedge parsley, which have a negative impact on wildlife habitat. This is a great park to bring the whole family to enjoy a day outdoors. Meet us on Tibbits Court, off of Pontiac Trail.
Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7:30–8:30 p.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 on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. Free! For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
This month's topic: Prairie Restoration. Taking on restoration of a prairie is not an easy task. Join us to learn about management techniques and which plants to target.
Saturday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m.–noon
Bird Hills Nature Area
The 3 miles of trails in Bird Hills give some lovely views of the Huron River. This is the largest nature area in Ann Arbor, and provides a great space to get out and see wildlife and wildflowers. Volunteers are needed to help remove invasive weeds like Japanese hedge parsley throughout the park. This is a great workday for the family. Join us at the Bird Road entrance to this park, west of Huron River Drive (additional parking in Barton Nature Area Dam entrance).
Sunday, Aug. 20, 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 invasive weeds in the open areas of this park. Meet us on Verle Avenue, off of Platt Road.
Saturday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Bandemer Nature Area
A patch of dry prairie lines the Border-To-Border Trail in this park along the river, with many plants that are uncommon in our area. Help maintain this patch of special habitat by hand-pulling exotic weeds. We will meet at the main parking area off of Barton Drive.
Nature Walk with Ann Arbor District Library
Thursday, Aug. 31
Furstenberg Nature Area
6:30–8 p.m.
This long, narrow nature area along the Huron River has many beautiful open areas, where habitats like prairies, a mitigated wetland and even a sedge meadow are accessible via paths and boardwalks. Come learn more broadly about this beautiful nature area at this event. Staff from Natural Area Preservation will lead a family-friendly nature walk through the woods. Please meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water if desired. The nature walks are a collaboration between the AADL and Natural Area Preservation that take place once a month April through September. Some of AADL's Science Tools will be available for use during the walk!
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