SEPTEMBER

Stewardship Workday-National Day of Service and Remembrance
Sunday, September 8
Stapp Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
The National Day of Service and Remembrance promotes community service as a tribute to the 9/11 victims, survivors, and responders. Join us to protect biodiversity in our community. Stapp Nature Area is a rare remnant forest, with no known history of disturbance. Help us remove the invasive shrubs threatening this mature forest. Meet at the park sign on the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Bird Walk
Sunday, September 8
Mary Beth Doyle Park
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Join NAP's Ornithologist, Juliet Berger, on a walk around this diverse park, which includes a storm water retention pond often frequented by migrating shorebirds.  If there is mud around the pond, we may see Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper and other more exotic species.  There may be migrating waterfowl on the pond as well.  We'll also search for fall migrating songbirds in the woods. Bring binoculars if you have them, and be prepared for walking in potentially muddy areas. Meet us in the parking lot at the end of Birch Hollow Drive (map).

Stewards' Circle
Tuesday, September 10
Bruegger's Bagels, 709 N University Ave
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
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: Stiltgrass
The Washtenaw Stiltgrass Working Group was formed in order to address the problem of invasive stiltgrass. Come learn why stiltgrass is so troublesome, what the long-term plans are for treating it, and why collaborations may be a good structure for addressing ecological problems.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, September 14
Arbor Hills Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Located in the Arbor Hills development, this nature area provides walking trails for neighbors as well as habitat for a variety of frogs. Non-native shrubs are disrupting this wetland. Assist us in cutting these shrubs to conserve this neighborhood habitat. Meet at the park entrance on Ashburnam (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, September 14
Oakwoods Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Oakwoods Nature Area was recently expanded, adding more lovely woods to this park. The wide variety of trees here provide homes for wildlife including birds, frogs, and salamanders. Join us to maintain this diversity by cutting invasive shrubs such as buckthorn. Meet at the park entrance off of Dunwoodie (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, September 15
Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Dhu Varren Woods is a high quality woodland that is part of a green corridor along the Traver Creek watershed. A patch of non-native shrubs lies on the border of Dhu Varren Woods and Foxfire South Park. Help us remove these shrubs and preserve the biodiversity of both parks! Meet at the intersection of Birchwood Drive and Dhu Varren Road (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, September 21
Cedar Bend Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Cedar Bend Nature Area is a mature 20 acre woodland. Work with us to protect this forest from invading non-native shrubs. We'll be using hand saws and loppers to remove these invasive species. Meet us at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, September 22
Ruthven Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Ruthven Nature Area is an ecological restoration success story! Areas once dominated by invasive shrubs are now open oak woodlands and prairies. Lend a hand to continue our restoration work by cutting exotic shrubs to keep them from re-establishing in these areas. Meet at the Gallup boat launch parking lot, at the southeast corner of Huron Parkway and Geddes Road (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, September 22
Furstenberg Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Furstenberg Nature Area. The woods are teeming with blooming goldenrods and white snakeroot. Take part in our effort to care for these native wildflowers by clearing away non-native shrubs such as honeysuckle. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road (map). All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Nature Walk with NAP and AADL
Thursday, September 26
Bluffs Nature Area
6 to 7:30 p.m.
There's so much to see at Bluffs Nature Area, from woodland to open prairie to the views over Argo Pond. Join us for a family-friendly nature walk through this diverse park to see how nature is changing as fall begins. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road near Wildt Street (map). 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.

Stewardship Workday- National Public Lands Day
Saturday, September 28
Bluffs Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
National Public Lands Day is the largest single-day volunteer effort for America's public lands. Join us to protect one of Ann Arbor's public lands from invasive shrubs. The wooded hills of Bluffs Nature Area are enjoyed by hikers and mountain bikers alike. Help us cut honeysuckle and buckthorn to keep this area beautiful. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road near Wildt Street (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, September 29
Argo Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Argo Nature Area provides hikers with wonderful views of the Huron River and the changing fall colors along its banks. Unfortunately non-native shrubs are lurking in this nature area. Assist us in removing these shrubs to keep these woods and the views open. Meet in the parking lot north of the Argo Canoe Livery, off Longshore Drive (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

OCTOBER

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, October 6
Mary Beth Doyle Park
1 to 4 p.m.
The natural areas of Mary Beth Doyle Park are a great place to look for birds on their fall migration. Songbirds and shorebirds alike stop in this diverse area. Help us preserve this habitat by cutting non-native shrubs. We'll also collect native seeds. Meet at the parking lot off Packard Road, across from Easy Street (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewards' Circle
Tuesday, October 8
Bruegger's Bagels, 709 N University Ave
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
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: Risks and Precautions for Insect- and Invertebrate-Borne Disease
Even when covered in bug spray, we all get the occasional sting or bite from mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers. What is our risk of contracting West Nile, Lyme disease, or other insect/invertebrate-borne disease? Join us for a chat about risks and precautions.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, October 12
Huron Parkway Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
William Bryant called autumn “the years last, loveliest smile". Get outside and enjoy the autumn beauty while protecting biodiversity! Take part in our effort to conserve this high quality area by removing invasive shrubs and collecting seeds from native plants. Meet at the Park Steward's house- 3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, October 12
Braun Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Mallett's Creek flows through Braun Nature Area and the sounds of its riffles make it a very serene place. Prairie plants grow along the stream here. Help us clear away introduced shrubs and collect seeds to keep the native plants thriving. Meet at the park entrance on Chalmers Road (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, October 13
Marshall Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
The gently sloped woodland of Marshall Nature Area is a great place to take an autumn walk. Walk quietly and you may spot some of the wildlife that calls this place home. Take part in our efforts to remove non-native shrubs threatening these woods and collect native seeds to spread in other areas. Meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Road, north of Plymouth Road (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Public Meeting:  Controlled Burn Program
Tuesday, October 15
NAP Office, 3875 E. Huron River Drive
7 to 8:30 p.m.
Fire is used as a restoration tool in many of Ann Arbor's natural areas. This meeting will be a discussion about our Controlled Ecological Burn Program. Ask questions and learn more about the benefits of effectively and safely using fire as a restoration tool.
All persons 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: cityclerk@a2gov.org; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: City Clerk's Office, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests made with less than two business days' notice may not be able to be accommodated.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, October 19
Buttonbush Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Come visit Ann Arbor's newest nature area! Named for the large buttonbush swamp, this nature area contains wetlands and vernal pools as well as a woodland. Help us care for this new nature area by cutting invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet at the end of Hickory Point Drive, off Foxway Drive (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, October 20
Onder Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, Onder Nature Area is a small park that needs your help. Native plants here are being crowded out by exotic shrubs. Join NAP to clear out these invading shrubs in order to increase the diversity. Meet on Brookside Drive, just west of Hilldale Drive (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, October 27
Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Neighbors helped save this land from development decades ago and they're still helping to care for it. Take the afternoon to lend a hand cutting invasive shrubs like honeysuckle and buckthorn. The amphibians that live here will thank you! Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
Tuesday, October 29
Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
All volunteers, past, present, and future, 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 NAP@a2gov.org by October 26.

NOVEMBER

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, November 2
Kuebler Langford Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Kuebler Langford is home to both a woodland and a prairie with abundant native plants. Help us remove non-native shrubs to protect this diversity. We'll also collect seeds to spread in lower quality areas. Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive, north of Sunset Road (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, November 3
Berkshire Creek Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Nathaniel Hawthorne suggested we should not “waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house". Get outdoors and enjoy the autumn while volunteering for nature. This park alongside Mallets Creek is crowded with exotic shrubs such as honeysuckle. Lend a hand to clear out these shrubs. Meet at the end of Warwick Road off Glenwood, north of Washtenaw Avenue (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.  All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Saturday, November 9
Bird Hills Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Autumn in Bird Hills Nature Area is a delight. The picturesque trees make it a wonderful place to spend a morning. Join us to maintain the beauty by cutting invasive shrubs and collecting native seeds. Meet us at the entrance on Beechwood Drive, off of Sunset Road (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, November 10
Foxfire West Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
The wetlands in Foxfire West Nature Area are home to beautiful prairie plants as well as frogs and birds. However, non-native shrubs are encroaching on these wetlands. Work with us, using hand saws and loppers, to remove these shrubs. Meet us at the park entrance on Birchwood Drive, between Hickory Point Drive and Timbercrest Court (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewards' Circle
Tuesday, November 12
Bruegger's Bagels, 709 N University Ave
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
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: (Re)connect with Nature: Keep a Nature Journal
As stewards, it can be easy to get caught up in our never-ending battles with invasives and other restoration work, and forget to pause and truly see the natural areas we're working in. Winter is a perfect time to reflect and reconnect. Ecologist Jacqueline Courteau will share ideas and prompts for using nature journaling to connect to nature. Not just a field notebook, a nature journal can be used as a form of meditation and reflection, to heighten observation skills, and to increase feelings of gratitude and connectedness—to nature, to community, and to memory. This session will offer inspiration to deepen your connection to the land you love. Come and cultivate your curiosity and sense of wonder!

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, November 17
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
Sunset Brooks is a small park, but an important part of the neighborhood. Join NAP and neighbors to remove non-native shrubs from this neighborhood gem. Spend the morning outside, meet new people, and preserve biodiversity. Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street (map). All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

Stewardship Workday- Family Volunteer Day
Saturday November 23
Barton Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Family Volunteer Day celebrates families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. Bring your family to volunteer in this riverside nature area! We'll be cutting non-native shrubs as well as collecting seeds in the prairie. Join us to help the native plants thrive. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot off Huron River Drive (map). Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.

For more information about what each of these events may require, please read more about volunteering with NAP here.​​