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January 2022
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Stewardship Workday

Leslie Woods Nature Area

Saturday, January 8

1 – 3 p.m.

The diversity of plant species at Leslie Woods suggests that this site has remained undisturbed by farming or grazing, but like many other natural areas, threats to biodiversity still exist in the form of invasive plants at Leslie Woods. Join NAP volunteers in cutting and removing exotic shrubs and improving habitat for birds and other wildlife here. Meet us at the park entrance at the north end of Upland Drive, north of Plymouth Road (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/LeslieWoods010822)

Stewards' Circle

Tuesday, January 11

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Room

2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor

All are welcome to join this monthly discussion group where local stewards (like you!) gather to ask and answer questions, swap stories, and share knowledge in an informal setting. We look forward to chatting with you about how you “do" stewardship! This month's topic: Soil and invasives. Soil plays a vital role in ecosystem health, so one Steward asks: What are invasive plants doing to the soil? After the discussion group, join us for a happy hour just up the street at HOMES Brewery to further connect with other land stewards!

Stewardship Workday

Barton Nature Area

MLK Day of Service

Monday, January 17

1 – 3 p.m.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service. Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a "day on, not a day off." MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community." #MLKDay You're invited to help us protect and restore this nature area for the benefit of the whole community. Meet us at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Dr. (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Barton011722)

Stewardship Workday

Kuebler Langford Nature Area

Saturday, January 22

1 – 3 p.m.

Bush honeysuckle seemed like a good idea at the time – in the early 1800s it was introduced along with other honeysuckles as an ornamental and privacy shrubbery. But like many of the mistakes made by settlers in the area, bush honeysuckle has had a devastating effect. Attributes that were attractive when introduced – hardiness, quick growth, visually dense – are now the reasons bush honeysuckle pose one of the largest threats to the biodiversity of our natural areas as they crowd and shade native plants. Join us to cut and remove these invaders! Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive, north of Sunset Road (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Kuebler012222)

Winter Nature Walk

Furstenberg Nature Area

Sunday, January 30

1-2 p.m.

A winter walk can be just the thing to lift our spirits and access the healing power of nature. Join us for the first of three winter walks. Furstenberg Nature Area is a 38-acre park on Fuller Road, west of Gallup Park. Enjoy wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and oak savanna on this nature walk with a staff naturalist from Natural Area Preservation (City of Ann Arbor). Learn about native plants and trees, invasive plants, ecological restoration, and lots more. Make sure to dress for the weather (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and bring a water bottle. Meet us at the Furstenberg parking lot off Fuller Rd (map). Register here, (https://tinyurl.com/FurstenbergWalk013022­)​

February

Stewardship Workday

Arbor Hills Nature Area

World Wetlands Day

Saturday, February 5

1 – 3 p.m.

This nature area was an easy pick for NAP to celebrate #WorldWetlandsDay! Frog & Toad Survey volunteers have identified 6 frog and toad species at Arbor Hills, all of which depend on the wetlands found in the park. During the winter months, NAP spends time removing invasive shrubs from wetland areas that are not otherwise accessible in warmer parts of the year. Join us to protect and improve this wetland habitat! Meet us at the park entrance at the end of Ashburnam Rd (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/ArborHills020522)

Stewards' Circle

Tuesday, February 8

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Room

2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor

All are welcome to join this monthly discussion group where local stewards (like you!) gather to ask and answer questions, swap stories, and share knowledge in an informal setting. We look forward to chatting with you about how you “do" stewardship!

This month's topic: Measuring progress. A Stewards' Circle member recently asked: How do we measure progress? Progress in restoration can feel elusive sometimes – how can we tell when we are making an impact? After the discussion group, join us for a happy hour just up the street at HOMES Brewery to further connect with other land stewards!

Virtual Public Meeting: Controlled Burn Program

Tuesday, February 15

7 – 8:30 p.m.

Zoom meeting

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.

To join the Zoom meeting via link: https://tinyurl.com/BurnMeeting021522. To join via telephone: +1 206 337 9723 or +1 213 338 8477 or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free) or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free). Meeting ID: 940 7724 0723. Passcode: 951554.​

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: [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 made with less than two business days' notice may not be able to be accommodated.

Controlled Burn Crew Training

Wednesday, February 16

Noon to 5 p.m.

Become a part of NAP's Volunteer Burn Crew! This is the required training session for anyone interested in assisting with NAP's controlled burns. Burns typically take place Monday through Friday between noon and 7 p.m. Registration through VolunteerHub is required by February 15. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/BurnCrew2022) Call 734.794.6627 or email [email protected] for more information. If held in-person, some portion of training may be outdoors.

Stewardshi​p Workday

Saturday, February 19

Cedar Bend Nature Area

1 – 3 p.m.

Cedar Bend Nature Area is one of Ann Arbor's oldest parks, dating back to the early 1900's. Enjoy the same scenic views of the Huron River that drew nature lovers to Cedar Bend over 100 years ago while helping to cut and remove invasive shrubs such as honeysuckle and buckthorn. Meet us at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/CedarBend021922)

Stewardship Workday

Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area

Sunday, February 20

1 – 3 p.m.

“In winter, there is nothing better than two or three hours of buckthorn cutting." We happen to agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment from Scarlett Mitchell Park Steward Manfred Schmidt! If you're looking for ways to warm up and get a break from the winter monotony, consider joining us in the woods for the best winter activity of all – using loppers and handsaws to remove invasive shrubs from a local nature area. Meet us in the Scarlett Middle School bus loop off Lorraine St (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Scarlett022022)

Stewardship Workday

Gallup Park

Saturday, February 26

1 – 3 p.m.

At this workday we will be expanding an existing area of wet prairie by removing invasive shrubs with handsaws and loppers. Wet prairie is native wetland grassland that occurs in certain areas with fluctuating water levels—and it also depends on fire to maintain open conditions and species diversity. Help make way for future controlled burns by removing the large invasive shrubs which are too big to burn, and which are crowding and shading native species. Meet in the Gallup Park parking lot, just over (south of) the wooden bridge (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Gallup022622)

Winter Nature Walk

Oakwoods Nature Area

Sunday, February 27

1-2 p.m.

A winter walk can be just the thing to lift our spirits and access the healing power of spending time with nature. Join us for the second of three winter walks. Oakwoods is a 55-acre woodland with upland forest, ponds, and wetlands where a wide variety of plant and animal species. The park has an impressive diversity of trees, such as oaks, hickories, ironwood, beech, and basswood. Make sure to dress for the weather (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and bring a water bottle. Meet us at the park entrance off Dunwoodie (map).​ Register here, (https://tinyurl.com/OakwoodsWalk022722­)​

March

Stewardship Workday

Oakridge Nature Area

Sunday, March 6

1 to 3 p.m.

If you're a wetland enthusiast like us, you might already know about the rare wetland type that exists within Oakridge Nature Area. A fen is characterized by its water chemistry, namely it is pH-neutral and contains a high amount of dissolved minerals relative to other wetland types. At this workday we will be cutting and removing invasive shrubs that threaten the biodiversity of Oakridge – especially the fen. Meet us at the southeast corner of Huron Parkway and Glazier Way (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Oakridge030622)

Stewards' Circle

Tuesday, March 8

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Room

2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor

All are welcome to join this monthly discussion group where local stewards (like you!) gather to ask and answer questions, swap stories, and share knowledge in an informal setting. We look forward to chatting with you about how you “do" stewardship!

This month's topic: maintenance vs. rehabilitation. A recent Stewards' Circle discussion prompted these questions from a steward: What is the amount of work we need to do to a piece of land just to maintain it? Can maintaining certain areas-without prioritizing improvement of rehabilitation-be enough to mitigate degradation or damage to the larger ecosystem? After the discussion group, join us for a happy hour just up the street at HOMES Brewery to further connect with other land stewards!

Stewardship Workday

Foxfire West Park

Saturday, March 12

1 to 3 p.m.

This little park is nestled in a neighborhood in the northern reaches of Ann Arbor. Despite being small it is very diverse, with woodlands, wetlands, and a sedge meadow. Help us remove invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn to improve the habitat for the many species that call this area home. Meet at the corner of Hickory Point Drive and Indian Creek Circle (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/FoxfireWest031222)

Stewardship Workday

Barton Nature Area

Sunday, March 13

1 to 3 p.m.

Winter is a great time to get out to volunteer with us in Ann Arbor's natural areas. The experience can be magical and rewarding! One can enjoy the quiet beauty of the winter landscape, and at the same time support the ecosystem of the park and the greater area by removing invasive shrubs that crowd out the native vegetation. Meet at the main parking area off Barton Drive (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Barton031322)

Stewardship Workday

Furstenberg Nature Area

Saturday, March 19

1 to 3 p.m.

This 38-acre park contains wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and a rare oak savanna. The frozen ground will let us work in the sedge meadow, where it is usually too soggy to walk around. Many special wetland plants grow in this unusual habitat, and are threatened by invasive shrubs, so we will use hand tools to cut the shrubs and restore the habitat. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Furstenberg031922)

Stewardship Workday

Fuller Park

Saturday, March 26

1 to 3 p.m.

The place we know as Fuller Park began with a land acquisition in 1907, with several additions between 1926-1981. There are many trails at Fuller Park, including access to the B2B trail. The perimeter of the park is the Huron River, with a pedestrian bridge connection to Island Park – part of a trail network also connecting Cedar Bend Nature Area.   Join us to trim brush back from the edges of the trials, and to cut and remove invasive shrubs in the natural areas of the park. Meet us at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Fuller032622)

Stewardship Workday

Miller Nature Area

Sunday, March 27

1 to 3 p.m.

Miller Nature Area has a unique history including logging, farming, and gravel mining, and now this park is enjoyed by many neighbors. Help us maintain the unique landscape that Miller has to offer by removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet us at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue (map). Pre-registration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. NAP continues to monitor recommendations from health officials, volunteers registered for events will be notified in advance of any changes to the workday. Please wear long pants (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle and leather gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register here. (http://tinyurl.com/Miller0327522)

Winter Nature Walk

Sunday, March 27

Dolph Nature Area

1 to 2 p.m.

A winter walk can be just the thing to lift our spirits and access the healing power of spending time with nature. Join us for the last of three winter walks. Dolph is a 75.2-acre park of forest and shrubland, as well as two naturally formed lakes, wetland, and marsh habitat. A great place to spot some interesting native species whether plant or animal. Make sure to dress for the weather (we recommend layered clothing in winter) and bring a water bottle. Meet us at the parking lot off Wagner Road (map). Register here, (https://tinyurl.com/DolphWalk032722­)

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