​
​

June

Stewardship Workday

Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area

Saturday, June 18

9 a.m. to noon

There are two Park Stewards at Scarlett Mitchell who have been working at the 88-acre park for 55 years! NAP is grateful for all those frigid mornings and hot afternoons these seemingly tireless stewards have dedicated to the park. The hundreds of native species living there are probably grateful too. Join the legacy of preservation as a volunteer, hand-pulling invasive weeds and trimming trails. Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street (map: http://tinyurl.com/ScarlettMiddleSchool). 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 and closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at http://tinyurl.com/Scarlett061822. 

Stewardship Workday

Berkshire Creek Nature Area

Saturday, June 18

1 to 4 p.m.

At this mid-June workday, if you join NAP for an afternoon hand-pulling invasive weeds, you just might get to see some interesting and relatively rare native plants. Among them is green dragon, relative to Jack-in-the-pulpit, and named for part of its unique blossom which resembles a long, flickering lizard's tongue – the “dragon's tongue." Meet at the end of Warwick Road off Glenwood North of Washtenaw Avenue (map: http://tinyurl.com/BerkshireWarwick). 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 and closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at http://tinyurl.com/Berkshire061822. 

Stewardship Workday

Pollinator Week

Dolph Bioswale and Natural Area

Saturday, June 25

9 a.m. to noon

Pollinators would love your help this Saturday morning. In fact, hand-pulling invasive weeds at Dolph will support pollinators, and YOU! By removing aggressive non-native plants like garlic mustard and dame's rocket, you'll be freeing-up resources for the native plants that pollinators visit. When pollinators have good habitat, all the other organisms in the ecosystem benefit. Meet at the trailhead off Parklake Avenue, just south of Lakeview Drive (map: http://tinyurl.com/DolphParklake).

A small group will also care for the bioswale on the east side of the park (near Parklake Ave and Lakeview Dr). Within the bioswale volunteers will be removing invasive plants and giving some TLC to the space. Although professional landscapers visit the bioswale throughout the growing season to remove the more aggressive invasive species, there is still plenty of work that can be done on a smaller scale. If you are interested in becoming a steward, please contact Catie at [email protected]. Stewards work on their own schedule throughout the year to weed, plant, collect seed, prune, etc.  

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 and closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at http://tinyurl.com/Dolph062522. This workday is organized by Natural Area Preservation and the City of Ann Arbor Systems Planning Unit in collaboration with the Water Resources Commissioner's Office. 

Stewardship Workday

Pollinator Week

Lakewood Nature Area

Saturday, June 25

1 to 4 p.m.

Lakewood pollinators have a unique and locally rare plant species to enjoy, the Kentucky coffee-tree (Gymnocladus dioicus). This seeds of this member of the legume family were once used to make a weak coffee substitute. Come out for an afternoon hand-pulling invasive weeds that crowd and outcompete the native plant species that pollinators need to survive. Volunteer with NAP for the pollinators! Meet at the park entrance on Sunnywood Drive (map: http://tinyurl.com/LakewoodSunnywood). 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 and closed-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at http://tinyurl.com/Lakewood062522.   

Summer Nature Walk with AADL

Sunday, June 26

Bluffs Nature Area

1 to 2 p.m.

Bluffs Nature Area is a roughly 40-acre tract of land that engulfs you in nature, yet is close to the comforts of the city. On a glacially-formed ridge above the Huron River and N. Main St., it is an important link in the corridor of natural areas surrounding the Huron River that support wildlife. Join NAP for a nature walk in this park with an amazing variety of natural features and native species. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road near Wildt Street. (map: http://tinyurl.com/BluffsSunset). Make sure to dress for the weather (walks happen rain or shine) and bring a water bottle. The nature walks are a collaboration between the Ann Arbor District Library and Natural Area Preservation that take place once a month. Some of AADL's Science Tools will be available for use during the walk! Registration is strongly encouraged so NAP can accommodate everyone! Register at http://tinyurl.com/BluffsWalk062622.  

​JULY

Stewardship Workday

Bluffs Nature Area

Saturday, July 9

9 a.m. to noon

Do you like to spend time in nature? Natural Area Preservation (NAP) volunteers get to spend a whole morning outdoors and then go home knowing they made a difference to the environment. It's easy, fun, and educational! NAP staff will teach volunteers how (and why) to identify and pull weeds that crowd out native plants. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road near Wildt Street (map: tinyurl.com/BluffsSunset). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Bluffs070922.

Stewardship Workday

Olson Park

Sunday, July 10

9 a.m. to noon

Olson Park was once a gravel pit, but is now a place to play soccer, ride a mountain bike, or take a hike. It's also home to many butterflies including the declining Monarch. Invasive weeds are invading the open meadows, threatening pollinator habitats. Join Natural Area Preservation (NAP) pull these non-native plants. Meet at the entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail (map: tinyurl.com/OlsonParkingLot). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Olson071022.

Stewardship Workday

Furstenberg Nature Area

Saturday, July 23

9 a.m. to noon

The prairie at Furstenberg Nature Area blooms with beautiful colors and is important habitat for many birds and pollinating insects. However, non-native species that provide little food for wildlife are crowding out native flowers. Join Natural Area Preservation (NAP) to pull invasive species in order to allow the native plants to thrive. Please meet in the parking lot off of Fuller Road (map: tinyurl.com/FurstenbergParking). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Furstenberg072322.

Stewardship Workday

Ruthven Nature Area

Saturday, July 23

1 to 4 p.m.

Are you looking for a way to make an impact? As the saying goes, “think globally, act locally." Volunteering with Natural Area Preservation (NAP) is an easy way to support the local ecosystem. At a NAP workday, you'll spend a few hours out in nature learning how to remove invasive plants. Meet us at the southeast corner of Huron Parkway and Geddes Road (map: tinyurl.com/RuthvenCorner). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Ruthven072322.

Stewardship Workday

Bird Hills Nature Area

Saturday, July 30

9 a.m. to noon

If you enjoy learning about natural history as much as you enjoy removing invasive plants, then a workday at Bird Hills Nature Area is an excellent fit for you! A workday here offers a glimpse into the past of this beautiful natural area and offers the chance to encounter a variety of plants and fungi. While removing invasive plant species at Bird Hills you will be contributing the long-term success of native species and helping keep the park a beautiful and healthy natural area for years to come. Meet at the Bird Road entrance to this park, west of Huron River Drive (map: tinyurl.com/BirdHillsBird). (Additional parking in Barton Nature Area-Dam entrance.) Preregistration through VolunteerHub is encouraged; please stay home if you are feeling ill. Natural Area Preservation (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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Bird080622.

Stewardship Workday

Brokaw Nature Area

Saturday, July 30

1 to 4 p.m.

Trails in natural areas make it easier for people to enjoy nature, and they ensure the plants and animals living there can stay safe from disturbance. Help Natural Area Preservation (NAP) maintain trails at Brokaw Nature Area by trimming back shrubs and widening overgrown areas. Meet us in the parking lot off West Huron River Drive just southeast of Wagner Road (map: tinyurl.com/BrokawHRD). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Brokaw073022.

Summer Nature Walk

Sunday, July 31

Buttonbush Nature Area

This natural area was named for the large buttonbush swamp found here. Buttonbush is a 6-12 ft. shrub native to Michigan with long-lasting, unique ball-shaped flowers. Sometimes resembling pincushions, the one-inch blossoms can be white or pale pink. Check out a stunning display at this nature walk. Meet at the park entrance at the end of Hickory Point Drive (map: tinyurl.com/ButtonbushHickoryPoint). Make sure to dress for the weather (walks happen rain or shine) and bring a water bottle. The nature walks are a collaboration between the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) and Natural Area Preservation (NAP) that take place once a month. Some of AADL's Science Tools will be available for use during the walk! Registration is strongly encouraged so NAP can accommodate everyone! Register at tinyurl.com/ButtonbushWalk073122.

AUGUST

​

Stewardship Workday

Kuebler Langford Nature Area

Sunday, August 7

9 a.m. to noon

Since the time of its acquisition, Kuebler Langford has been a park of importance to the people of Ann Arbor. As this natural area continues to recover from top-soil removal and compaction from the 1970's, park users are left with areas of stunning prairie and forests. Because Kuebler Langford was fought for and won by the people of Ann Arbor, it is a wonderful feeling to contribute to the ongoing effort to bring health and beauty back to this natural area. Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive, north of Sunset Road (map: tinyurl.com/KueblerBeechwood). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Kuebler080722.

Stewardship Workday

Bandemer Park

Saturday, August 13

9 a.m. to noon

Join Natural Area Preservation (NAP) at this 38-acre hub of outdoor recreation for a morning of removing invasive species. While you're here with NAP, perhaps you'll be inspired to return and utilize the disc golf course or watch the rowers glide across the Huron River. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Lake Shore Drive, off Main Street (map: tinyurl.com/BandemerLakeShore). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Bandemer081322.

Stewardship Workday

Olson Park

Saturday, August 13

1 to 4 p.m.

Have you ever wondered how much a place can recover after being mined and even dumped on? Find the answer in the 54-acres of land known as Olson Park! This park will give you an up-close look at just how important the work of volunteers is to Ann Arbor's natural areas. This park is now home to a variety of amazing species of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Come join Natural Area Preservation (NAP) for a day of removing invasive species and maybe encounter interesting wildlife in the process! Meet at the entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail (map: tinyurl.com/OlsonParkingLot). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Olson081322.

Stewardship Workday

National Honey Bee Day

Gallup Park

Saturday, August 20

9 a.m. to noon

There's a lot of buzz surrounding this workday at Gallup Park! It's #NationalHoneybeeDay, after all! This day brings awareness to the bee industry and the beekeeping community. Honey bees are more than just honey-makers, they are one of the many pollinators folks can support by removing invasive plants from the park. Meet in the Gallup Park parking lot, just over the wooden bridge (map: tinyurl.com/GallupBridgeParking). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Gallup082022.

Stewardship Workday

Barton Nature Area

Saturday, August 27

9 a.m. to noon

Located along the Huron River, this park is home to an interesting phenomenon known as the Barton Oxbow. This U-shaped bend in the river suggests a few ideas about the history of this area before it was farmed. Though likely prairie and oak savanna in the past, Barton Nature Area now has a diversity of plant communities, from wet meadow to dry prairie to emergent marshland. When volunteering at a workday here, you're likely to encounter a wide array of flora to admire and help protect. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive (map: tinyurl.com/BartonParkingLot). Preregistration 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 and closed-toed shoes, and wear socks that close the gap between shoes and pants. Bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if you have them. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Register at tinyurl.com/Barton082722.

Summer Nature Walk

Sunset Brooks Nature Area

Sunday, August 28

1 to 2 p.m.

Come out for a nature walk through the rolling woods and wetlands of Sunset Brooks Nature Area. Though small, this park has a number of interesting and uncommon species within. Remember to bring your binoculars, too, as you may encounter some of the birds which call this park home. Make sure to dress for the weather (walks happen rain or shine) and bring a water bottle. Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street (map: tinyurl.com/SunsetBrooksSunset). The nature walks are a collaboration between the Ann Arbor District Library and Natural Area Preservation that take place once a month. Some of AADL's Science Tools will be available for use during the walk! Registration is strongly encouraged so NAP can accommodate everyone! Register at tinyurl.com/Sunset082822.​

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