Archived News Release: April 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 May are listed below. For stewardship workdays: 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.
For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.–noon
Molin Nature Area
This narrow, 7-acre park has one main trail dotted by beautiful bur oak, sugar maple, shagbark hickory, and other native trees. Help us make room for native wildflowers and other understory plant species by removing invasive plants like garlic mustard. Meet at the park entrance at the intersection of Powell Avenue and Columbia Avenue.
Butterfly Survey Kickoff and Training
Saturday, May 6, 1:30–4 p.m.
Search for beautiful butterflies throughout the spring and summer. No experience in butterfly identification is necessary, though it is helpful. Space is extremely limited, so please register by May 3 to [email protected], or call 734.794.6627.
Sunday, May 7, 1–4 p.m.
Oakridge Nature Area
Oakridge is about 8 acres of fen and oak-hickory woods with over 100 native plant species, some of which are rare or threatened. Get involved in preserving this beautiful habitat by removing invasive garlic mustard with us. Meet in the southeast corner of the University of Michigan parking lot (at the northwest corner of the intersection of Glazier Way and Huron Parkway).
Tuesday, May 9, 7:30–8:30 a.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. This month's topic: Butterfly surveys with John Swales. Are you interested in learning about Ann Arbor's butterfly populations? We will discuss the city's butterfly surveys, what they are and why they are important. Free! For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Saturday, May 13th
9 a.m. to noon
Garlic Mustard Weed-Out Day is an annual tradition! On one day, volunteers hand-pull invasive garlic mustard in natural areas all around Ann Arbor! Garlic mustard is an aggressive invasive plant which can quickly crowd out native plant species and decrease natural diversity in the woods. Identifying and pulling garlic mustard is fun and easy for all ages, making this is a great volunteer opportunity for families. 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.
Participating parks:
- White Oak — Meet at the park entrance on White Oak Drive.
- Hannah — Meet at the west end of Bath Street, off 7th, just north of Huron.
- Black Pond Woods — Meet us on Tibbits Court, off of Pontiac Trail.
- Marshall — Meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Road, north of Plymouth Road.
- Riverwood — Meet us near the park sign on Riverwood Drive, just west of Newport Road.
- Sunset Brooks — Meet us at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street.
Friday, May 19, 6–8 p.m.
Gallup Park
Take an evening walk in Gallup Park and Furstenberg Nature Area with NAP Ornithologist Juliet Berger. We'll look for the Baltimore orioles that nest there, and see many other birds along the river as well. Bring binoculars if you have them, but they are not necessary. Meet at the Gallup Canoe Livery, 3000 Fuller Road.
Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m.–noon
Dolph Nature Area
Did you know that Dolph Nature Area is home to the only natural lakes in Ann Arbor? The trails winding around these lakes are situated to offer fantastic views for birdwatching and wildlife sightings. Help us make room for native spring wildflowers by removing invasive garlic mustard. Meet us at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
Saturday, May 20, 1–4 p.m.
Lakewood Nature Area
Come help native wildflowers thrive by removing invasive garlic mustard, dame's rocket and other spring invasive plants from this 13-acre woodland. Meet us at the Lakewood Elementary School parking lot, 344 Gralake Ave.
Nature Walk with Ann Arbor District Library
Thursday, May 25, 7–8:30 p.m.
Bird Hills Nature Area
Birds Hills is the city's largest nature area, and is rich in spring wildflowers! Come for a walk in the woods led by staff of the city's Natural Area Preservation unit. Be prepared for hilly terrain! Meet at the Newport Road entrance, just north of M-14. These nature walks are a collaboration between the AADL and Natural Area Preservation that take place once a month, April through September. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water if desired. Some of AADL Science Tools will be available for use during the walk!
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