Archived News Release: October 2, 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. These tasks are performed by both staff and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities coming up in November are listed below. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to workday events. Workday events are suitable for all ages but minors must be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Sunday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.–noon
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
Sunset Brooks is truly a gem among Ann Arbor's nature areas. It features 7.8 acres of beautiful wetlands and rolling woods dotted with oaks and hickories, which are further decorated by dogwood groves and wildflowers in the spring. To ensure the health of these vibrant ecological communities, the park stewards here need your help! Come learn how to identify and remove the invasive species threatening this much-loved park. Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street. 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.
Sunday, Nov. 5, 1–4 p.m.
Bird Hills Nature Area
Bird Hills is the city's largest nature area and is home to a wide array of plant and animal species. Some of these species are invasive and serve little benefit to the other species that call Bird Hills home. Come out and help collect native seeds and remove invasives like buckthorn and honeysuckle to help provide more natural habitat for all of the park's great wildlife. Meet at the Beechwood entrance off of Sunset Road. 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.
Saturday, Nov. 11, 1–4 p.m.
Cedar Bend Nature Area
Cedar Bend Nature Area is the oldest park in Ann Arbor, 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. 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.
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 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. Free! For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month's topic: Communicating conservation. One of the challenges facing restoration work is being able to communicate to a variety of audiences about its importance. Join us for a discussion on effectively communicating restoration work to improve engagement and awareness from neighbors, park visitors, and volunteers. Learn about some methods to tell your restoration story ranging from casual conversations with neighbors to field trips and nature walks with community members.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m.–noon
Dicken Woods Nature Area
Join the effort with NAP, the Friends of Dicken Woods and neighbors to improve trails, clean up litter and collect native seeds in this special woodland. Meet at the end of Dicken Drive, off of South Maple Road. 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.
Sunday, Nov. 19, 1–4 p.m.
Marshall Nature Area
Tremendous progress has been made to increase the native habitat in this large, 87-acre preserve and you're invited to help continue the effort! We'll be removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle, to give native plants a chance to thrive. Meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Road, north of Plymouth Road. 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.
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