Archived News Release: December 4, 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 January are listed below. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP. Please dress in layers and wear shoes suitable for snow or wet ground 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.
Tuesday, Jan. 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. Free! For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month's topic: Formal Approaches to Native Landscaping. Native plantings play an essential role in providing habitat, capturing stormwater and reducing soil erosion. Sometimes native plantings are seen as unruly and disorganized. Learn about how formal approaches to native landscaping can be an effective demonstration tool in showing others how natives can be beautiful and provide important ecological value.
Stewardship Workday- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 15, 1–3 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is an opportunity to make your "day off" a "day on" for community service. Help improve Barton Nature Area and protect biodiversity by removing invasive shrubs. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive. Please dress in layers and wear shoes suitable for snow or wet ground. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks and know-how provided. If you would like to learn more about the MLK Day of Service mission, please visit the organization's website at www.mlkday.gov.
Woody Plant ID in Winter
Sunday, Jan. 21, 1–3 p.m.
Bird Hills Nature Area
Love trees, but mystified about how to recognize them without leaves? Join us for a winter walk through the woods to learn key characteristics for recognizing at least a dozen common Michigan species by twigs, bark and habitat. You'll also leave with skills for using plant keys. Please dress for spending the entire time outdoors including warm hiking boots suitable for potentially slippery trails. Meet in the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive.
Citizen Pruner Training
Sunday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Looking for a new and unique way to volunteer in the community? Consider becoming a citizen pruner! Citizen pruners volunteer at winter workdays to care for newly planted city trees. We'll teach you everything you need to know. Training includes both indoor and outdoor time, so come prepared to be comfortable in both settings. Please register by Jan. 22 by emailing [email protected] or calling 734.794.6627. Pre-registration is required to attend this training, as space is limited.
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