Archived News Release: March 30, 2018 - 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 May are listed below. For stewardship workdays: Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. All participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.–noon
Lakewood Nature Area
Lakewood Nature Area is a 7-acre woodland, with many spring wildflowers. Connecting to Dolph Nature Area, it is an excellent place to birdwatch. Help preserve its habitat by removing invasive plants such as garlic mustard and dame's rocket. Meet in the Lakewood Elementary School parking lot off Gralake Avenue.
Saturday, May 5, 1–4 p.m.
Folkstone Park
This park is an excellent example of the oak-hickory forests that once dominated this area. In the spring, the forest floor is covered with rue-anemone. Help NAP maintain this woodland habitat by pulling invasive species. Meet at the park entrance at the north end of Folkstone Court.
Saturday, May 5, 1–4 p.m.
Dolph Nature Area
With over 140 species of birds recorded here, Dolph Nature Area is considered the premier birding spot for spring migrants. The diverse ecosystems here include lakes, forest and shrubland. However, non-native plants threaten the natural biodiversity. Help NAP remove invasive species and maintain the quality habitat for birds and other wildlife. Meet at the parking lot off Wagner Road.
Sunday, May 6, 9 a.m.–noon
Oakridge Nature Area
Oakridge Nature Area is 8 acres of fen and oak-hickory woods. Over 100 native species are found in this small nature area. Join NAP to preserve this valuable piece of wildlife habitat by pulling invasive plants. Meet in the southwest corner of the intersection of Glazier Way and Huron Parkway.
Sunday, May 6, 1–4 p.m.
Furstenberg Native Garden
Ready to do some spring gardening? Join NAP at this special workday in the Furstenberg native garden in honor of National Public Gardens Day. Help create a beautiful display of Michigan's biodiversity while spending time in one of Ann Arbor's beautiful parks. Meet in the parking lot off of Fuller Road.
Sunday, May 6, 1–4 p.m.
Furstenberg Nature Area
Furstenberg Nature Area was acquired by the city in 1971 in order to preserve and protect the Huron River valley. Extensive work has been done to restore the healthy oak-savanna here. Help NAP pull invasive plants in order to continue to preserve and protect the habitat in this riverside park. Meet in the parking lot off of Fuller Road.
Tuesday, May 8, 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: Japanese stiltgrass — Japanese stiltgrass is regarded as one of the country's top invasives and was discovered in Michigan in 2017. Come learn how it was detected, documented and destroyed in Scio Township, and how you can be on the lookout for it on your land.
Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m.–noon
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
This park in the Water Hill neighborhood is 8 acres of oak-hickory woodland. In the spring, the dogwood grove is a beautiful place to take a walk. Help pull invasive species like garlic mustard to make room for spring wildflowers. Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street.
Saturday, May 12, 1–4 p.m.
Bird Hills Nature Area
Bird Hills Nature Area was the site of NAP's first workday in 1994, and NAP has been working there ever since. The hilly terrain features several different plant communities. Join the effort to restore this previously logged and farmed woodland by removing invasive species such as garlic mustard. Meet at the entrance off of Beechwood Drive.
Saturday, May 12, 1–4 p.m.
Bluffs Nature Area
Hikers and mountain bikers alike enjoy the trails in this 39-acre park. The steep wooded slopes support a rich diversity of wildlife. Help NAP remove invasive species that threaten this habitat. Meet at the entrance on Sunset Road near Wildt Street.
Butterfly Survey Kickoff & Training
Saturday, May 12, 1:30–4 p.m.
NAP Office, 3875 E. Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor is home to 80 species of butterflies! Come learn NAP's survey protocol and help search our prairies and woodlands for these beautiful insects 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 9 to [email protected], or call NAP at 734.794.6627.
Friday, May 18, 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.
20th Annual Garlic Mustard Weed-out Day
Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m.–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 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:
- Huron Hills Golf Course Woods — Meet on Hunting Valley off Provincial Drive.
- 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 Ct, off of Pontiac Trail.
- Huron Parkway — Meet at the Park Steward's house, 3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive.
- Argo — Meet in the parking lot north of the Argo Canoe Livery, off Longshore Drive.
Huron River Day
Sunday, May 20, 1–5 p.m.
Gallup Park
Enjoy the beautiful Huron River with free, family-friendly river activities. Listen to live music, eat delicious local food, and paddle a boat with $5 canoe and kayak rentals (free if you ride your bike!) For more information visit www.a2gov.org/hrd.
Nature Walk with AADL
Thursday, May 31, 6–7:30 p.m.
Bird Hills Nature Area
Bird Hills Nature Area is our largest park. Join NAP staff on a family-friendly walk through these hilly woods to learn more about the natural features of this park. Meet at the Newport Road entrance, just north of M-14. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water if desired. The nature walks are a collaboration between the Ann Arbor District Library and NAP that take place once a month April through September. Some of AADL's Science Tools will be available for use during the walk!
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