Archived News Release: May 16, 2018 - Volunteers with The City of Ann Arbor's Natural Area Preservation (NAP) will join volunteers across the country to collectively improve 2,802 miles of trail (the distance across the United States) on American Hiking Society's National Trails Day. NAP volunteers will work in three natural areas: Stapp Nature Area, Bird Hills Nature Area and Brokaw Nature Area, on Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, 2018.
For 25 years, American Hiking Society has celebrated National Trails Day the first weekend in June with the goal of connecting more people to trails and public lands. In 2018, their goal is to improve 2,802 miles of trail to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails System. NAP invites volunteers to take part in these three workdays:
Saturday, June 2, 1–4 p.m. at Stapp Nature Area
Stapp Nature Area boasts a large diversity of trees in a small area. It's a great place to go for a walk and observe wildlife and wildflowers. Come celebrate National Trails Day and help build a new entrance trail to the park. Meet at the park sign at the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway.
Sunday, June 3, 9 a.m.–noon at Bird Hills Nature Area
Calling all trail advocates! Bird Hills is a favorite hiking destination of many, with 3.7 miles of hilly trails. Join us on National Trails Day to maintain these trails so visitors can continue to enjoy their hikes. Meet at the Beechwood entrance off of Sunset Road.
Sunday, June 3, 1–4 p.m. at Brokaw Nature Area
Brokaw Nature Area is one of Ann Arbor's newest parks. It needs some trails so visitors can enjoy its beauty. Celebrate National Trails day with us by creating new trails on this new property. Meet at the park entrance on Huron River Drive just south of Wagner Road.
For all NAP 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. Stewardship workday events are free. No RSVP is necessary for these National Trails Day events, however if you have questions, or if you'd like to volunteer with your group of 8 or more, please contact NAP at 734.794.6627 or [email protected].
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas, and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.
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. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
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