Archived News Release: July 3, 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 August are listed below. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
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.
Saturday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m.–noon
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
Black Pond Woods is an oak-hickory forest with beautiful wildflowers in the understory. These woods provide habitat for many birds, frogs and salamanders. Help us keep this habitat healthy by pulling exotic invasive species such as Japanese hedge parsley. Meet on Tibbits Court, off Pontiac Trail.
Sunday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m.–noon
Swift Run Marsh
Swift Run Marsh is a favorite spot for birders, with over 57 species of birds recorded here. In addition to the large pond, the park also includes a prairie. Help us pull non-native invasive species and maintain the trails. We'll meet you on Eddy Street, off of Verle Avenue.
Tuesday, Aug. 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: Monitoring ecological restoration. Monitoring the results of stewardship activities is a critical component of adaptive management. Setting stewardship goals is an important first step in establishing a monitoring program. Monitoring can vary from simple qualitative assessments such as meander surveys to statistically robust, quantitative sampling. We will discuss how land managers are setting stewardship goals and the techniques they are using to monitor their progress.
Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m.–noon
Olson Park
Olson Park was once a gravel pit, but is now a place to play soccer, ride a bike or take a hike. It's also home to many butterflies including the declining Monarch. Invasive weeds are invading the open meadows, threatening pollinator habitats. Join us to pull these non-native plants. Meet at the entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail.
Saturday, Aug. 18, 1–4 p.m.
Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area
Dhu Varren Woods Nature Area is a 13-acre woodland on the city's north side. The beech, maple, oak and hickory trees provide habitat for wildlife. Join us as we pull non-native species such as Japanese hedge parsley in the understory. Meet at the intersection of Birchwood Drive and Dhu Varren Road.
Sunday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Furstenberg Nature Area
This long narrow nature area beside the river contains many plant communities including a rare oak savanna and a restored prairie. Help us improve the native habitat by pulling exotic invasive species. Meet at the parking lot off of Fuller Road.
Nature Walk with NAP and Ann Arbor District Library
Thursday, Aug. 30, 6–7:30 p.m.
Oakwoods Nature Area
Oakwoods Nature Area is a favorite birding destination because a wide variety of wading birds and waterfowl call it home. Join NAP staff on a family-friendly walk through this nature area. Meet at the park entrance off of Dunwoodie. Wear comfortable clothes, and bring water if desired. The nature walks are a collaboration between the AADL 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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