Archived News Release: October 2, 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 November 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.
Find more information about NAP at www.a2gov.org/NAP.
Sunday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m.–noon
Braun Nature Area
Malletts Creek runs through Braun Nature Area and wetland plants thrive along its banks. However, exotic shrubs, such as honeysuckle, are threatening the biodiversity here. Join us to remove these invasive species, allowing the native plants to flourish. Meet at the park entrance on Chalmers Road.
Sunday, Nov. 4, 1–4 p.m.
Huron Parkway Nature Area
Huron Parkway Nature Area contains a pond and wetlands encircled by woodlands and meadow. These diverse communities are home to everything from fox to owls. NAP needs your help maintaining the quality of this habitat by removing invasive shrubs. We'll also be collecting native seeds. You might even catch a glimpse of a white feathered wild turkey. Meet at the park steward's house, 3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 1–4 p.m.
Cedar Bend Nature Area
Autumn is a magical season of migration in the riverside nature area of Cedar Bend. Plentiful oak, hickory and cherry trees provide habitat for these birds and other wildlife. Enjoy spotting birds while cutting down the invasive plants menacing this habitat. We'll also collect native seeds to help disperse these important plants. Meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive.
Sunday, Nov. 11, 1–4 p.m.
Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area
Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area is not only 88 acres of diverse plant communities, it is also the location of many school field trips. Help our kids continue to enjoy the natural, native wonders of this area by removing invasive shrubbery. Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street.
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 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: Prioritizing Conservation. With so much to do, how do you prioritize which areas will receive resources for conservation work? What are some tools that can be used to make these decisions? Join us to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using certain criteria to determine priorities.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 1–4 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better way to show gratitude for our beautiful natural areas than by helping to improve the biodiversity of Barton Nature Area, an essential part of Ann Arbor's riverside greenway. Family Volunteer Day celebrates families that work together to improve their communities. Bring your family and join the NAP family in removing invasive shrubs and collecting native seeds. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive.
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