Archived News Release: May 15, 2019 - Volunteers with City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) will join participants across the country to set a trail service world record on American Hiking Society's National Trails Day. NAP volunteers will work in four natural areas: Barton Nature Area, Brokaw Nature Area, Swift Run Marsh and Bird Hills Nature Area, on June 1 and 2.
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 2019, their goal is to set the world record for the most people improving trails on a single day. NAP invites volunteers to take part in these four workdays:
Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m.–noon
Barton Nature Area
National Trails Day is dedicated to connecting more people to their local trails. The trails at Barton Nature Area wind through 83 acres of various habitats and provide great wildlife viewing opportunities. Lend a hand to maintain these trails so nature lovers can continue to explore this beautiful nature area. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive (map).
Saturday, June 1, 1–4 p.m.
Brokaw Nature Area
Celebrate National Trails Day by building trails through one of the newest nature areas in the city. Brokaw Nature Area is a diverse park with seven species of oak. People will be able to enjoy this diversity along with views of the Huron River from the new trails. Meet at the park entrance on Huron River Drive just south of Wagner Road (map).
Sunday, June 2, 9 a.m.–noon
Swift Run Marsh
Come find your trail on National Trails Day! Swift Run contains a high quality prairie and a large pond that attracts many ducks, waders and shorebirds. Help us trim the trails to allow access to birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts. Meet on Eddy Street, off of Verle Avenue (map).
Sunday, June 2, 1–4 p.m.
Bird Hills Nature Area
With 3.7 miles of trails, Bird Hills Nature Area is a wonderful place to take a hike. A variety of trees, wildflowers and rocks left by glaciers can be seen along these trails. Join us on National Trails Day to protect and repair the trail leading into the park. Meet us at the Beechwood entrance off of Sunset Road (map).
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 eight 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.
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. Both staff and volunteers perform these tasks. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
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