Archived News Release: April 15, 2020 - 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's parks. These tasks are performed by both staff and volunteers. 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.
The below events are currently planned for May 2020. However, the City of Ann Arbor and Natural Area Preservation are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely; the events listed are subject to change in order keep volunteers and the public safe. Visit www.a2gov.org/NAPevents for the most up-to-date information.
Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.–noon
Lakewood Nature Area
Wildflower populations thrive in Lakewood Nature Area, due in part to NAP's controlled burn program! Join NAP to pull invasive garlic mustard to make room for even more beautiful wildflowers. Meet at the Lakewood Elementary School parking lot off Gralake Avenue (map).
Saturday, May 9, 1–4 p.m.
Dolph Nature Area
Come visit the beautiful home to over 140 bird species that live in the park help NAP to remove invasive garlic mustard. Meet at the parking lot off Wagner Road (map).
Sunday, May 10, 1–4 p.m.
White Oak Park
Join NAP to pull invasives with the dedicated park stewards in this cozy woodland. Meet at the park entrance on White Oak Drive (map).
22nd Annual Garlic Mustard Weed-out Day
Saturday, May 16, 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 that can quickly crowd out native plant species and decrease biodiversity in the woods. Identifying and pulling garlic mustard is fun and easy for all ages, making this a great volunteer opportunity for families.
Participating parks:
Black Pond Woods — Meet at the entrance off Tibbits Court, off Pontiac Trail (map).
Huron Parkway Nature Area — Meet at the park steward's house, 3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive (map).
Huron Hills Golf Course Woods — Meet on Hunting Valley Road, off Provincial Drive (map).
Argo – Meet at the park entrance at the corner of Amherst Avenue and Longshore Drive.
Cedar Bend Nature Area (also Dames Rocket) — Meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Drive (map).
Hannah Nature Area — Meet at the west end of Bath Street, off 7tt Street, just north of West Huron Street (map).
Butterfly Survey Kickoff and Training
Saturday, May 16, 1:30–3:30 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 Ann Arbor's prairies and woodlands for these important pollinators throughout the summer. No experience in butterfly identification is necessary, though it is helpful. Space is extremely limited, so please register by May 14 to [email protected], or call 734.794.6627.
Sunday, May 17, 9 a.m.– noon
Fuller Park
Celebrate Huron River Day by restoring native habitat near the river. This floodplain forest contains many water-loving species. Help NAP pull the non-native plants that threaten the area such as garlic mustard. The native wildlife will thank you! Meet at the Island Park parking lot at the end of Island Drive (map).
Saturday, May 23, 9 a.m.– noon
Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area
Join NAP in this beautiful park to celebrate World Biodiversity Day! There is plenty of wildlife to appreciate in this expansive nature area, as well as plenty of non-native plants to remove. Help make this much-loved park a better habitat in which native species can continue to thrive by pulling garlic mustard. Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street (map). #BiodiversityDay
Friday, May 29, 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 (map).
Saturday, May 30, 1–4 p.m.
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
Join NAP in pulling invasive garlic mustard from this beloved park. You'll be treated to views of the many wildflowers and songs from the numerous birds that reside there. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Birch Hollow Drive/Chelsea Circle (map).
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