Archived News Release: October 7, 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 community. This involves conducting plant and animal inventories, ecological monitoring and stewardship projects in Ann Arbor's parks. NAP is releasing its schedule for November. These tasks are performed by both staff and volunteers. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
The City of Ann Arbor and NAP will be monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and will be following both the governor's orders and recommendations from the Washtenaw County Health Department. As a result, the events scheduled are subject to change in order keep volunteers and the public safe. Should it be prudent to make changes to the event schedule, NAP will provide updates via website at www.a2gov.org/NAPevents and notify anyone who registered for events.
To attend a volunteer workday, participants must preregister using Rec-1at https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog by noon on the Friday prior to the weekend which it occurs, and wear a mask while maintaining a 6-foot distance from others at all times during the event. Participants should also wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and leather work gloves. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools and know-how provided. Links to each event in Rec-1 are provided with each event listing. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1–4 p.m.
Berkshire Creek Nature Area
Help restore native ecosystems alongside Mallets Creek's floodplain on a refreshing November afternoon! Then, in the springtime, come back and see the unique plant species known as “Green Dragon" that can be found here due to your restoration efforts. Join NAP to cut invasive shrubs from the area, which can spread quickly and cover the understory, choking out the sunlight needed by native plants below. Preregistration through Rec-1 using this link is required as space is limited: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTEyMzQ1NzA=. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, Nov. 8, 1–4 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
The Huron River is one of the most beloved natural features in our city and supports many unique plant communities along its banks. Help NAP support the health of the river by meeting at Barton Nature Area to remove invasive shrubs from one of these beautiful, riverside meadows! You'll also see the city's working hydroelectric dam, Barton Dam. Preregistration through Rec-1 using this link is required as space is limited: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTEyMzQ2NTI=. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.– noon
Bird Hills Nature Area
Bird Hills gives us the opportunity to view many different kinds of wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, and tons of fascinating birds. Numerous types of key tree species can also be found in the area's mesic and wet forests, including Washtenaw County's largest sugar maple! Help NAP make room for more native plants as we cut invasive shrubs. Preregistration through Rec-1 using this link is required as space is limited: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTEyMzQ4Mjg=. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, Nov. 14, 1–4 p.m.
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
Though it be but a small park, the neighborhood love for Sunset Brooks is fierce! Once saved from development by the hard work of surrounding neighbors, this small park has a number of charming features that make it a worthwhile place to protect. Join NAP and discover something new to love about Sunset Brooks while helping to remove invasive shrubs! Preregistration through Rec-1 is required using this link as space is limited: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTEyMzQ4OTA=. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, Nov. 15, 1–4 p.m.
Foxfire West Nature Area
A tucked-away neighborhood gem, Foxfire West is a great new park to discover for the first time or enjoy again and again! Join NAP to protect this park from aggressive invasive shrubs. Preregistration through Rec-1 using this link is required as space is limited: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTEyMzQ5NTI=. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
Stewardship Workday – Family Volunteer Day
Sunday, Nov. 22, 1–4 p.m.
Kuebler Langford Nature Area
Join NAP and spend time with your family! Family Volunteer Day is a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. It's an amazing day to bring your family together to make your mark on the world. Preregistration through Rec-1 using this link is required as space is limited: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-ann-arbor/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTEyMzQ5ODI=. Meeting location will be provided after registration.
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