Archived News Release: October 2, 2015 - 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 more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to workday events. Workday events are suitable for all ages but minors must be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. All events are free.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–noon
Argo Nature Area
Fall is a great time to visit Argo Nature Area; the main trail meanders along a ridge and offers fantastic views of the Huron River. Help NAP maintain the unique landscape Argo has to offer by removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet at the north end of the Argo Canoe Livery parking lot near the entrance to the woods, 1055 Longshore Drive.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 1–4 p.m.
Ruthven Nature Area
Ruthven is one of Ann Arbor's finest examples of glacial terrain: you'll find a glacial kame there, a tall hill formed of sand and gravel that was left behind when a glacier melted. This topography supports diverse ecosystems — come out and help support Ruthven's biodiversity. Volunteers will be collecting native seeds and maintaining the trails. Meet at the Gallup Park boat dock parking lot, just east of of Huron Parkway on Geddes Road.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–noon
Bluffs Nature Area
Tucked away within Bluffs' 39 acres is an open field filled with native prairie species. Come out and help us preserve the prairie and other hidden gems by removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Please meet at the entrance off of Sunset Road.
Sunday, Nov. 8, 1–4 p.m.
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
Get outside and help remove invasive shrubs in this lovely eight-acre oak-hickory woodland. We will be cutting and removing invasive shrubs to help improve habitat and give native plants a chance to thrive. Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7:30– 8:30 a.m.
Bruegger's Bagels – 709 N. University Ave.
Soil quality is critical to successful restoration efforts. What can be done about poor soil conditions, and in contrast how can we maintain high quality soils? How does soil quality affect competition between native and non-native species? Come prepared to share your experiences and ask questions. This gathering is part of a monthly, informal discussion hosted by the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information visit www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.– noon
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
Black Pond Woods is home to a diverse array of plants and animals. Help us preserve this habitat and encourage the growth of native species by joining us to learn about native plants and collect native plant seeds in this beautiful nature area. Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It's fun and educational for the whole family! Meet at the Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot, located at 1831 Traver Road.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m.– noon
Barton Nature Area
Bring your family out to learn about native plants, lend a hand collecting native plant seeds and remove invasive brush in this beautiful nature area. If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It's fun and educational for the whole family. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive, just north of Bird Road.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 1– 4 p.m.
Hannah Nature Area
Get your family involved for Family Volunteer Day by learning about native plants, lending a hand collecting removing invasive species and helping with a trail improvement project in this beautiful nature area. It's fun and educational for the whole family. Meet at the west end of Bath Street, west of 7th (between Miller and Huron).
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