Archived News Release: November 2, 2017 - 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 December 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. Free.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 1–4 p.m.
The Ponds Park
The Ponds is a small neighborhood park that was recently upgraded with a trail though the natural area. Help extend the trail so this area can be enjoyed by more neighbors. Meet at the park entrance at the corner of Emerald Ave and Candlewick Drive.
Sunday, Dec. 3, 1–4 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
Because of the many ecosystems found at Barton Nature Area, this park has a high diversity of native plants. However, encroaching invasive species can threaten native plants and animals. Learn to identify and remove honeysuckle and buckthorn while also collecting native seeds in the prairie. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m.–noon
Stapp Nature Area
Stapp Nature Area is one of Ann Arbor's more pristine natural areas, with native plants composing nearly 80 percent of the total flora. The park's mature oak-hickory forest is home to deer and several cavity-dwelling bird species, while a vernal pool draws frogs, toads and salamanders. Volunteers and NAP staff have worked hard throughout the years to maintain the high environmental quality of this park, but invasive shrubs are threatening to undo these efforts! Join us to cut back invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn to make room for native plants to flourish. Meet at the park sign at the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway.
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 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.
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