Archived News Release: December 3, 2018 - 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. Volunteer opportunities coming up in January are listed below.
Fore stewardship workdays, all participants must complete a release form, and all minors should be accompanied by a guardian. Tools, snacks and know-how provided. Find more information about NAP at www.a2gov.org/NAP.
Saturday, Jan. 5, 1–3 p.m.
Olson Park
Bird day celebrates the beauty, song and flight of birds. Olson Park is great place to bird watch, from migrant waterfowl in the wetland to songbirds in the meadow. Help improve the habitat for these native birds by removing invasive shrubs. Meet at the park entrance on Dhu Varren Road, just east of Pontiac Trail. Please dress in layers, and wear shoes suitable for snow or wet ground.
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 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. This month's topic: Maximizing the Benefits of Controlled Burns
Some controlled burns can be more effective than others. Let's discuss how we can be more rigorous about choosing where to burn and how to maximize the benefits. Bring your examples of burns that have had minimal or maximum effects.
Monday, Jan. 21. 1–3 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said “anyone can be great because anyone can serve". Honor his legacy by turning your “day off" into a “day on" for community service at Barton Nature Area. The wetlands along this horseshoe-shaped curve in the river benefit both humans and wildlife. Help improve these wetlands and create habitat for turtles. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot off Huron River Drive. Please dress in layers and wear shoes suitable for snow or wet ground.
Citizen Pruner Training
Classroom session: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Outdoor skills session: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.–noon
Looking for a new and unique way to volunteer in the community? Consider becoming a citizen pruner! Citizen pruners volunteer at tree pruning workdays that happen on select weekends between January and March. NAP will teach you everything you need to know. Please note that both sessions and a commitment to volunteering with the program is required. Please register by Monday, Jan. 21, by emailing [email protected] or calling 734.794.6627.
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