Please come out and join us for one of these events. There is no need to pre-register unless otherwise noted! Please remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or bring a signed release form (pdf). If you have a large group (more than five people) that is interested in attending a volunteer stewardship event, please contact our Workday Coordinator at least two weeks in advance.
NAP PHOTO CONTEST REMINDER
Our Fourth Annual Photo Contest is now open! Check our web site at http://www.a2gov.org/NAPphotocontest for contest information, rules, and an entry form. Photo entry deadline is September 4th.
July
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
July 11, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Furstenberg Native Garden
Furstenberg Nature Area is a 37-acre park containing wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and oak savannah. If many people work together, we can maintain areas in our parks that are invasive-free and where the great diversity of our native plants can flourish. Join us! Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. A short nature walk will be held at the end of the workday, time permitting. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road at the native garden, across from Huron High School.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
July 11, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Barton Nature Area
Bring your family to learn about native plants and lend a hand in this beautiful nature area! This is a fun, family-friendly way to get outdoors! We will be identifying plants and weeding in the prairie area of this park. Minors are welcome to join us for this fun workday, but need to bring a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive.
HURON RIVER DAY
July 12, Sunday
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Gallup Park & Parker Mill Park
Enjoy the beautiful Huron River and participate in free family activities during the Huron River Day celebration at Gallup Park and Parker Mill. Start the morning off with a fun run along the river beginning at 8:30 and a free morning of canoeing and kayaking afterwards! The afternoon is full of fun children’s activities including storytelling, learning about river animals, rain garden demonstrations, fishing, and much more! Food will be available for purchase.
STEWARD’S CIRCLE
July 14, Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards and others interested in nature. For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month’s topic: “Streams are an essential part of our natural areas. How do we monitor their health? What indicators are best? Easiest? What can we do to help?”
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
July 18, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Cranbrook Park
Get outside and lend a hand helping to clear trails and spread woodchips to keep this park’s nature trail accessible to everyone! This park is home to many native plants and provides nearly 18 acres of open space, natural area, trails, and play areas in one of the most highly developed parts of town. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Meet in the Church of Christ parking lot at 2500 South Main.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
July 18, Saturday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Lakewood Nature Area
This is a great opportunity to get your family outdoors and involved in the community! This park has trails which wind through acres of hilly woods jointly owned and maintained by NAP and Ann Arbor Public Schools. It is used by many Ann Arbor residents including the youth and teachers of Lakewood Elementary School. Please join us as we focus on watering newly planted native plants, clearing the park entrance, and having a great time learning and working together outdoors! Snacks, water, and tools are provided. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Meet us at the Lakewood Elementary School parking lot off Gralake Avenue, three blocks south of Jackson Avenue.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
July 26, Sunday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Onder Nature Area
Join us in working to create and maintain the trails in one of the newest parkland additions to the city! This property offers important habitat for native plants and animals and extends the “green corridor” which helps connect the natural upland forests of Leslie Park and Black Pond Woods with the riparian complex of other parks along the Huron River. Please wear long pants and close-toes shoes. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Meet at the intersection of Hilldale Dr. and Brookside Dr.
August
STEWARD’S CIRCLE
August 11, Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards and others interested in nature. For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month’s topic: “Top 5 invasives. What are the worst invasives in your natural area? Which are the most invasive? How do we decide which to take care of first?”
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY & POTLUCK
August 15, Saturday
4:00 to 6:00 pm
Buhr Park Children’s Wet Meadow
Come lend a hand for this family-friendly workday and help maintain the Wet Meadow in Buhr Park! This park has been and continues to be an important learning experience for all who come out to participate, young and old alike! The meadow serves as a habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies; is a showcase for native plants; serves as a teaching tool for adults and children alike; and is a wonderful sight to behold. Bring a dish to share for a potluck or a picnic dinner! Meet in the playground parking lot next to the tennis court at Cobblestone.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
August 16, Sunday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
Come out to take care of this nearly 8-acres of preserved land nestled within the northwest Ann Arbor neighborhood! We will be working together to remove non-native shrubs to preserve native plants and species diversity. For your safety, please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Meet us at the park entrance on Sunset Road at the end of Brooks Street.
August 21, Friday
Two weeks until NAP’s 4th Annual Photo Contest pictures are due!
See our website for more information at www.a2gov.org/NAPphotocontest!
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
August 29, Saturday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Leslie Woods
Leslie Woods is home to some of the largest oaks and hickories in the Ann Arbor park system! Your help is needed to remove non-native species from the woods which can out-compete the native species. This is a beautiful wooded and shady place to spend the afternoon! Bring your friends and family out to lend a hand to keep it such a special place! Snacks and water will be provided. For your safety, please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Meet us at the park entrance at the north end of Upland Drive, north of Plymouth Road.
September
September 4, Friday
NAP PHOTO CONTEST PICTURES DUE TODAY AT 5:00 PM!!
Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Road
Winning photos will be printed in the Ann Arbor News, included in the NAP wall calendar for 2010, and may be used for future NAP educational and promotional materials. We also have prizes! Winners will be announced at the volunteer appreciation party on October 29th. Lots of fun guaranteed! For more information, including how to enter, getting an entry form, and detailed photo specifications, go to http://www.a2gov.org/NAPphotocontest, or email nap@a2gov.org, or call 734.794.6627.
STEWARD'S CIRCLE
September 8, Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Bruegger's Bagels - 709 N University Ave
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas- woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor Cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards and others interested in nature. For more information go to http://stewardshipnetwork.org. This month's topic: "Trails run through many natural areas. How do we upkeep trails? What are the best ways to create and fix trails?"
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
September 12, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Miller Woods
It’s shrub cutting season, and we need your help maintaining this large wooded natural area in the heart of the city, less than a mile from downtown and right on the AATA city bus route! Learn how to recognize the differences between native and non-native trees and shrubs and help us maintain the native species in this area. Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, bring a friend, and come out to enjoy the early fall weather! Minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Meet us at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Ave.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
September 12, Saturday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Hannah Nature Area
This small wooded greenspace, located right near downtown, needs many hands this fall to help remove non-native shrubs! Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate, but minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with the whole family! Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Meet at the west end of Bath Street, west of 7th between Miller and Huron.
STEWARDSHIP PLANTING DAY!
September 26, Saturday
Miller Woods from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Evergreen Park from 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Today is National Public Lands Day and it is time to plant trees! We spend a great deal of time removing non-native plants from natural areas - and today we’ll help reestablish native species! We will work on ecological restoration in these parks while being part of the nationwide effort to protect the environment. Please wear closed toe shoes and long pants for this workday. As always, a snack will be provided. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy a picnic with the crew between sites. Meet us at the Arborview Blvd. Miller Woods entrance east of Wildwood Ave. at 10:00 am and at the Evergreen Park entrance at Valley Drive at 1:00 pm to join in the fun and lend a hand!
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
September 27, Sunday
12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Furstenberg Native Garden
Join Park Steward and Master Gardener, Aunita Erskine, in taking care of this valuable native garden. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about gardening with natives, and help us keep this site looking top notch! Workday orientation starts promptly at 12:00 noon. A short nature walk will be held at the end of the workday, time permitting. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Meet in the Furstenberg parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
October
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
October 3, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Dicken Woods Nature Area
Join the Friends of Dicken Woods this fall morning to help preserve this special woodland which borders Dicken Elementary School. It offers an interior foot trail providing access to the diverse ecology within the natural area. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate in maintaining this ecosystem, however minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form through the NAP office in advance. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Meet in the school parking lot off Runnymede to get started!
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
October 10, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Greenview Nature Area
There is a lot to get done this fall to continue to preserve this park! Join us for a fun morning spreading woodchips, clearing buckthorn, and collecting and dispersing native seeds! This is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors and lend a hand improving this special greenspace. Snacks and water will be provided. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate, however minors must be accompanied by an adult unless a release form through the NAP office in advance. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Greenview Park sign on Greenview Drive, across from Barnard Rd.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
October 10, Saturday
12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Wurster Park
We need your help to remove invasive plants like buckthorn and honeysuckle in this multi-use parkland! Join us! Volunteers of all ages are encouraged, but minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for your comfort and safety. There is play equipment, open fields and picnic tables and benches available for recreating with your friends and family following the workday! Meet at the cul de sac of Edgewood Place off of W Davis Ave.
STEWARD’S CIRCLE
October 13, Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards and others interested in nature. For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month’s topic: “Factsheets & resources. What educational materials are out there? Which can we use? Bring your favorite and we’ll share.”
PRESCRIBED BURN PUBLIC MEETING
October 13, Wednesday
7:30 to 9:00 pm
Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Road
Fire is used as a restoration tool in many of Ann Arbor’s natural areas. This meeting provides information and an opportunity for discussion about the Prescribed Ecological Burn Program. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the ecological benefits of burning, and hear about the specifics of effectively and safely using fire as a restoration tool. Burns are conducted in city parks throughout the spring and fall.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAYS
October 17, Saturday
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Swift Run & Mary Beth Doyle
One of most fun and rewarding stewardship opportunities to be involved in for people of all ages is seed collecting! You will learn how to identify native plants in the fall, collect and save native seeds, and then have the opportunity to disperse them in the afternoon! We will be collecting native seeds together in Swift Run and dispersing them at Mary Beth Doyle in areas where natives are much less established and where we hope to see many new sprouts growing next spring thanks to our efforts. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for your comfort and safety for the workday. Please bring a sack lunch. Meet us at Eddy Street, off of Verle Avenue.
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
October 25, Sunday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Barton Nature Area
If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the important seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. This will be educational, and fun for the whole family. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Snacks, expertise, and seed collection buckets provided. Join us! Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot on Huron River Drive.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION POTLUCK
October 29, Thursday
Starts at 7:00 pm
Cobblestone Farm - 2781 Packard Rd
All volunteers are invited to our annual appreciation event! Let’s share good food, learn a little, and browse all the beautiful pictures from the photo contest. Awards will be presented for Volunteer of the Year, Photo Contest Winners, and the best costumes. After the presentations there will be music and dancing to celebrate this year’s harvest. Please bring a dish to pass, friends or family, and your own place settings. Costumes are encouraged. RSVPs requested- call us at 734.794.6627 or email us at nap@a2gov.org.
November
STEWARDSHIP WORKDAY
November 1, Sunday
1:00 to 4:00 pm
Huron Parkway
We have made great headway in this lovely nature area over the years controlling invasives and spreading native species. Help us continue that progress! We’ll continue removing invasive shrubs near the parkway to extend the prairie. Come prepared for outdoor work by wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian, or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. We’ll meet at the Park Steward’s house at 3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive. (Rumor has it that there are always great cookies at this workday!)
STEWARD’S CIRCLE
November 10, Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards and others interested in nature. For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month’s topic: “Amphibians are Reptiles are Herps. What do herps do in the winter? How can we improve life for herps through our stewardship work?”
December
STEWARD’S CIRCLE
December 8, Tuesday
7:30 to 8:30 am
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
Are you interested in learning more about how to care for our natural areas - woods, creeks, prairies, wetlands? Then join the Stewardship Network's Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards and others interested in nature. For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org. This month’s topic: “Land Preservation is the first and last step of stewardship. How do we keep wilderness wild? What techniques are utilized to preserve land?”
For more information about what each of these events may require, please read more about volunteering with NAP here.