Please come out and join us for one of these events. There is no need to pre-register unless otherwise noted! 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. Please remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. We provide tools, snacks, water, and know-how at our Stewardship Workdays. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or bring a signed release form (pdf) to attend workdays.
March
Photo Monitoring Kick-Off
March 20, Saturday
Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Do you like photography and spending time outdoors? Photo monitoring may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! We need volunteers to take beautiful photos at specific locations during the year to document and track the progress of our restoration work. It allows for a fairly flexible schedule throughout the seasons and requires you to have a digital camera of your own. Come join us at this informational meeting for more details about this opportunity!
Nature Hike
March 25, Thursday
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Join us in a free nature walk through Black Pond Woods Nature Area. Meet us at the Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot (1831 Traver Road). A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Free and open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
March 27, Saturday
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Black Pond Woods’ trails wind through the woods of oak, hickory, maple, and dogwood. The spring wildflowers offer a terrific show (although we might still be a bit early for this year’s performance)! However, buckthorn and honeysuckle are invasive shrubs that were brought to America in the 1800s - they have no place in our woodlands! Help keep Black Pond Woods beautiful by removing these invasives! Meet us at the Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot (1831 Traver Road).
April
Stewardship Workday
April 3, Saturday
Leslie Woods Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Leslie Woods is home to some of the largest oaks and hickories in the Ann Arbor park system! Many beautiful native species are unfortunately struggling to flourish in this park. Come out with NAP to learn to identify native springtime plants and pull the invasives that often crowd them out! This is a beautiful wooded and shady place to spend the afternoon. Meet us at the park entrance at the north end of Upland Drive, north of Plymouth Road.
Steward’s Circle
April 13, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Herbicides are a powerful tool in ecological restoration. How do we use them safely and appropriately? How do we navigate all the regulations and label instructions?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Stewardship Workday
April 17, Saturday
Cranbrook Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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! Come out with NAP to learn about some beautiful native plants that call Cranbrook home and pull the invasives that crowd them out! Meet in the Church of Christ parking lot at 2500 South Main.
Huron River Clean Up
April 17, Saturday
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Join crews from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab and the EPA to help pick up trash on the river by canoe. Call David Fanslow at 734.741.2353 for more information and to register.
Breeding Bird Survey Kick-Off
April 20, Tuesday
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Rd.
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
This is the night to sign up for your favorite park and pick up materials for our annual survey. Some experience in bird identification necessary. City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong will also report on the 2009 data and survey highlights. For more information about joining our Breeding Bird Survey or to register call our office by April 17th at 734.794.6627, or send us an email at nap@a2gov.org.
Nature Hike
April 22, Thursday
Bird Hills Nature Area
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join Natural Area Preservation (City of Ann Arbor) in a free nature walk through Bird Hills Nature Area. Meet at the Newport Rd. entrance, just north of M-14. A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
April 24, Saturday
Bird Hills Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Bird Hills has miles of trails, taking visitors through Beech-Maple and Oak-Hickory groves, by vernal ponds and streams, and even through an old farmstead! Many beautiful native springtime plants, such as trout lilies, wild phlox, and wild ginger, are unfortunately struggling to flourish in this park because of the invasive plants garlic mustard and Dame's rocket. Come out with NAP to learn to pull the invasives out! Join us at the Bird Road entrance, west off of Huron River Drive (additional parking at the Barton Dam).
Stewardship Workday
April 24, Saturday
Furstenberg Native Garden
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come on out to help us weed and preserve this native garden area amidst the 38-acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor! You'll not only learn about all kinds of native plants, particularly prairie plants, with Park Steward and Master Gardener Aunita Erskine, but also have a great time digging and planting and generally getting dirty in this excellent garden! Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Earth Day Festival
April 25, Sunday
Washtenaw Community College
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
This free, family-friendly event features displays from local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations; live animal exhibits; hands-on activities; live entertainment; and green building features. For more information, visit http://a2gov.org/green.
May
getDowntown Commuter Challenge
Throughout May
More Money, More Exercise, More Fun! Get MORE out of your commute! Never rode the bus before? Always wanted to try biking to work? Curious about carpooling? Check out the Commuter Challenge! The Commuter Challenge is your chance to try a sustainable commute during the month of May. You'll love participating in this fun and friendly competition between Ann Arbor area organizations. You and your organization could win prizes, awards and more! Register for the Commuter Challenge from April 1-April 30, 2009. For more information or to register for the Commuter Challenge, visit www.getdowntown.org. For information on trails through the parks- often great walk-to-work shortcuts- check out http://www.a2gov.org/nap.
11th Annual Garlic Mustard Weed-Out Day and Barbeque!
May 1, Saturday
Weed Out: see below for list.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Come on out for camaraderie, bring your family and lend a hand to help in a park near you! Garlic mustard is an aggressive invasive plant which can result quickly in a total loss of native groundcover and a decrease in species diversity. Learn how to identify this plant and make a tremendous impact in preservation efforts by removing it from our parklands.
Participating parks:
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Berkshire- Meet at the end of Exmoore Road off of Glenwood North of Washtenaw
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Bird Hills- Meet at the Bird Road entrance, west of Huron River Drive additional parking at the Barton Nature Area-Dam Entrance)
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Black Pond Woods- Meet at the Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot (1831 Traver Road)
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Bluffs- Meet in front of the Park Steward's house at 236 Sunset Rd
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Dolph- Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
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Eberwhite Woods- Meet in the Eberwhite Elementary parking lot
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Hannah- Meet at the west end of Bath Street, west of 7th (between Miller and Huron)
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Huron Hills- Meet on Hunting Valley off Provincial Drive
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Huron Parkway- Meet at the Park Steward’s house—3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive
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Marshall- Meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Road, north of Plymouth Road
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Miller - Meet at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue
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Sunset Brooks- Meet us at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street
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Wurster - Meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off of W Davis Ave.
Barbeque Potluck: Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Road.
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Join us after the workday for a fun celebration of our collective impact on the invasives around town at an afternoon potluck barbeque at 2:00 pm! We provide dogs, burgers (veggie too), beverages, and a few garlic mustard dishes. Please bring a dish to share. Family and friends are welcome. Please RSVP to nap@a2gov.org or call us at 734.794.6627 if you plan to attend!
Stewardship Workday
May 8, Saturday
Greenview Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Greenview, adjacent to Pioneer Woods, has many beautiful native trees, as well as a meadow, a pond, and even wetlands! Come on out and help NAP, neighbors, the Friends of Greenview, and the Ann Arbor Public Schools to preserve this public greenspace! Learn about native plants like bloodroot, hepatica, and jack in the pulpit as you help them get established at this garden workday. Meet at the Greenview Park sign, on Greenview Drive, across from Barnard Road.
Stewardship Workday
May 8, Saturday
Cedar Bend Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cedar Bend Nature Area, originally combined with Island Park, is one of Ann Arbor’s oldest parks. It is bounded by the tight turn in the Huron River for which it is named, residential areas, and University of Michigan’s North Campus. Help us support the many beautiful native species that call Cedar Bend home by removing the invasive garlic mustard that tries to crowd the natives out! Meet us at the park entrance near the perennial gardens on Cedar Bend Drive (off of Broadway, between Baits and Plymouth).
Steward’s Circle
May 11, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Our plant world is completely dependant on pollinators. What are the factors that create success for bees, butterflies, moths, small birds, and insects? What can we do as restorations to help all these critical critters?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Bird Watching Walk
May 14, Friday
Gallup Park Canoe Livery Dock
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (misprinted in the 2010 NAP wall calendar as 7:30 am to 8:30 am)
Free for all ages and family-friendly! Join City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong as she leads a walk to look for birds in the evening in Gallup Park and Furstenberg Nature Area. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the paddleboat dock in Gallup near the canoe livery.
Spring Adopt-a-Park Kick-Off
May 15, Saturday
Various locations
Would you like to help beautify your neighborhood park and learn more about it? Would you enjoy planting a tree or some native flowers to make it as beautiful as possible? We rely on volunteers to support stewardship efforts in city parks! Training, tools, and support is provided. For more information contact the Adopt-A-Park coordinators at 734.794.6627 or Adopt-A-Park@a2gov.org, or visit us at http://www.a2gov.org/adopt-a-park.
Downtown Cleanup Day
May 15, Saturday
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Help plant flowers throughout the downtown area! This is a fun opportunity for your whole family! Please meet coordinators at Liberty Plaza at the corner of Division and Liberty to volunteer. Free pizza and pop lunch. To pre-register, or for more information call 734.994.4176.
Stewardship Workday
May 16, Sunday
Redbud Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Beautiful native species, including white trout lilies, trillium, and wild ginger, flourish in this small preserve. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your plant identification skills and pull invasive plants, such as garlic mustard and Dame’s rocket, from the area to maintain this exemplary floodplain forest. Meet at the park entrance at the intersection of Parkwood Avenue and Jeanne Street.
Nature Hike
May 20, Thursday
Berkshire Creek Nature Area
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join us in a free nature walk through Berkshire Creek Nature Area! Meet at the end of Exmoore Road off of Glenwood, north of Washtenaw near the Platt intersection. A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
May 22, Saturday
Berkshire Creek Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Berkshire Creek is smaller nature area with a lot of potential, a mature oak-hickory forest, and Miller Creek! Many beautiful native species are struggling to flourish here because of the invasive plants garlic mustard and Dame's rocket. Come out with NAP to learn to identify native springtime plants and pull the invasives that are crowding them out! Meet at the end of Exmoore Road off of Glenwood, north of Washtenaw near the Platt intersection.
Stewardship Workday
May 22, Saturday
Evergreen Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Many beautiful native species, such as trout lilies, trillium, jewelweed, wild phlox, and wild ginger, are struggling to flourish in this park because of the invasive plants garlic mustard and Dame's rocket. Come out with NAP to learn to identify springtime plants and pull the invasives that crowd these natives out! Meet at the park entrance on Valley Drive, between Pinewood and Barber, off of Dexter Rd.
Stewardship Workday
May 22, Saturday
Onder Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Join us in working in one of the newest parkland additions to the city! This park offers important habitat for native plants and animals and helps connect the natural upland forests of Leslie Park and Black Pond Woods with the riparian complex of other parks along the Huron River. Volunteer with NAP to learn to identify native springtime plants and pull the invasives that crowd them out! Meet us at the intersection of Hilldale Dr. and Brookside Dr.
June
Bird-Watching Walk
June 5, Saturday
Wheeler Service Center
7:30 am to 9:30 am
Free and fun for all ages. Join City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong as she leads a walk to look for early summer birds at the old landfill site. One of the best bird watching sites in Ann Arbor! Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet in the small parking lot on the right off the main entrance to the Material Recovery Facility off of Platt Rd. just south of Ellsworth.
Stewardship Workday
June 5, Saturday
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Add to the tremendous progress that has been made to increase the native habitat in this large preserve! Learn about native plants and the benefits of native gardening as you help establish native species during this gardening workday. Meet us at the parking lot off Packard Road, across from Easy Street.
Stewardship Workday
June 6, Sunday
Scarlett-Mitchell Woods
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Come help preserve the mature oak-hickory woodland in this natural area! Scarlett-Mitchell Nature Area gets used regularly by both neighbors and students at Mitchell Elementary and Scarlett Middle School, so it’s important we keep it in great shape! We need help clearing trails and spreading woodchips to keep this park’s nature trail accessible to everyone! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport woodchips and brush. Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street.
Steward’s Circle
June 8, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Nature in the summer is filled with many beautiful things, including restoration activities. What work do we do in the summer? How do we beat the heat while working in the field?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Mayor’s Green Fair
June 11, Friday
Main Street, Downtown Ann Arbor
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Join Natural Area Preservation for the ninth annual Mayor's Green Fair on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor! Downtown Main Street will be open to pedestrians for free entertainment and over 100 exhibits with environmental information, hands-on youth activities, clean energy info, green construction transportation options, BikeFest 2009, WasteKnot Business Partners, walking tours, and more! A free, family-friendly, “drop-in” event! For more information, call 734.794.6161 or go to http://www.a2gov.org/green.
Bird-Watching Walk
June 12, Saturday
Gallup Park Canoe Livery Dock
7:30 am to 9:30 am
Free and fun for all ages! Join City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong as she leads a walk to look for summer birds at this beautiful site along the Huron River. You may even catch a glimpse of Osprey and Great Egrets! Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the paddleboat dock in Gallup, near the canoe livery.
Stewardship Workday
June 12, Saturday
Furstenberg Native Garden
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come on out to help us weed and preserve this native garden area amidst the 38-acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor! You'll not only learn about all kinds of native plants, particularly prairie plants, with Park Steward and Master Gardener Aunita Erskine, but also have a great time digging and planting and generally getting dirty in this excellent garden! Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Nature Hike
June 17, Thursday
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join us in a free nature walk through Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area! Meet us at the parking lot off Packard Road, across from Easy Street. A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
June 19, Saturday
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Add to the tremendous progress that has been made to increase the native habitat in this large preserve! Get outside and lend a hand helping to clear trails and spread woodchips to keep this park’s nature trail accessible to everyone! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport chips and brush. Meet us at the parking lot off Packard Road, across from Easy Street.
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 if you would like older children to participate on their own. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
July
Stewardship Workday
July 10, Saturday
Cedar Bend Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Cedar Bend Nature Area is one of Ann Arbor’s oldest parks! It’s bounded by the tight turn in the Huron River for which it is named, residential areas, and University of Michigan’s North Campus. Get outside and lend a hand helping to clear trails and build water bars to keep this park’s nature trail in good shape! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport woodchips and brush. Meet us at the park entrance near the perennial gardens on Cedar Bend Drive (off of Broadway, near Baits).
Huron River Day
July 11, Sunday
Gallup Park & Parker Mill Park
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
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. For more information, call 734.662.9319 or go to http://www.a2gov.org/green.
Steward’s Circle
July 13, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Land and water are inextricably linked, but many restorationists live and work on the land. What invasives do we control in the watery environment? How do we work in an environment that crosses jurisdictional boarders?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Nature Hike
July 15, Thursday
Wurster Park
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join us in a free nature walk through Wurster Nature Area. Meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off of W Davis Ave. A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
July 17, Saturday
Wurster Park
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Bring friends and family out for this workday to lend a hand and wrap your arms around the champion oak tree growing in the park! With a picnic table and grill, open field, and play equipment, this multi-use park is the perfect place to have a picnic after the workday if you are so inclined. Meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off of W Davis Ave.
Stewardship Workday
July 17, Saturday
Cranbrook Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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. Lend a hand helping to clear trails and spread woodchips to keep this park’s nature trail accessible to everyone! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport woodchips and brush. Meet in the Church of Christ parking lot at 2500 South Main.
Stewardship Workday
July 31, Saturday
Furstenberg Native Garden
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come on out to help us weed and preserve this native garden area amidst the 38-acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor! You'll not only learn about all kinds of native plants, particularly prairie plants, with Park Steward Aunita Erskine, but also have a great time digging and planting and generally getting dirty in this excellent garden! Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
August
Stewardship Workday
August 7, Saturday
Dolph Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Did you know that Dolph Nature Area is home to the only natural lakes in Ann Arbor? The trails running through the park are situated to offer fantastic views for bird-watching, stunning colors, and wildlife amidst birdsong. Get outside and lend a hand helping to clear trails and spread woodchips to keep the trails accessible! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport woodchips and brush. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
Steward’s Circle
August 10, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “What’s your favorite bagel? We’re intentionally having no topic. Bring your pressing questions and needs!” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Nature Hike
August 19, Thursday
Furstenberg Nature Area
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join Natural Area Preservation (City of Ann Arbor) in a free nature walk through Furstenberg Nature Area. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School. A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
August 21, Saturday
Furstenberg Nature Area
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Furstenberg is a lovely 38-acre riverside park, home to wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and oak savannah. Help us remove invasive plants from the nature area to help the native ecosystem thrive! Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Stewardship Workday
August 21, Saturday
Scarlett-Mitchell Woods
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Come help preserve the mature oak-hickory woodland in this natural area! Scarlett-Mitchell Nature Area gets used regularly by both neighbors and students at Mitchell Elementary and Scarlett Middle School, so it’s important we keep it in great shape! Help native woodland plants grow by removing invasive shrubs! Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street.
Stewardship Workday
August 21, Saturday
Narrow Gauge Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Take a few hours out of your busy schedule to enjoy the great outdoors! Come out to Narrow Gauge Nature Area to remove invasive plants to help native plants thrive! Meet at Narrow Gauge Way and South Green Rd off of Glazier Way.
Stewardship Workday
August 28, Saturday
Oakridge Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Take a few hours out of your weekend to enjoy the great outdoors! Come to Oakridge Nature Area to remove invasive plants and help native plants thrive! Meet us in the southeast corner of the University of Michigan parking lot (at the northwest corner of the intersection of Glazier Way and Huron Parkway).
Stewardship Workday
August 28, Saturday
Buhr Nature Area Children’s Wet Meadow
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
The Buhr Park Children's Wet Meadows provide habitat for native plants and animals, an attractive educational site for children, neighbors and other visitors, and an environmental filter for storm-water runoff from the park grounds. We need help from you to ensure that the invasive species do not overtake these meadows!Come out for a fun evening of socializing, seed collection, and weeding in the Children’s Wet Meadow. Stick around for the tour of the park to learn about native plants and different ecosystems. Meet in the playground parking lot next to the tennis court at Cobblestone Farms.
Stewardship Workday
August 28, Saturday
Leslie Woods Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Leslie Woods is home to some of the largest oaks and hickories in the Ann Arbor park system! Your help is needed to remove invasive shrubs that crowd out the native species. This is a beautiful shady place to spend the afternoon. Meet us at the park entrance at the north end of Upland Drive, off of Plymouth Road.
September
National Day of Service and Remembrance Stewardship Workday
September 11, Saturday
Miller Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join us in improving Miller’s 22 acres of woods, flowers, and bird habitat by removing invasive shrubs! Miller is easily accessible by bus and less than a mile from downtown. Meet us at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue.
National Day of Service and Remembrance Stewardship Workday
September 11, Saturday
Foxfire South Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Take a few hours out of your weekend to enjoy the great outdoors and explore a little-known nature area! Come to Foxfire South to remove invasive plants and help native plants thrive. Meet us at the corner of Dhu Barren Rd and Omlesaad Dr.
Stewardship Workday
September 12, Saturday
Furstenberg Native Garden
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Come on out to help us weed and preserve this native garden area amidst the 38-acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor! You'll not only learn about all kinds of native plants, particularly prairie plants, with Park Steward and Master Gardener Aunita Erskine, but also have a great time digging and planting and generally getting dirty in this excellent garden! Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Steward’s Circle
September 14, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Plants are one of the powerhouses of ecosystems. How do we introduce new plants? How are they propagated?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Nature Hike
September 13, Monday
Greenview Nature Area
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Join NAP in a free nature walk through Greenview Nature Area. Meet at the Greenview Park sign, on Greenview Drive, across from Barnard Road. A staff naturalist will point out wildflowers, trees, and shrubs and talk about ecological restoration, as well as volunteer activities in Ann Arbor Parks, recreation opportunities, and responsible use of public lands. Plenty of time will be available for questions. Open to all ages.
Stewardship Workday
September 19, Sunday
Hannah Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
This small, forested nature area, located right near downtown, needs many hands to help remove invasive shrubs! Buckthorn and honeysuckle crowd out native plants and wildflowers- help them fight off the onslaught! Meet at the west end of Bath Street, west of 7th (between Miller and Huron).
National Public Lands Day Stewardship Workday
September 26, Sunday
Marshall Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy one of the last summer weekends in the great outdoors! Come to Marshall Nature Area to remove invasive shrubs and help native plants thrive! Meet in the parking lot on Dixboro Road, just north of Plymouth Road.
October
Stewardship Workday
October 2, Saturday
Dicken Woods Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join NAP, the Friends of Dicken Woods, and neighbors in removing invasive shrubs from this special woodland! Dicken Woods borders Dicken Elementary School, has extensive trails, and a diverse ecology. Visit http://dickenwoods.org/ for more information about this nature area.
Meet us at the Dicken Elementary School parking lot, off of Runnymede Blvd.
Stewardship Workday
October 2, Saturday
Greenview Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
You’ve taken the nature hike- now take action! Come on out and help NAP, neighbors, the Friends of Greenview, and the Ann Arbor Public Schools work together to remove invasive shrubs and improve trails in this public greenspace. Visit http://www.friendsofgreenview.org for more information about Greenview! Meet at the Greenview Park sign, on Greenview Drive, across from Barnard Road
Stewardship Workday
October 2, Saturday
Wurster Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Bring friends and family out to lend a hand and wrap your arms around Wurster’s own champion oak tree! With a picnic table and grill, open field, and play equipment, this multi-use park is the perfect place to stick around for an after-workday picnic! We’ll be removing invasive shrubs and planting some native ones to take their place, so be prepared to get dirty. Meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off of W Davis Ave.
Stewardship Workday
October 10, Sunday
Molin Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
If you’d like to learn more about stormwater runoff and how it can affect nature areas through hands-on experience, now’s your chance! We’ll be working with neighborhood volunteers to mitigate the effects of stormwater on Molin’s primary trail. Meet us at the end of Powell Rd on Columbia.
Steward’s Circle
October 12, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Protection and restoration can only happen with the community’s support. How do we instrument social and political will in stewardship? How do we get our legislators interested and involved in our work?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Public Meeting – Controlled Ecological Burn Program
October 13, Wednesday
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center - 1831 Traver Road
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
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 Controlled 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 Workday
October 17, Sunday
Bird Hills Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Bird Hills has miles of trails, taking visitors through Beech-Maple and Oak-Hickory groves, by vernal ponds and streams, and even through an old farmstead! Help keep Bird Hills navigable by removing invasive shrubs with us at this workday. Join us at the Beechwood entrance off of Sunset Rd.
Stewardship Workday
October 23, Saturday
Miller Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join us in clearing Miller’s trails and spreading woodchips to keep the nature trail passable! Bring your sleds with you to help us transport woodchips and brush. Miller is easily accessible by bus and less than a mile from downtown! Meet us at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue.
Stewardship Workday
October 23, Saturday
Swift Run & Mary Beth Doyle Nature Areas
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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 seeds in Swift Run then dispersing them at Mary Beth Doyle in areas where they’re most needed. We’ll meet you at Swift Run at Eddy Street, off of Verle Avenue, just north of Ellsworth and Platt.
Stewardship Workday
October 24, Sunday
Barton Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Bring your family to learn about native plants and lend a hand 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!
Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
October 26, Tuesday
Cobblestone Farm - 2781 Packard Rd
Starts at 6:30 pm
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 live 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.
Stewardship Workday
October 30, Saturday
Huron Parkway Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Volunteers have made great headway in this lovely nature area over the years, both controlling invasives and encouraging natives. Help us continue that progress! We’ll remove invasive shrubs near the parkway to extend the prairie. 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!)
Stewardship Workday
October 30, Saturday
Bluffs Nature Area
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Come see the results of persistence at work! We’ve been helping the native plants beat back buckthorn and honeysuckle, and each year there are fewer invasive shrubs! Help us clean them out! Meet in the James L. Crawford Lodge parking lot (220 Sunset Rd).
November
Steward’s Circle
November 9, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Many of us work with volunteers, many of us are volunteers. How does volunteerism impact the stewardship movement? How do we improve and what are our lessons learned?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Stewardship Workday
November 13, Saturday
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Tremendous progress that has been made to increase the native habitat in this large preserve- help keep the ball rolling! We’ll be removing invasive shrubs, such as buckthorn and honeysuckle, to give native plants a chance to thrive! Meet at the end of Verle Road, two blocks west of Platt Road.
December
Steward’s Circle
December 14, Tuesday
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 am to 8:30 am
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. This month’s topic: “Before we do any restoration work we need to know what we’re trying to accomplish. How do we develop a restoration plan? What resources are available to us?” For more information go to http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
For more information about what each of these events may require, please read more about volunteering with NAP here.