4251 Stone School Road (734) 994-2768
Karla Henderson
, Manager
Forestry
Forestry is responsible for public tree care in Ann Arbor's" Urban Forest" represented by more than 50,000 street trees and tens of thousands of trees located in City parks. Forestry, along with assistance from the Dean Fund, provides a full spectrum of specialized services.
Ann Arbor's Tree Replanting Strategy: www.a2gov.org/trees
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a destructive Asian beetle, the larval stage of which has already caused the death of over 15 million ash trees in southeastern Michigan, northern Ohio, northern Indiana, and Windsor, Ontario since the late 1990's. The infestation is well spread throughout Ann Arbor, where thousands of public and privately owned trees have already been lost, with many thousands more dying. All species of Fraxinus (true ash) are vulnerable to emerald ash borer attack, and thus far, no trees have survived once infested by this insect. Currently, there is no effective long-term control, although researchers to work to identify treatments that will help us manage this insect. We will periodically publish any useful updates. Like all exotic pests, the identification and successful introduction of the beetles' natural enemies into our ash forests is the answer to managing EAB at nondamaging levels. The Michigan Department of Agriculture's website is a good source of current information at www.michigan.gov/mda. For related EAB information and tree replanting initiatives, please check www.a2gov.org/trees.
The Elizabeth Dean Tree Fund
In 1964, Elizabeth Dean willed nearly two-million dollars to "be held in a separate fund by the City of Ann Arbor and the income thereof to be used to repair, maintain and replace trees on City property." Only the annual interest income generated by the Dean Trust is utilized, to provide perpetual tree service benefits to the Ann Arbor community. The Dean Fund Committee welcomes citizen requests for special tree planting projects. Call 994-2780 to request an application form and copy of project guidelines.
Park Operations
Park Operations cares for and maintains over 140 parks, with 52 constructed playgrounds, encompassing 2,000 acres. Park Operations also maintains and is responsible for: Play Equipment Repair, Trails & Pathways, Security & Park Rangers, Snow & Litter Removal, Turf Mowing, Rest Rooms & Shelter Care and Athletic Field Maintenance. Our goal is to have the safest possible parks through Park Ranger enforcement of rules, regulations and ordinances. To report park vandalism or safety issues, call (734) 994-2768. Response time to playground safety concerns is within 24 hours.
Park Pavilions and Shelters
Parks & Recreation offers individuals and groups a variety of pavilions and shelters at the following parks: Allmendinger, Bandemer, Burns, Fritz, Gallup, Hunt, Island, Northside, Southeast Area, Wheeler, Veterans and West Park. Most facilities have picnic tables, grills, electrical outlets and restrooms and may be reserved from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm. A permit and fee is required not only to reserve the use of a park shelter, but also for group activities with 50 or more persons, regardless of the location in the park. This permit must be obtained by calling the Parks & Recreation office between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call (734) 994-2780 for information and availability of a specific shelter or visit our website at www.a2gov.org.
Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery is located at the corner of Wright and Kellogg Streets. Administration, sale of lots and burial information is handled at the Park Service Headquarters, 415 W. Washington Street between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. Call (734) 994-2768 for more information.