NAP Newsletter Winter 2012

The NAP Park Steward program began in 2001 with a small group of dedicated volunteers all focused on one main goal- protect and restore the natural areas of Ann Arbor. Over the years the program has certainly grown and evolved, but the central focus has always remained on the care of the City parks and natural areas. The majority of individuals who choose to become a Park Steward are not seeking a one-time volunteer experience, but are rather looking for a long-term opportunity to make a difference to local ecology and their community.

Although stewards may choose to take on their own projects, this does not mean that they are completely alone in their volunteer venture. NAP offers ongoing support and educational resources such as Workday Leader Trainings, monthly Steward Circle meetings, and herbicide certification to those interested.

Currently NAP has 63 Park Steward volunteers who care for 37 independent natural areas and parks.

Are you interested in joining this dedicated bunch of volunteers? To learn more about NAP’s Park Steward program and how you can get involved please contact us at NAP@a2gov.org or 734-794-6627.

Coordinator’s Corner

The NAP Park Steward program began in 2001 with a small group of dedicated volunteers all focused on one main goal- protect and restore the natural areas of Ann Arbor. Over the years the program has certainly grown and evolved, but the central focus has always remained on the care of the City parks and natural areas. The majority of individuals who choose to become a Park Steward are not seeking a one-time volunteer experience, but are rather looking for a long-term opportunity to make a difference to local ecology and their community.

One of the distinguishing aspects of the program is that Park Stewards are empowered to work independently on projects that are jointly established and agreed upon by the steward and NAP staff. Many of the stewardship activities that Park Stewards decide to focus on are a blend of their personal interests coupled with the ecological needs of the park. Typically you can observe one of our Park Stewards removing buckthorn in the fall, leading a garlic mustard workday in the spring, and being the “eyes and ears” of a park all year long!

Many of our parks have one steward; however an increasing number of parks are experimenting with the “Stewardship Team” concept. For instance, Dicken Woods Nature Area has a team of 4 Park Steward volunteers augmented by a group of dedicated park neighbors! The formation of such groups has happened quite organically, often rising up around a central cause for concern such as the threat of park development.  Long after the threat has subsided it is often the most successful groups who continue to bring their talents, expertise, and passion together for the good of the park.

What it Means to be a Steward of City Parks

Information Inventory Technology

The NAP Park Steward program began in 2001 with a small group of dedicated volunteers all focused on one main goal- protect and restore the natural areas of Ann Arbor. Over the years the program has certainly grown and evolved, but the central focus has always remained on the care of the City parks and natural areas. The majority of individuals who choose to become a Park Steward are not seeking a one-time volunteer experience, but are rather looking for a long-term opportunity to make a difference to local ecology and their community.

One of the distinguishing aspects of the program is that Park Stewards are empowered to work independently on projects that are jointly established and agreed upon by the steward and NAP staff. Many of the stewardship activities that Park Stewards decide to focus on are a blend of their personal interests coupled with the ecological needs of the park. Typically you can observe one of our Park Stewards removing buckthorn in the fall, leading a garlic mustard workday in the spring, and being the “eyes and ears” of a park all year long!

Many of our parks have one steward; however an increasing number of parks are experimenting with the “Stewardship Team” concept. For instance, Dicken Woods Nature Area has a team of 4 Park Steward volunteers augmented by a group of dedicated park neighbors! The formation of such groups has happened quite organically, often rising up around a central cause for concern such as the threat of park development.  Long after the threat has subsided it is often the most successful groups who continue to bring their talents, expertise, and passion together for the good of the park.

Although stewards may choose to take on their own projects, this does not mean that they are completely alone in their volunteer venture. NAP offers ongoing support and educational resources such as Workday Leader Trainings, monthly Steward Circle meetings, and herbicide certification to those interested.

Currently NAP has 63 Park Steward volunteers who care for 37 independent natural areas and parks.

Volunteer of the Year