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 parks. These tasks are performed by both staff and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities coming up in April are listed below. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP. Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to workday events. Workday events are suitable for all ages but minors must be accompanied by a guardian or contact NAP in advance to obtain a release form. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided. Free.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, April 5, 9-noon
Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area
Tremendous progress has been made to increase the native habitat in these woods. Help continue this effort by removing garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, and other spring invasive plants that threaten the growth of native foliage. We’ll also be spreading woodchips to keep the trail accessible. Bring your own plastic sleds to help with the hauling of woodchips Meet in the Scarlett Middle School parking lot off Lorraine Street.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, April 5, 9-noon
Dolph Nature Area
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 and wildlife sightings. Help us keep the trails open and inviting by cutting back invasive shrubs and hand pulling garlic mustard. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, April 6, 9-noon
Black Pond Woods
Black Pond Woods is named for a small, vernal pond whose basin was carved by receding glaciers. Each spring, it is teeming with life, home to many insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Join us in protecting the pond and the high-quality woods that surround it, by cutting back invasive shrubs and removing garlic mustard. Meet at the Leslie Science & Nature Center parking lot, 1831 Traver Road.
Stewards’ Circle: Political Action
Tuesday, April 8, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Bruegger’s Bagels, 709 N. University Ave.
“Change doesn’t come from Washington. Change comes to Washington.” – Barack Obama. Join the Stewardship Network’s Huron Arbor cluster for a monthly informal discussion. This month’s topic: how to navigate the political system to advocate for the environment at all levels of government. Guest speakers: Yousef Rabhi and Jeff Irwin. Free. All welcome. Details: www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Breeding Bird Survey Kick-Off
Thursday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
Nature House, Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road
This is the night to sign up for your favorite park and pick up materials for NAP’s annual survey. Some experience in bird identification is necessary. City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong will also report on the 2013 data and survey highlights. For more information about joining our Breeding Bird Survey or to register, call NAP at 734.794.6627, or send us an email at NAP@a2gov.org. Please register by April 9.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, April 12, 9-noon
Stapp Nature Area
Help remove invasive garlic mustard and improve the trails in Stapp Nature Area, a lovely 8-acre natural area containing a mature oak-hickory forest. We will be trimming back the overgrowth, and spreading woodchips to help keep the trails accessible. Please bring your own plastic sleds to help with the hauling. Meet in the parking lot of the Traverwood library, in the section nearest the park.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, April 12, 1-4 p.m.
Onder Nature Area
Get out and lend a hand to help maintain this neighborhood park! We will be removing garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, and other spring invasive plants that threaten the growth of native foliage. Meet at the park entrance on Brookside Drive, off of Pontiac Trail.
Turtle Steward Training
Sunday, April 13, 2-5:30 p.m.
Leslie House, Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road
Learn all about Michigan’s many turtles! We’ll cover turtle species identification, turtle-nest monitoring, and ways to report your turtle observations. Participants should be dressed for classroom and possible field training. For more information about joining or to register call our office at 734.794.6627, or send us an email at NAP@a2gov.org. Please register by April 11.
Stewardship Workday – Earth Day
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. to noon
Wurster Park
Bring friends and family out to lend a hand combating garlic mustard and helping to spread woodchips. Bring along your plastic sleds to help with the woodchip hauling. We’ll also be working to maintain Wurster Park’s edible garden, the only miniature fruit orchard in a city park! While you are here, make sure to catch a glimpse of Wurster’s own champion oak tree. Meet at the cul-de-sac of Edgewood Place off West Davis Avenue.
Stewardship Workday-Arbor Day
Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.-noon
Dolph Nature Area
Great progress has been made to reduce the encroachment of invasive plants at this 57-acre nature area. Celebrate Arbor Day and help continue this effort by removing garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, and other spring invasive plants. Meet at the parking lot on the east side of Wagner Road, between Liberty and Jackson.
Stewardship Workday-Arbor Day
Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m.-noon
Mary Beth Doyle Nature Area
Come celebrate Arbor Day by lending a hand planting native shrubs. Native plants provide food and shelter for many local animals, including butterflies! Meet at the end of Verle Avenue, west off of Platt Road between Packard and Ellsworth.
Stewardship Workday-Arbor Day
Sunday, April 27, 1-4 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
Barton Nature Area’s diverse ecology fosters an amazing community of plants and animals. Many rare ground-nesting birds make their homes in Barton’s old field habitat, including the American woodcock and the blue-winged Warbler. Come catch a glimpse of these special birds, as we celebrate Arbor Day by helping reduce the spread of garlic mustard and other invasive plants so the native plant species have a chance to thrive. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot at the corner of Huron River Drive and Bird Road.
Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 27, Noon to 4 p.m.
Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road
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. This event is focused on community education and youth activities. All ages welcome. For more information, visit www.a2gov.org/green.