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.
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities coming up in June. For more information about NAP, visit www.a2gov.org/NAP.
AADL Nature Hike
Thursday, June 5
Argo Nature Area
7 to 8:30 p.m.
On World Environment Day, take a hike in this 22-acre linear park on the east side of the Huron River. An unpaved trail runs the length of the park along the river. The trail travels through two types of woods — in the southern half, you’ll find more basswood and willow, in the northern half you’ll see black oak and shagbark hickory plus more spring wildflowers. The entire trail offers beautiful views of the river. A staff naturalist from NAP will discuss native plants and trees, ecological restoration, and more. Meet in the parking lot north of the Argo Canoe Livery, off Longshore Drive. This event is for all ages.
Bird Walk
Saturday, June 7
Gallup Park
7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Free for all ages and family friendly! Join City Ornithologist Dea Armstrong as she leads a walk to look for birds in the morning in Gallup Park and Furstenberg Nature Area. Bring binoculars if you have them, but they are not necessary. Meet at the paddleboat dock in Gallup near the canoe livery.
Stewardship Workday – National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7
Mary Beth Doyle Park
9 a.m. to noon
The forested portion of Mary Beth Doyle Park is home to a dazzling display of spring wildflowers, including trilliums and wild geraniums. We’ll be working to improve these trails through the woods in celebration of National Trails Day. Meet at the end of Verle Avenue, two blocks west of Platt Road.
Stewardship Workday – National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7
Argo Nature Area
9 a.m. to noon
If you want to spend time close to the Huron River, Argo Nature Area is a great place to visit. Winding through many diverse habitats, Argo’s trails perch atop ridges, providing hikers with scenic river vistas. Take part in the annual celebration of unique trails such as these at our National Trails Day event. Meet in the parking lot north of the Argo Canoe Livery, off Longshore Drive.
Stewardship Workday – National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7
Oakwoods Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
This is the first NAP Stewardship Workday at Oakwoods Nature Area in some time! We’d love for you to join us in getting reacquainted with this lovely park while working to improve its trails in celebration of National Trails Day. Meet at the park entrance off of Dunwoodie.
Stewardship Workday – National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7
Marshall Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Join in the effort to improve 79-acre Marshall Nature Area, in celebration of National Trails Day. We will be working to maintain the trails to keep them open for enjoyment of this beautiful nature area. We will meet at the main parking area off Barton Drive. Meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Road, north of Plymouth Road.
Stewards’ Circle: Pollinators and Ecological Restoration
Tuesday, June 10
Bruegger’s Bagels, 709 N. University Ave.
7:30 to 8:30 am
Pollinators are an important and sometimes under-appreciated part of ecological restoration. We’ll bring some information about resources available to land managers and others who want to include pollinators in their conservation efforts. There are fairly simple steps that can be taken to provide valuable nesting sites for pollinators and vital forage plants for other beneficial insects. Native pollinators are not only important for natural ecosystems, but are vital pollinators for many Michigan crops! Join the Stewardship Network’s Huron Arbor cluster for an informal discussion about Pollinators and Ecological Restoration. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information, go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, June 14
Furstenberg Native Garden
Noon to 3 p.m.
Help us weed and preserve this native garden amidst the 38 acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor. Plus, you’re certain to learn a lot about native plants, particularly prairie plants, from Park Steward and Master Gardener Aunita Erskine. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, June 22
Sunset Brooks Nature Area
1 to 4 p.m.
Great progress has been made to reduce the encroachment of invasive plants at this nature area. Help continue this effort by removing invasive shrubs, such as buckthorn and honeysuckle, to give native plants a chance to thrive. Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street.