THE CITY OF Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor’s natural areas. 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. NAP asks volunteers to 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 unless NAP officials are contacted in advance and a release form obtained. Tools, snacks, and know-how provided.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Mary Beth Doyle Park
Walk along Mallets Creek, check out the wildlife at the pond, join a game of disc golf, or ride your bike on a paved path – no matter what you’re doing at this park, you’re sure to see the benefits of ongoing restoration work by dedicated volunteers. We’ll be continuing the restoration work by removing invasive plants. Meet at the end of Verle Avenue, two blocks west of Platt Road.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, July 27, 9 a.m. to noon
Furstenberg Nature Area
Join in the effort to remove invasive plants at Furstenberg Nature area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor. Meet in the parking lot near the Native Plant Garden. Furstenberg is just off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
AADL Nature Hike
Thursday, Aug. 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Furstenberg Nature Area
Furstenberg Nature Area is a 38-acre park on Fuller Road, west of Gallup Park. Enjoy wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and oak savannah on this nature walk with a staff naturalist from Natural Area Preservation (City of Ann Arbor). Learn about native plants and trees, invasive plants, ecological restoration, and lots more. Meet near the restrooms near the parking lot off Fuller Road (across from Huron High School). This event is for all ages.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to noon
Furstenberg Native Garden
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. Meet in the parking lot off Fuller Road, across from Huron High School.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, Aug. 9, noon to 3 p.m.
Barton Nature Area
Tremendous progress has been made to increase the native habitat in this large preserve — help continue this effort! We’ll be hand-pulling spotted knapweed, and other invasive plant species to give native plants a chance to thrive. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot at the corner of Huron River Drive and Bird Road.
Stewards’ Circle: Prairie Restoration
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Bruegger’s Bagels, 709 N. University Ave.
Less than 1 percent of Michigan’s native prairie still remains intact. Join the Stewardship Network’s Huron Arbor cluster for a discussion about remnant prairies and oak savannas in our area and the many facets of restoring these precious lands. We will cover steps in restoring a prairie or oak savanna, tips for developing a list of plants to include, planting strategies and early management, aesthetics of prairie/oak savanna restoration, and fire management. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
Stewardship Workday
Sunday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to noon
Miller Nature Area
The trails in Miller Nature Area wind through prairie remnants as well as forested areas. Hiking the trails at Miller is one of the best ways to “get lost” in Ann Arbor! Help improve the trails by clearing the way, trimming back overgrowth, and spreading woodchips. Please bring your own plastic sleds to help with the hauling. Meet at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to noon
Stapp Nature Area
Much is contained within Stapp Nature Area’s eight acres, including a mature oak-hickory forest and a vernal pond, home to many amphibians and reptiles. Come out and help native plant species thrive by removing invasive plants. We’ll also be dispersing native seeds, to increase the natural area’s biodiversity. Meet at the park sign at the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway.
