NAP INVITES THOSE interested to join in one of these free events. There is no need to pre-register unless otherwise noted. If you have a large group (more than five people) that is interested in attending a volunteer stewardship event, please contact NAP’s Workday Coordinator at least two weeks in advance of the event.
Participants should remember to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. NPA provides tools, light snacks, water, and know-how at Stewardship Workdays. Minors must either be accompanied by a guardian, or bring a signed release form to attend workdays. For park directions, meet-up locations, and bus information check out NAP’s guide online.
Wednesday, October 8
Public Meeting – Controlled Ecological Burn Program
Downtown Branch of Ann Arbor District Library, aadlfreespace
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fire is used as a restoration tool in many of Ann Arbor’s natural areas. This meeting provides information and an opportunity for discussion about the Controlled Ecological Burn Program. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the ecological benefits of burning, and hear about the specifics of effectively and safely using fire as a restoration tool. Burns are conducted in city parks throughout the spring and fall.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate in public meetings. Accommodations, including sign language interpreters, may be arranged by contacting the city clerk’s office at 734.794.6140; via email to: cityclerk@a2gov.org; or by written request addressed and mailed or delivered to: City Clerk’s Office, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Requests need to be received at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Sunday, October 12
Stapp Nature Area Stewardship Workday
9 a.m. to noon
Within Stapp Nature Area’s eight acres is a mature oak-hickory forest which has not been cleared since before 1937! Bring friends and family out to lend a hand cutting invasive shrubs and collecting native seeds at Stapp Nature Area. Meet at the park sign at the corner of Huron Parkway and Tuebingen Parkway.
Tuesday, October 14
Stewards’ Circle: Engaging Youth in Restoration
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N University Ave
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Children are naturally eager to learn and have boundless energy. Join us for a discussion about the best practices for harnesses this energy for restoration work while fostering an environmental ethic in today’s youth. This gathering is part of a monthly, informal discussion hosted by the Stewardship Network’s Huron Arbor cluster. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Saturday, October 18
Mary Beth Doyle Park Stewardship Workday
9 a.m. to noon
Tremendous progress has been made to increase the native habitat at Mary Beth Doyle Natural Area. Help continue this effort by collecting native seeds, which will be spread at the park to encourage the growth of native foliage. Bring your family to learn about native plants and lend a hand collecting native plant seeds in this beautiful nature area. If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It’s fun and educational for the whole family. Meet at the end of Verle Avenue, west off of Platt Road between Packard and Ellsworth.
Saturday, October 18
Bluffs Nature Area Stewardship Workday
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tucked away within Bluffs’ 39 acres is an open field filled with native prairie species. Come out and help us preserve this and other hidden gems at Bluffs, by removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet at the entrance off of Sunset Road.
Wednesday, October 22
Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard Road
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
All volunteers are invited to our annual appreciation event! Let’s celebrate our collective accomplishments while sharing food and community. Games, door prizes, and fun activities for all. Please bring a dish to pass and friends or family. Costumes are encouraged. RSVPs appreciated. Call us at 734.794.6627 or email us at nap@a2gov.org by Oct. 20.
Saturday, October 25
Dicken Woods Nature Area Stewardship Workday – Make a Difference Day
9 a.m. to noon
Make a Difference Day is hailed as “The Nation’s Largest Day of Service.” Come celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this event by volunteering. Join NAP, the Friends of Dicken Woods, and neighbors to improve trails in this special woodland. We will be working on trail maintenance, removing invasive shrubs and planting perennials. Visit http://dickenwoods.org/ for more information about this nature area. Meet at the end of Dicken Drive, off South Maple Road.
Saturday, October 25
Oakwoods Nature Area Stewardship Workday – Make a Difference Day
9 a.m. to noon
Join us in celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Make a Difference Day, by volunteering at Oakwoods Nature Area. This oak-hickory woodland includes a small pond and wetland – great spots for bird watching or listening for frog calls. We’ll be cutting and removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle to improve the habitat. Meet at the park entrance off of Dunwoodie.
Saturday, October 25
Molin Nature Area Stewardship Workday – Make a Difference Day
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Make a Difference Day is hailed as “The Nation’s Largest Day of Service.” Come celebrate the 23rd anniversary of this event by volunteering to help remove invasive shrubs. Don’t forget to hike all the way in to view the park’s spectacular bur oak! Meet at the entrance near the corner of Powell Avenue and Columbia Avenue.
Sunday, October 26
Kuebler Langford Nature Area Stewardship Workday – Make a Difference Day
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring your family to celebrate Make a Difference Day by learning about native plants and lending a hand collecting native plant seeds in this beautiful nature area. If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It’s fun and educational for the whole family. Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive, north of Sunset Road.
November
Saturday, November 8
Argo Nature Area Stewardship Workday
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fall is a great time to visit Argo Nature Area; the main trail which meanders along a ridge offers fantastic views of the Huron River. Help us maintain the unique landscape Argo has to offer by removing invasive shrubs such as buckthorn and honeysuckle. Meet in the Argo Canoe Livery parking lot near the entrance to the woods, 1055 Longshore Drive.
Sunday, November 9
Bird Hills Nature Area Stewardship Workday
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The rich diversity of native plant species found in Bird Hills ranks the park second highest overall in the City’s Floristic Quality Assessment of its natural areas. Bring your family out to help preserve some of that floristic quality by collecting native plant seeds in this beautiful nature area. If you have not yet helped with seed collection, here is your chance! Learn to identify native plants in the seed-bearing stage of their growth cycle. It’s fun and educational for the whole family. Join us at the Bird Road entrance to this park, west of Huron River Drive (add’l parking in Barton Nature Area-Dam Entrance).