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.
Stewards’ Circle: Establishing A Rain Garden – Clean up the River, One Garden at a Time
Tuesday, July 8, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Bruegger’s Bagels – 709 N. University Ave.
Rain gardens are shallow gardens that collect rain water before it enters the municipal stormwater pipe system. Rain gardens alleviate flooding, recharge the ground water supply, filter water before it enters local rivers, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance the beauty of yards and communities. Join the Stewardship Network’s Huron Arbor cluster for a about how you can incorporate rain gardens into your own landscapes. Free and open to anyone interested. For more information go to www.stewardshipnetwork.org
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. to noon
Barton Nature Area
Help keep Barton beautiful by hand-pulling spotted knapweed, bittercress and other invasive plant species that threaten the native habitats of this natural area. Meet at the Barton Dam parking lot at the corner of Huron River Drive and Bird Road.
Stewardship Workday
Saturday, July 12, 1 to 4 p.m.
Kuebler Langford Nature Area
Kuebler Langford Nature Area offers many of the same features as its neighbor Bird Hills: lush woodlands, dramatic ravines, and a diverse array of rare plants and wildflowers. Join in the effort to preserve Kuebler Langford, by removing invasive plants such as bittercress and spotted knapweed. Meet at the park entrance on Beechwood Drive, north of Sunset Road.
Huron River Day
Sunday, July 13. noon to 4 p.m.
Gallup Park
Come celebrate the beautiful Huron River and participate in FREE family activities during Huron River Day at Gallup Park. This event will be full of fun activities for children, river exhibits, live music, animals, a guided canoe trip, fishing, and much more! Food will be available for purchase. All ages welcome! Ride your bike to the event, use the free valet bike parking, and receive a coupon for a free boat rental during the festival! For more information, call 734.662.9319.
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.