ANN ARBOR, MI-- City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP) works to protect and restore Ann Arbor’s natural areas and to foster an environmental ethic within the community. This involves conducting plant and animal inventories, ecological monitoring, and stewardship projects in Ann Arbor’s parks. These tasks are performed by both staff and volunteers. NAP is sharing events planned for April and May 2023.

To attend a workday, participants are encouraged to preregister using VolunteerHub at https://cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/lp/nap; registration links to each event in VolunteerHub are also provided with each description.

All volunteers are asked to wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes to NAP workdays. Tools and know-how provided. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, April 1, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Folkstone Park

Containing excellent examples of the oak hickory forests that once dominated this area, Folkstone Park is a small 3-acre park in northeast Ann Arbor. Don’t let the weather FOOL you on this workday; it’s best to dress in layers as NAP and volunteers work together to pull invasive species. You may even see a few aquatic frogs newly out of hibernation in the small wetlands in the park. Meet at the park entrance at the north end of Folkstone Court (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/FolkstoneFolkstone). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Folkstone040123 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Sunday, April 2, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Lakewood Nature Area

Lakewood Nature Area is a small, 7-acre park located on the west side of Ann Arbor. With its rich understory of wildflowers, volunteers may be fortunate enough to spot some of the first blooms of spring while pulling invasive species in this park. Meet at the park entrance on Sunnywood Drive (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/LakewoodSunnywood). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Lakewood040223 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information at https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, April 8, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Brokaw Nature Area

Join NAP to extend the trail system in this somewhat-newer park. Brokaw, opened in 2017, is almost 25 acres — and is one of only two Ann Arbor parks where you can find shingle oaks. Because the wood could be easily split into thin pieces, this tree was used by early settlers for shingles, and thus the name shingle oak. It is also the only oak with “entire” leaves, meaning that the leaves have no lobes. Meet at the parking lot off West Huron River Drive, just southeast of Wagner Road (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/BrokawHRD). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Brokaw040823 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Breeding Bird Survey Kickoff

Thursday, April 13, 2023

7–9 p.m.

Online

Learn how to put your birding skills to use and survey for breeding birds in Ann Arbor parks! Volunteer to help NAP with Ann Arbor's Breeding Bird Survey. Learn how NAP uses eBird to record survey results; sign up to survey your favorite park; hear about last year's survey; and access the survey materials. Note that experience in bird identification is necessary, and you must be able to identify birds by sight and sound to participate in this survey. Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/NAPBirdTraining2023.

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, April 15, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Argo Nature Area

Argo Nature Area has it all!  Scenic trails along the Huron River, seasonal canoe rental, a working dam, and the Argo Cascades provide plenty to see and do in this park. Everyone is invited to work together to pull invasive species — and further NAP’s environmental mission — at Argo during this volunteer event. Meet on Longshore Drive at Amherst Avenue (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/ArgoLongshore). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Argo041523 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: Https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Turtle Survey Kickoff

Sunday, April 16

10–11:30 a.m.

Ann Arbor Senior Center

At least six species of turtles live and nest in the city, maybe more! Help NAP maintain and protect nest sites, monitor populations, and look for turtles in habitats along the Huron River and nearby waters. Volunteers survey monthly through September. NAP will teach you species identification, nest maintenance and monitoring, and how to report your turtle observations. And yes, you can survey for turtles while paddling down the river on a sunny morning! This event will be recorded, so you are welcome to register even if you cannot attend the live training. Please preregister each participating individual at https://nap.a2gov.org/NAPTurtleTraining2023.

Stewardship Workday
Sunday, April 16, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Huron Hills Golf Course Woods

Framing the western and southern edges of the Huron Hills Golf Course, these woods are home to a diverse group of spring wildflowers such as trillium, May-apple, wild geranium, jewelweed, skunk cabbage, and Dutchman’s breeches. Your involvement is vital to NAP’s conservation efforts in Ann Arbor’s natural areas — join other volunteers to pull invasive species in this out-of-the-way spot. Meet on Hunting Valley off Provincial Drive (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/HHGCWHuntingValley). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/HHGCW041623 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for Earth Day

Saturday, April 22, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Mary Beth Doyle Park

Mary Beth Doyle Park is home to multiple family-friendly activities including a basketball court, a playground and a disc golf course — along with a large wetland and gorgeous woodlands with abundant native wildflowers. Earth Day 2023’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” and your investment of time and labor to clean up invasive species in this park will be instrumental in fulfilling this pledge. Meet at the corner of Butternut Street and Cardinal Avenue (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/MBDButternut). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/MBD042223 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for Earth Day

Saturday, April 22, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Furstenberg Nature Area

Join the world’s largest environmental movement and celebrate Earth Day 2023. Established in 1970, the mission of Earth Day is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Share your skills and passion for the earth while pulling invasive species in Furstenberg Nature Area. This nature area borders the Huron River and is home to wetlands, woodlands, prairie and oak savanna. Meet at the parking lot off Fuller Road (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/FurstenbergParking). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Furstenberg042223 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear  (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for Earth Day

Sunday, April 23, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Bluffs Nature Area

Over the years, Bluffs Nature Area has accumulated a bounty of large, heavy pieces of trash, like snow mobiles and jacks. As a result, help is needed  to remove this large equipment from the park and keep our natural areas clean. If you’re up for the challenge, join NAP to haul these objects out of the park in honor of Earth Day. This will be NAP’s most physically demanding workday of the year. Meet in the parking lot just north of the auto body shop on North Main Street (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/BluffsMain). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Bluffs042323 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear  (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, April 29

9 a.m.–noon

Riverwood Nature Area

Riverwood Nature Area serves as a natural buffer between the Newport Ridge subdivision and M-14. Its 5 acres pack in quite a variety of native species and natural features. A morning pulling invasive species will help promote the flourishing of native species found at Riverwood. Nurturing the natural features of Ann Arbor’s natural areas allows them to be a source of enjoyment for the community. Meet at the park sign on Riverwood Drive, just west of Newport Road (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/RiverwoodRiverwood). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Riverwood042923 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear  (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Sunday, April 30, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Bird Hills Nature Area

The largest natural area in the city at 146 acres, Bird Hills is a haven for hikers. Unpaved trails wind through hills and ravines covered with beech, sugar maple, flowering dogwood, oaks and hickory — and a wide variety of spring wildflowers. Come join other volunteers in pulling invasive species and work together to maintain one of Ann Arbor’s most interesting and valuable assets. Meet at the entrance on Bird Road, west of Huron River Drive (additional parking in Barton Nature Area-Dam Entrance) (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/BirdHillsBird). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/BirdHills043023 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear  (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, May 6, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Sylvan Park

An unassuming, 12-acre, wooded area, Sylvan Park provides a mix of open park space and natural areas amid neighborhoods and highway exchanges. Volunteers are invited to work together to pull invasive species. With continued care, oak-hickory remnants like Sylvan’s woods may continue to offer the community a buffer against day-to-day stresses. Meet at the park entrance on Margaret Drive between Darrow Drive and Salem Court near the tennis court (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/SylvanMargaret). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Sylvan050623 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, May 6, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Berkshire Creek Nature Area

May is a good time to be on the lookout for trillium which can be found in sunnier areas of the forest when not blocked out by invasives. Trillium is the quintessential spring wildflower and spreads mainly by sending out roots to grow new plants. It’s always a pleasant surprise to wander through the forest into a clearing full of trillium. Come help by pulling invasives so that the trillium can flourish. Meet at Exmoor Road, just past Stonehaven Street (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/BerkshireExmoor). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Berkshire050623 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Sunday, May 7, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Sunset Brooks Nature Area

This small nature area provides a buffer between its neighbors and M-14. It is also a green shortcut to Bird Hills Nature Area. A grove of dogwoods flowering here in the spring is a sight to behold. Your help pulling invasives will help keep this small nature area a beautiful spot for all to enjoy. Meet at the park entrance on Sunset Road, at the end of Brooks Street (map: https://tinyurl.com/SunsetBrooksSunset). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/SunsetBrooks050723 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Sunday, May 7, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Miller Nature Area

This nature area is a good place for birders and butterfly watchers during the spring and summer months. See how many types of birds you can spot while working together with other volunteers to pull invasive species. Let’s make this park even more bird and butterfly friendly by allowing the native plants to flourish! Meet at the Arborview Boulevard entrance, just east of Wildwood Avenue (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/MillerArborview). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Miller050723 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, May 13, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Black Pond Woods Nature Area

Originally formed by a slowly melting remnant of glacial ice, the small vernal pool known as Black Pond collects rainfall in the spring and summer and is dry the rest of the year. Come observe this lush home of many amphibians and enjoy a few hours in nature pulling invasives. Meet at the park entrance on Tibbits Court, off Pontiac Trail (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/BlackPondTibbits). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/BPW051323 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday

Saturday, May 13, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Marshall Nature Area

Enjoy the early spring blooming flowers AND join in the comradery of other volunteers helping to restore one of the largest nature areas in the Ann Arbor parks system — you’ll be improving habitat and allowing the native flora to flourish. Meet at the parking lot off Dixboro Road (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/MarshallDixboro). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Marshall051323 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for World Migratory Bird Day

Sunday, May 14, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Narrow Gauge Way Nature Area

The focus of World Migratory Bird Day for 2023 is on water and its importance to migratory birds. Water quality monitoring programs show the tributary located in Narrow Gauge Way — which flows into Miller Creek — is the healthiest stream in the whole of Ann Arbor. What better place to celebrate this special day, working with your hands pulling invasives from this park, allowing the native plants to flourish. Meet at the corner of Narrow Gauge Way and Watershed Drive (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/NarrowGaugeWatershed). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/NarrowGauge051423 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for World Bee Day

Saturday, May 20, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Molin Nature Area

World Bee Day

World Bee Day was created by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and their contribution to sustainable development. Join other concerned volunteers to pull invasives and promote actions that will protect and enhance pollinators and their habitats. After a morning of volunteer work, the reward will be the sight of a magnificent bur oak residing there. Meet at the corner of Powell Road and Columbia Avenue (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/MolinPowell). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/Molin052023 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for World Bee Day

Saturday, May 20, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Huron Parkway Nature Area

World Bee Day helps educate people about the importance of bees and what they do for the environment. Bees help grow 90% of the world's wildflowers, and 35% of the world's crops depend on bees to thrive, AND they help build ecosystems around the world. A pretty place to wander through the woods — many school and community groups, families and neighbors have been working diligently to help restore native plants at Huron Parkway. Come join NAP and BEE engaged with nature to pull invasive species in the park. Meet at the park steward’s house — 3470 Woodland Road, off East Huron River Drive (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/HuronParkwayWoodland). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/HuronParkway052023 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for Int’l Day for Biological Diversity

Sunday, May 21, 2023

9 a.m.–noon

Bird Hills Nature Area

Celebrated each year on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity aims to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Bird Hills is the largest natural area in the city at 146 acres and a great place to appreciate the diversity of nature. Work together with other volunteers to pull invasive species and preserve biodiversity — the living fabric of the planet. Meet at the entrance on Bird Road, west of Huron River Drive (additional parking in Barton Nature Area-Dam Entrance) (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/BirdHillsBird). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/BirdHills052123 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

Stewardship Workday for Int’l Day for Biological Diversity

Sunday, May 21, 2023

1–4 p.m.

Cedar Bend Nature Area

The International Day for Biological Diversity is a United Nations–created holiday for the promotion of biodiversity issues. With ecosystem-based solutions to climate and public health, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods — biodiversity is the foundation upon which communities can build back better. Cedar Bend was designed by landscape architect O.C. Simonds, who insisted on keeping the park as close to the natural landscape as possible, helping to preserve the biodiversity and native plant population. Volunteers can unite in efforts to build back better here in Ann Arbor and pull invasive species — allowing the natural diversity in this park to flourish. Meet at the pull-off area on Cedar Bend Drive (off Broadway Street) (map: https://nap.a2gov.org/CedarBendCedarBend). Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/CedarBend052123 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. Tools and know-how provided! For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian. More information: https://nap.a2gov.org/WhatToWear (PDF).

BIRD WALK

Sunday, May 21, 2023

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Take an evening walk in Gallup Park and Furstenberg Nature Area with NAP ornithologist, Juliet Berger. We’ll look for the Baltimore orioles that nest there and see many other birds along the river as well. Bring binoculars if you have them, but they are not necessary. Meet at the Gallup Canoe Livery. Preregister at https://nap.a2gov.org/NAPBirdWalk052123 so NAP can plan on enough staff and supplies for a safe and successful event. For your safety, wear long pants, tall socks and closed-toe shoes. All minors should be accompanied by a guardian.