Nature Steward

Would you like to learn about our native prairies & woodlands and how to care for them? Then consider becoming a Nature Steward

Mission:  Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) holds unique natural areas in the public trust to ensure their preservation for the benefit of all County residentsplants, animals and people!

Purpose of this position: Nature Stewards actively care for habitats, supporting their biological diversity by removing invasive species, planting native species, or collecting seeds.

Typical Duties: This work occurs in all seasons. In the spring, the focus is on herbaceous invasives like garlic mustard & dames rocket. These plants are easy to pull, and occur in shaded areas. In the summer, we control the later blooming herbaceous invasives like spotted knapweed and sweet clover. In the fall, we harvest native seed to disperse in other areas. We also begin removing invasive shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle, a job that continues on into the winter.

Required Qualifications:

• An enjoyment of time spent in nature.
• An interest in caring for habitats.
• The ability to do strenuous work in hot or cold weather (For summer invasives and invasive shrubs only. Spring invasives and seed collecting can be done by people of all ages and physical ability.
• Patience with a task both mundane and beautiful.
• Ability to work independently or in a group.

Estimated total time commitment: Can vary, but ideally 5-10 hours per month.

Preferred day and/or time of the week: Any

How will a volunteer benefit from this position? Nature Stewards interact directly with staff to help implement management plans. You will gain hands-on experience in the theory and practice of ecological restoration in a wide variety of habitats from moist woods to dry woods to prairie.

How does this project assist NAPP? Caring for natural areas is a little like gardening. With gentle, consistent, regular involvement, something harmonious and beautiful will emerge. Planning can envision this, but it is hands on the ground that make it happen. Many hands make for light work.

For more information about Washtenaw Countys Natural Areas Volunteer program:

Shawn Severance, Parks Naturalist
severances@ewashtenaw.org
(734) 971-6337 x 335

Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
napp.ewashtenaw.org
PO Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107