Upcoming events!

Have you been searching for a chance to leave the comfort of your air-conditioning, get outside, and get stuff done? Look no further- here are some of this weekend's fine events!


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Thursday, June 25 - 7pm
Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy
Green Infrastructure: Restoring the Allen Creek Floodway The public is invited to hear a panel presentation and pose questions on how proper management of the Allen Creek floodway can improve both Ann Arbor's water quality and quality of place.

The panel: Janis Bobrin, Water Resources Commissioner, Washtenaw County; Shannon Gibb-Randall, Landscape Architect, Insite Design; Jerry Hancock, Stormwater & Floodplain Program Coordinator, City of Ann Arbor; Laura Rubin, Executive Director, Huron River Watershed Council. Moderator: Margaret Wong, Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy board.

Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Free. 998-2546.
Start reading today!

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June 27, Saturday - noon - 3pm
Natural Area Preservation
Mary Beth Doyle Stewardship Workday
Come out to celebrate Pollinator Week during this fun summer workday and add to the tremendous progress that has been made to increase the native habitat in this large preserve! Previously known as Brown Park, there have been many recent changes to the park, including the name change to commemorate and celebrate the life of Mary Beth Doyle, a woman widely recognized as one of Michigan’s most prominent environmental advocates. We will be focusing along the creek using dogwood trees for stabilization. Bring your family with you! We provide tools and yummy snacks. Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Meet us at the parking lot off Packard Road, across from Easy Street.

Call 734.794.6627 with any questions about NAP programs or visit http://www.a2gov.org/napvolunteering.


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Saturday, June 27 - 11:00am - 2:00pm
Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy
Conservancy Farm Stewardship Volunteer Workday
Location: 8383 Vreeland Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 (1/4 mile east of Prospect Road) Come help with various tasks to keep this historic old farm in good shape. We'll have all tools and materials on hand. All ages and skill levels welcome - come when you can, leave when you like. Contact Scott Tyrrell (styrrell@SMLCland.org / 734.484.6565).

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Sunday, June 28 - 1 - 4pm
Michigan State Parks
Brighton Recreation Area
Help protect this unique fen ecosystem by removing the glossy buckthorn that threatens to move in and take over. The timing for this workday is perfect to see a lot of neat plants in bloom. Join us for the opportunity to learn some of them! Meet at the entrance to Murray Lake Campground on Bauer Road, between Cunningham Lake and Bishop Lake Roads. Please call or email Laurel to register for this workday as workday details may change a bit. To fully enjoy and explore this site we will need to wade across a stream that could be knee deep. Your feet and ankles will likely get wet and muddy throughout the day. Knee-high rubber boots might not be tall enough and waders might be too cumbersome and too warm to wear. So, please wear old shoes (tennis shoes are fine) and clothes you don't mind getting wet/muddy. You might also want to bring an extra pair of shoes and socks for the drive home. Please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work including long pants and closed-toe shoes, and to bring drinking water. We will have work gloves; bring your own if you like.

For more information, a map or directions, and to register please visit www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers; click on the "Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays" link under Current volunteer Opportunities. Contact Laurel Malvitz-Draper, Natural Resource Steward - Department of Natural Resources at malvitzl@michigan.gov or 248-359-9057

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Music at Rancho Tranquilico

Saturday, June 27
Black Train
Songs about trains, heartache and redemption with outstanding vocal harmonies and musicianship to benefit the Huron River Watershed Council. The band: http://www.myspace.com/blacktrain

The music starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. in a lovely barn out in the country. Bonfire to follow around 10:00. Dancing is permitted, but not required, by Dexter Township ordinance. All ages welcome, snacks and alcohol-free beverages provided. Contact Barry Lonik at BLonik13@aol.com if you would like further information.

Suggested donation is $10/person, $15/couple, $20/family, with more always welcome. Tax deductible you know.

Location: 11300 Island Lake Rd., west of downtown Dexter by four miles (12 miles from downtown AA). Enter at the next driveway west for Ruhlig's Farm Market.

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Thursday, July 2 -10:30 to 11:30 a.m
Washtenaw County Parks
County Farm Park-Medford Lot Creepy Crawlies at County Farm Park-Medford Lot We’ll look for millipedes, ants, snails, and much more. Children of all ages invited. Containers will be provided. Program will conclude with a story. Be sure to come to Medford Entrance. Programs are free, as is park admittance unless noted otherwise. Call 971- 6337 or visit parks.ewashtenaw.org for general info; call/email stonerf@ewashtenaw.org for program information.

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The Sierra Club's Book Club
It's simple. Read the book designated for one of the monthly meetings, and show up ready to talk about it with friendly people. Meetings run from 7:30 - 8:45 pm at Nicola's Books in the Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of Jackson and Maple Roads in west Ann Arbor.

Everyone's welcome to attend. No cost, no membership, no RSVP required. Newcomers are especially welcome. Contact Book Club coordinator Nancy Shiffler at nshiffler@comcast.net if you have a question.

July 14: American Buffalo: In Search of a Lost Icon, by Steve Rinella
August 11: Winter Study, by Nevada Barr -- a mystery set among the wolf studies on Isle Royale
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July 25-26
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Backpack Weekend Outing

This Sierra Club weekend trip is a very easy and relaxing hike totalling about 7 miles featuring scenic vistas, sand dunes and beautiful beaches. We will have ample time to explore dunes, swim, hike more, or just relax on a sandy beach. We will be camping in the hardwoods but in the evening will retreat to the beach or an open dune for a spectacular sunset that dissolves into the dark blue of Lake Michigan. For details contact Ewa at 734-756-5362 or ewarosz@yahoo.com.