Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance

Thursday Fall Migration Walks at Nichols Arboretum
2023-10-05 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-10-12 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-10-19 08:00 - 10:30, 2023-10-26 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Detroit) | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Join us Thursday mornings through October at Nichols Arboretum as we search for fall migrants. These walks are a great opportunity to join with other birders of all skill levels. In addition to the birds, the Arb’s trees and other flora offer delights of their own.
Directions: Meet at the east end of the arboretum at the Dow Prairie entrance. From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview Dr. and stay right until it terminates at Riverview Ct. cul-de-sac.
Curious about what birds you may see? Explore photos taken at the Arb in the months of September and October here. Or, view an eBird illustrated checklist for September at the Arb here.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

The Big Sit! at Independence Lake County Park
2023-10-07 06:00 - 14:00 | Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI, 48189, United States
How many birds can you identify in one day while staying within a 17-foot / 5.2-meter diameter circle? This free, annual, semi-competitive international birding event was started by the New Haven Bird Club in 1992. More information on The Big Sit! here. Join WAS birders as we count as many species as we can from our circle. Great for those with mobility issues, and who enjoy the more relaxed pace of birding in place. Bring a comfy chair and some warm food and beverage and enjoy the birds, conversation, and camaraderie. While many will, none are expected to be there the entire time so feel free to drop in for an hour or four. We would love to see you.
Directions: Meet at the grassy knoll just past the boat launch area as you enter the park from Jennings Rd, it’s ¼ of a mile into the park on your left. (map)
Leader: Matthew Spoor

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Michigan State Bird Observatory Banding Stations
2023-10-15 07:00 - 14:00 | Miller Park & Ride, 3001 Miller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
We are excited to announce our first field trip to the Michigan State Bird Observatory (MSBO) where we will have the opportunity to observe research and field biologists in action as the capture and band birds. More about the observatory can be found here. More
The MSBO operates two bird banding stations – the Burke Lake Banding Station (2011 – present) and the Corey Marsh Banding Station (2019 to present). Each can accommodate up to 20 people so we will limit registrations to 40. There are two stations two miles apart that can accommodate 20 people each. We will work out final logistics as we get close and see how many folks we have. The have a great web page on logistics and what to expect once you are there, here. We will likely stay at the banding stations for a few hours and then maybe bird a hotspot or to in the area before we head home.
Registration Required. Please register below.
Directions: We will want to carpool as much as we can so, please plan to meet at the Miller Road Park and Ride for a 7:00 am departure with plans to arrive at the banding stations around 8:00am.
In an attempt to expedite carpooling logistics before we depart, please fill out this carpooling form. If you prefer not to carpool, that can be indicated on the form.
**ADA: If you are in a wheelchair, or have other accessibility needs, there is a ramp that allows visitors to get into the bird banding barn to view the banding process and see birds up close. Please let us know up front so we can make sure you are in the correct group visiting that station.

Special Member Meeting to Vote on Changing Our Name
2023-10-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Notice to all current members of Washtenaw Audubon: Save the date for this important program to learn about the controversy surrounding Audubon’s actions during his lifetime, and the movement to remove “Audubon” from the name of many of our sister birding organizations. We will vote on whether to remove the “Audubon” name at this meeting, and decide on a new name at a later date. You will hear from board members on their recommendations to remove “Audubon,” and from any member wishing to share their opinion. If you have questions, or cannot attend to vote and would like a statement read on your behalf, please email treasurer@washtenawbna.org. Full details on the process and expectations will be shared with members via email and our website.
Weds., October 18, 2023
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Voting will be via anonymous paper ballot.
Only in-person voting is permitted.
Only current members as of Sept. 13, 2023 are eligible to vote.

Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2023-10-28 15:00 - 18:00, 2023-12-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Searles Nature Preserve, 585V+4J Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Did you know Washtenaw Audubon owns a nature preserve? We do! Located just a mile south of Rolling Hills County Park, Searles Nature Preserve is a 50 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Join us as we work to remove woody invasive species and create habitat for native plants and insects that support the birds we all love.
With 97% of North American landbirds relying on animal protein to raise their young, it is critical that there’s enough native habitat to support the populations of insects required for them to raise their young. Most of these insects, largely moth and butterfly caterpillars, have evolved to require specific, native, host plants for successful reproduction. This is why it is so important that we continue to foster the biodiversity necessary to support all the beautiful birds. More on this here.
Tools and know how will be provided. Please bring leather work gloves, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes or boots.
Directions: Meet at the entrance to the preserve on Bolla Road between Crane and Stony Creek Roads. (map here)

Waterfowl at Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
2023-10-29 09:00 - 11:30 | Watkins Lake State Park, 4VH6+WR, Brooklyn, MI, United States
This gem features beautiful rolling land covered in a mixture of open meadow, mixed hardwoods, low wetland areas, open water, and the property’s most popular feature, Watkins Lake. Watkins Lake has been designated a Waterfowl Refuge by MDNR due to the significant habitat provided for migrating and breeding birds; many species of ducks, geese, grebes, and more may be seen, especially in spring and fall. The park also has historical significance as being part of the Underground Railroad and being awarded membership to the Network to Freedom program through the National Park Service (read more here).
Directions: A Recreation Passport is required for each vehicle entering the park. Meet at the main parking lot on Arnold Rd (map).
Carpooling: For those interested in carpooling, we will depart from the Miller Road Park and Ride (map) at 8:15 am.
Leaders: Juliet Berger and Matthew Spoor

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

BIPOC Bird Walk at North Bay Park/Ford Lake
2023-11-11 09:30 - 11:30 | Ford Lake Boardwalk Access, 526 S. Grove Street, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for waterfowl around the lake. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the entrance located at 526 Grove Street, Ypsilanti.
Leader: Victor Chen

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Birding Oaxaca
2023-11-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Join Washtenaw Audubon’s longtime foreign field trip leader, Bryn Martin, for a report on the WAS trip he led to the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca in August of this year. The trip started in Oaxaca City and visited a variety of habitats from high mountains to the Pacific coast. The trip yielded 220 species, including 45 endemics, as well as many butterflies and a visit to fantastic Zapotec ruins.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://umich.zoom.us/j/99433486554
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Or dial-in: 312-626-6799

Belle Isle State Park with Oakland Audubon
2023-11-18 08:00 - 12:00 | Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI, 48207, United States
Join WAS friends and Oakland Audubon Society for a tour of this State Park, a gem on the Detroit River. We’ll search for waterfowl, gulls, waders, raptors and other goodies on the river and in the woods. We’ll tour mostly by car, but will stop and get out with scopes and binoculars. A mile long walk in the interior is planned for migrating songbirds and other feathered friends.
Directions: Meet at the Nature Center parking lot (map) at 8 am sharp. For those interested in carpooling, we will meet at the Plymouth Road Park and Ride (map) for a 7:00 am departure. A State Park Recreation Passport is required to drive on the island.
Leaders : Don Burlett & Jeff Stacy

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

BIPOC Bird Walk, Kensington Metropark
2023-11-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Kensington Metropark Natue Center, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI, 48381, United States
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to feed the birds! This metropark is unique in that the local birds have learned to feed from the hands of visitors. We will be walking with folks from the Shades of the Outdoors Facebook group led by Brandan Freeman. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any. We will provide birdseed for participants.

Directions: Meet outside the Nature Center at Kensington Metropark. You need a Metropark Pass to enter the park.
Leader: Victor Chen
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Natural Area Preservation Restoration Day with Washtenaw Audubon Society
2023-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Kuebler Langford Beechwood Entrance, 76XV+GR9, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Time to Give Back!
Continue the restoration work that started more than 50 years ago at Kuebler Langford!
We birders enjoy access to more than 1,400 acres of natural areas managed by the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP). Let’s give back, say thank you!. Come on out to help NAP restore biodiversity, and help the birds at Kuebler Langford Nature Area.
Since the time of its acquisition, Kuebler Langford has been a park of importance to the people of Ann Arbor. As this natural area continues to recover from top-soil removal and compaction from the 1970’s, we are left with areas of stunning prairie and forests. Because Kuebler Langford was fought for and won by the people of Ann Arbor, it is a wonderful feeling to contribute to the ongoing effort to bring health and beauty back to this natural area.
Registration is required and you can do that at birding.cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com
Let’s show the city what a great group of birders can do!

BIPOC Bird Walk at Barton Nature Area
2023-12-09 09:30 - 11:30 | Barton Nature Area Parking Lot, MI
We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for waterfowl around Barton Pond and other wintering birds in the nature area. All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the Barton Nature Area Parking Lot at 1010 W. Huron River Drive.
Leader: Victor Chen

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList
All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Winter Tree Identification Walk
2023-12-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Kuebler Langford Beechwood Entrance, 76XV+GR9, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Want to learn the difference between a hickory and a hackberry? How about a beech from a basswood. Join us as Isaac Smith, who teaches woody plant identification at the University of Michigan, leads an interactive winter hike to learn to ID common Michigan trees with their bark, buds and twigs! Isaac is also an avid birder and does research on how climate change affects bird reproduction.
Directions: Meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance. From Sunset Rd., north on Beechwood Drive, just past M14 underpass.
Leader: Isaac Smith

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. Nearly all of our events are open to members and non-members alike.

78th Ann Arbor Christmas Bird Count
2023-12-16 | MI
The Christmas Bird Count is coming up soon. Please see the Christmas Bird Count web page for all the details. See link below.
GO TO THE WEBSITE

Nature Walk at Kuebler Langford Nature Area
2023-12-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Kuebler Langford Beechwood Entrance, 76XV+GR9, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Kuebler Langford is one of Ann Arbor’s most biodiverse natural areas with high quality oak-hickory forest and prairie ecosystems. Join us as we explore, discover, and discuss the winter habitat of this special place. We will turn our focus towards the plants, fungi, and animals that live here. While we will be focusing on other flora and fauna, we won’t ignore the birds, so please feel free to bring your binoculars. Did you know that there is another, separate nature area, tucked inside Kuebler? We’ll talk about that too.

Please register as the event is limited to 15 to improve everyone’s experience.
Directions: Meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance. From Sunset Rd., north on Beechwood Drive, just past M14 underpass.

Leader: Matthew Spoor

New Year’s Bird Walk at Gallup Park
2024-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Gallup Park Playground, 3175 Gallup Park Rd, Ann Arbor, 48104, United States
What will be the first bird you see in 2024? Get a boost to next year’s list by joining the crazy birders of Washtenaw County for a refreshing New Year’s morning bird walk. Meet at the Gallup Park playground parking lot at the east end of Gallup Park Rd.
Leaders: Juliet Berger & Matthew Spoor

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.
eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Weekend Walk for Birds at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
2024-01-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Exploring the winter woods, water, and prairie of Matthaei is always a rewarding experience. Seeing Bluebirds on a canvas of white snow never disappoints. Please join us as we search for everything from finches to flickers along Fleming Creek.
Directions: Meet at the steps to the conservatory. Matthaei members park for free with metered parking for everyone else. Free to park a bike there and it’s a beautiful ride along the bike path from Geddes to the gardens.
Leader: Matthew Spoor & Juliet Berger

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Birding the Upper Peninsula *Members Only*
2024-01-13 07:30 - 2024-01-14 12:00 | Saulte Ste. Marie, Saulte Ste. Marie, 49783
**Registration is full, BUT please join the waitlist as we may open a few more spots depending on logistics.**
If a spot opens, the next person on the waitlist is automatically registered.
We may consider a second trip if there are enough people on the waiting list.
We will travel to Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, January 12th, and bird all day Saturday and Sunday morning with a goal of departing Sault Ste. Marie around noon on Sunday. Target birds include: Snowy Owl, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak, Red and White-winged Crossbills, Evening Grosbeak, Ruffed and Sharp-tailed Grouse, Purple Finch, Snow Bunting, and more! Maybe the heavens will align for a Spruce Grouse lifer for your trip leader this year finally? Space is limited to 20 and membership is required. You may join or renew your membership here. While the trip is free for members, a $30 dollar donation per person to defray the leaders’ costs is suggested but not required. Venmo link here.
Basic Itinerary – Detailed itinerary will be sent at least a week out
Friday, January 12th
Arrive Sault Ste. Marie. Some may bird on the way up and we will provide some suggestions in a later email for doing so.
Saturday, January 13th
7:30 am – Meet at hotel for departure
6:30 pm – Dinner at a local restaurant
Sunday, January 14th
7:30 am – Meet at hotel for departure
Noon – Conclude birding and arrive at hotel for folks to get their cars and head home
** Please note: We will caravanning together in as few vehicles as possible while birding. Those not driving in the caravan will leave their cars at the hotel. So, it is important everyone can bird the entire morning on Sunday. If you have to leave before noon on Sunday, this may present logistical challenges for the group. **
Members, please register below. Lodging information and other logistical details will be shared after registration.
View the trip report from 2023 here.
Trip Leaders: Matthew Spoor & Juliet Berger
This is one of our very few MEMBERS ONLY events. If you are not a member or need to renew, you can do so here.

BIPOC Bird Walk at Eberwhite Woods
2024-01-13 09:30 - 11:30 | Eberwhite Woods – School Parking Lot, 800 Soule Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
**Canceled due to forecasted unsafe travel conditions.**

We invite all people from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community and our white allies to join us on this walk to look for wintering birds in this lovely nature area. Maybe we’ll see the local owls! All ages and skill levels are invited. We will have extra binoculars if you do not have any.
Directions: Parking will be in the Eberwhite Elementary School at 800 Soule Blvd, Ann Arbor.

Leader: Victor Chen

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist from this walk shared with you, please fill out this form (you may do this onsite well): https://forms.gle/p6D24QSrPHbc4o7LA

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Northern Ecuador Tour with Ben Lucking
2024-01-16 - 2024-01-29 | MI
Northern Ecuador is arguably home to the greatest avian diversity of anywhere in the world. This tour explores a cross section of the region from West to East, covering a wide range of elevations on both slopes of the Andes. As a whole this tour aims to keep a relaxed pace and keep moves between accommodations at a minimum. The concentrated nature of Ecuador’s diversity means a short drive in any direction can result in a near complete shift in birdlife.
We begin with the Western slope of the Andes, exploring the arid highlands around Quito before descending into the incredibly diverse cloud forests and rainforests of the Chocó bioregion. This area is characterized by a wide array of gemstone-like hummingbirds and tanagers, as well as world class feeding stations catering to birders. The Andes are rich in birdlife from end to end but nowhere is it perhaps so accessible as this region centered around the town of Mindo. Expect close views and excellent photo opportunities. Reserva Amagusa in particular could lay credible claim to being the best place to photograph birds anywhere in the world. From here we make our way back to the highlands as we head towards the Eastern slope and the Amazon basin.
The second half of the tour will be an exploration of Napo Province, an area roughly half the size of New Jersey that has recorded over 1000 species. From high elevation páramo to Amazonian lowlands this area packs unbelievable diversity of scenery and wildlife into a small area. This side of the Andes is somewhat wilder and more intact than the West, with massive swathes of land protected by the trio of Cayambe-Coca, Sumaco Napo-Galeras, and Antisana National Parks. These parks have limited access by road and are therefore havens for a wonderful array of special wildlife. What limited access there is offers a glimpse into this wild world, with a host of rare species to be found amongst the impressive scenery.
Maximum 4 participants
Download/view this PDF for detailed information, including pricing, a detailed itinerary, and contact information.

Francie Krawcke with Michigan Avian Experience
2024-01-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, United States
Our January program will be Francie Krawcke of Michigan Avian Experience, doing a raptor program for us with live raptors. More details coming, but you won’t want to miss this exciting program.
Note: This will be an in-person meeting only; there will be no virtual/Zoom option.

Weekend Walk for Birds at Ford Lake
2024-01-21 10:00 - 12:00 | North Hydro Park Winter Entrance, 6C6W+WH5, Ypsilanti Charter Twp
***location moved to North Hydro. Meet here: http://tinyurl.com/MeetWAS
Grove St. east. Right on Woodale. Left on Ambassador
Ford Lake and its boardwalk provide one of the best winter birding opportunities in Washtenaw County. There have been 76 species seen in February at Ford Lake and we look forward to seeing a variety of waterfowl, gulls and local winter birds.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot off of South Grove Street. Lot is located south of I-94 at the northeast corner of Ford Lake, across from the Citgo Station at the intersection of Service Drive and South Grove St.
Leader: Matthew Spoor

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

eBird Checklist Signup: If you are attending the walk and would like the eBird checklist shared with you, please give us your email or eBird username here (you may do this onsite well): tinyurl.com/eBirdList

Winter Tree Identification Walk **RESCHEDULED for Sunday, January 21st**
2024-01-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Bird Hills Nature Area – Newport Entrance, 862M+4M, Ann Arbor, United States
***RESCHEDULED for Sunday, January 21st***
Want to learn the difference between a hickory and a hackberry? How about a beech from a basswood. Join us as Isaac Smith, who teaches woody plant identification at the University of Michigan, leads an interactive winter hike to learn to ID common Michigan trees with their bark, buds and twigs! Isaac is also an avid birder and does research on how climate change affects bird reproduction.
Directions: Meet at the Bird Hills parking lot off of Newport Rd.
Leader: Isaac Smith

All are welcome and encouraged to join us. Nearly all of our events are open to members and non-members alike.

Restoration Workday at Searles Nature Preserve
2024-01-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Searles Nature Preserve, 585V+4J Ypsilanti, Michigan, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Did you know Washtenaw Audubon owns a nature preserve? We do! Searles Nature Preserve is a 50 acre natural area that hosts the headwaters of Stony Creek. Did you also know that Ninety-seven percent of North American landbirds require animal, primarily insect, protein to raise their young? Most insects require specific, native, host plants for successful reproduction and this is why supporting a biodiverse ecosystem of native plants is so important. More on this here: https://tinyl.io/93Ka
Join us as we work to remove invasive species and improve biodiversity to support the birds we love.Tools and know how will be provided. Please bring leather work gloves, wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes or boots.
Directions: Meet at the entrance to the preserve on Bolla Road between Crane and Stony Creek Roads. (map here)

Weekend Walk for Birds at Nichols Arboretum
2024-02-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Nichols Arboretum – Dow Prairie, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
The Arb, with 165 species reported to eBird, is the number one hotspot for birds in the county. The diversity of habitat provides opportunities to discover a wide variety of species. Join us as we explore this local gem.
Directions: Meet at the east end of the arboretum at the Dow Prairie entrance. From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview Dr. and stay right until it terminates at Riverview Ct. cul-de-sac. Check the website for a link to the map if you have never been there.
Leader: Matthew Spoor
New to birding? Bird curious? No binoculars? No problem! There is no better way to learn than to get out in the field with experienced birders that love to help. Plus, you get to meet awesome people. Absolutely everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out. We will have many pairs of quality binoculars on hand for anyone to use.

Nature Walk at LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve
2024-02-04 11:00 - 13:00 | LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve, 2452 N Prospect Rd #2198, Superior Charter Twp, MI, MI, 48198, United States
** Note: The trails are muddy out there, so wear boots, but don’ let that stop you from coming out. One can expect mud in spots to up to a couple inches deep. Although, with the freezing temps overnight, I suspect it won’t be that bad.**
Join naturalists George Hammond and Matt Spoor as we explore this 325 acre nature preserve owned and managed by Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy. Bring your curiosity and questions as we investigate this wonderful cross section of southern Michigan habitat types. Trails wind throughout wetlands, meadows, agricultural lands, and, of course, wonderfully preserved LeFurge Woods.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot at 2384 N. Prospect Rd., Superior Twp.
Leaders: George Hammond & Matt Spoor
