Ann Arbor Times

City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation (NAP), a division of the parks and recreation department, is launching a strategic planning effort to solicit public input on how the city cares for the natural spaces within the extensive park system. Several meetings for NAP's first-ever strategic planning effort will take place throughout November both in person at Ann Arbor District Library branch locations and online. These meetings will offer a brief overview of NAP's history, structure and activities, followed by facilitated, discussion-based activities to gather participant input. Meetings are scheduled:

• Thursday, Nov. 9, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Traverwood Branch, Program Room, Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, 48105).
• Monday, Nov. 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Westgate Branch, West Side Room, Ann Arbor District Library (2503 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, 48103).
• Thursday, Nov. 16, 7–9 p.m., Online/Zoom — Registration required.
• Monday, Nov. 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Malletts Creek Branch, Program Room, Ann Arbor District Library (3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, 48108).

“This year marks NAP's 30th anniversary," notes Remy Long, deputy manager of NAP. “This represents a significant milestone for our division of parks and recreation. It is an opportunity for NAP to inventory our strengths, frame our impacts, and strategize improvements. I look forward to hearing what the community values most about NAP's work; where they think new opportunities exist; and to collectively build a vision for the next 30 years."

NAP works to protect and restore Ann Arbor's natural areas and to foster an environmental ethic within the community. Staff and volunteers conduct plant and animal inventories, manage invasive species, and lead stewardship projects within Ann Arbor parks. The city is home to 164 parks totaling 2,200 acres, of which 1,400 acres are designated as natural areas managed by NAP. The division works year round to maintain trails, remove invasive species, implement prescribed fire, and safeguard ecological diversity in the parks.

Long considers this a critical opportunity for NAP to supplement the division's responsibilities with meaningful public feedback that will guide future efforts. “Please consider attending a strategic planning meeting, and let us know what you think of our work, where you think we should invest more energy, where new opportunities exist, and share your vision of NAP's success in a changing world."

Original source can be found here.