Stapp Nature Area is a small park adjacent to AADL's Traverwood Branch. It contains mature oak-hickory forest and a vernal pond that is home to plentiful frogs, toads, turtles, and salamanders! The nature area was named after William Stapp, a Professor of Environmental Education at U-M's School of Natural Resources. Professor Stapp was internationally known for founding environmental education programs in 135 countries.

This nature walk is a collaboration between the AADL and Natural Area Preservation, and is part of a series that takes place each month throughout the summer and fall. For this one, parking will be available at the Traverwood Branch of the AADL, and we will meet just down the road at the entrance to the park. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and bug spray if desired. Some of the AADL Science Tools will be available for use during the walk, too!

Kuebler Langford Nature Area is a 31-acre park tucked into a sharp curve of Huron River Drive. Part of the park is old field, and contains native dry prairie species. A deep ravine bisects the park, and moist woods cover its slopes. The park connects to Bird Hills Nature Area.

This nature walk is a collaboration between the AADL and Natural Area Preservation and is one of a series that take place each month throughout the summer and fall. For this one, we will meet in the parking lot on the western shoulder of Huron River Drive. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water and bug spray if desired. Some of the AADL science tools will be available for use during the walk, too!

Barton Nature Area is a 102-acre park located along the Huron River. The main part of the park is known as the oxbow, and contains dry prairie, wet meadow, mesic forest, old field, and other unique ecosystems. Barton Dam is a must-see sight in the park!

The nature walks are a collaboration between the AADL and Natural Area Preservation, and take place each month throughout the summer and fall. For this one, we will meet in the larger, more northern parking lot off Huron River Drive, just north of Bird Road. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water and bug spray if desired. Some of the AADL Science Tools will be available for use during the walk, too!

Black Pond Woods Nature Area is a 34-acre woodland located north of Leslie Science and Nature Center. It was named for a small, vernal pond that was carved by receding glaciers and was named for the dark color of the water caused by tannins and acids from leaf litter. The nature area features several distinctive habitats, including a wet meadow. The raptor cages at LSNC make visiting this park a special treat!

The nature walks are a partnership between AADL and Natural Area Preservation and take place each month throughout the summer. For this one, we'll meet in the LSNC parking lot. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and bug spray if desired. AADL will have some of our science tools available to use on the walk, too!

Combining her landscape design background and study of edible forest gardens this workshop will present you with a collection of aesthetically pleasing and tasty plants that can fit into your existing or future landscape plantings. Bring photos, maps, sketches, or blank paper for visioning and we will work together to dream up a delightful design.

Bridget O’Brien is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Forest Garden Designer, and Permaculture Educator, the Marketing Coordinator for The People’s Food Co-op of Ann Arbor, an avid and sometimes professional gardener and fermentation artist for over 10 years, and Program Director for RootedLoveFund.org

Water is our most natural resource, yet harvesting and using it in buildings is one of our most complicated ordinances.

Learn how rainwater has historically been used in buildings, how other areas of the country are slowly starting to make net-zero-water buildings a reality, and what opportunities Ann Arbor has to be a water leader.

Jessica A.S. Letaw enjoys working on, thinking over, and telling stories about architecture. Her past day jobs included design/build and construction firms. She lives in Ann Arbor with her rescue hound, Henry, and keeps herself out of trouble by volunteering for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and other local events. She enjoys reading, gardening, and well-made White Russians.

Michigan is one of several states currently discussing net metering and 11 other states are also debating this issue. How much do you know? In some ways, this amounts to a coal v. solar smack down.

Let’s discuss the technology, science, and political implications of this model of energy generation and distribution.

Jessica A.S. Letaw enjoys working on, thinking over, and telling stories about architecture. Her past day jobs included design/build and construction firms. She lives in Ann Arbor with her rescue hound, Henry, and keeps herself out of trouble by volunteering for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and other local events. She enjoys reading, gardening, and well-made White Russians.

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Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People's Food Co-Op, will lead an interactive & lively talk on the history, processing, uses & chemical reactions of spices & herbs in baking. Discussion will also include a review of some popular & unusual flavor combinations. Other items used in baking such as baking soda, baking powder & cream of tartar will also be reviewed. Some spices & herbs which may be discussed include all spice, basil, cayenne, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, rosemary, salts & thyme. Attendees will leave with a new perspective of spices and literature to take home.

This program is sponsored by the People's Food Co-Op and part of on on-going baking series.