MONARCH BUTTERFLIES Migrating “Jewels of the Sky” Shawn Severance, Parks Naturalist

Washtenaw CountyFall 2016 | Newsletter Parks & Recreation Commission

Kids having a blast at the 2015 Halloween Bash! INSIDE

Mapping & Stewardship 3 NAPP News 3 Monarchs 4 Rec Center 5-8 Sharon Mills Plan 9 Calendar 11 Map back page

HOWLIN’ HALLOWEEN FUN Family-Friendly Halloween Events Offered This Season Hannah Cooley, Park and Facility Coordinator

The air is crisp, leaves are turning from green If you’re looking for a mystery adventure, to ruby red, and the smell of doughnuts fills along with family-friendly fun, this event the air. It is autumn, and Washtenaw County is for you! Visit Scarecrow Lane, where Credit: Peter Miller, Flickr Miller, Credit: Peter Parks will be offering some great ways to help you can solve the great mystery of the Blue 4 you and your family enjoy the season! Heron Scarecrow. Activities include: building your own scarecrow, participating in crafts, This fall, the Parks Commission is featuring three conquering the Halloween obstacle course, Halloween-centric festivities at Independence competing in a spider toss, enjoying delicious Lake County Park, Rolling Hills County Park, cider and doughnuts, and listening to live music. and the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center. Rolling Hills County Park will be hosting the Independence Lake County Park will host “Monster Smash” on October 15, from 12- the “Scarecrow Mystery Dash,” which will 3pm. Event will kick-off with a massive candy take place on October 8, from 10am-2pm. hunt, and then your family will enjoy a variety Credit: Debbie Birch 9

(continued on page 10) Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (734) 971-6337 From the Director Robert L. Tetens

As fall approaches, we look back on another successful summer at County Parks and Recreation. Park enhancements, such as a new water quality management system at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center and a completed section of the Border-to-Border Washtenaw County Trail in Dexter, help to improve County residents’ recreation experience. Though summer Parks and Recreation is the most active time of the year, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Commission (WCPARC) offers fun for every season. Autumn is the perfect time to visit the many County nature preserves. Construction on two new parking lots has been initiated at some of our Robert W. Marans newest NAPP preserves—Whitmore Lake Preserve in Northfield Township and Herman L. President Koenn Preserve in Sylvan Township. These properties offer a variety of habitats and an Patricia Scribner exceptional hiking experience. This season, we also offer a robust calendar of events and Vice President interpretive programs at a variety of facilities. Check page 11 for our fall calendar—we hope you visit all year round! Janice Anschuetz Secretary

Janis Bobrin Dan Ezekiel Barbara Fuller Evan Pratt Rolland Sizemore, Jr. Conan Smith

Dan Smith Credit: Neil Strong

Robert L. Tetens Director 2017 Pavilion & Room Rentals (fees apply) Administration Building Independence Lake County Park Rolling Hills County Park (734) 449-4437 (734) 484-9676 2230 Platt Road Meeting Room, seats 35-40 Great Room, seats 30-50 (plus 31 outdoors) Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Beach Center Pavilion, 120 Sunshine Pavilion, 65 Mailing: Independence Woods Pavilion, 90 Woodlands Pavilion, 90 Meadow’s Edge Pavilion, 90 Prairie Pavilion, 200 P.O. Box 8645 Blue Heron Bay Pavilion (4 bays), 30-180 Family Pavilions (2), 12 Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645 Phone: (734) 971-6337 Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center Sharon Mills County Park (734) 971-6355, fees apply (734) 222-9098 † Fax: (734) 971-6386 Party space, seats 26 Mill Building, seats 50 (up to 200 with tents) Picnic pavilion, 36-48 [email protected] Pierce Lake Golf Course † Reservations required with Food Art, a full service catering and event planning agency parks.ewashtenaw.org (734) 475-5858 Pavilion, seats 160 Clubhouse, 52 *Reservations for the 2017 season begin on October 1, 2016. Visit parksonline.ewashtenaw.org for pricing, availability and to reserve your space. For a listing of free pavilions, available on a first-come, first-served basis, visit parks.ewashtenaw.org and select “Picnic Info.”

EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kira Macyda, Park Planner

Printed on 100% recycled paper, 100% post-consumer content, processed chlorine-free Independence Lake Rolling Hills’ Sharon Mills Blue Heron Bay Pavilion Great Room at the Lodge Mill Building

2 Fall 2016 | Newsletter parks.ewashtenaw.org [email protected]

GIS TECHNOLOGY AND NATURAL AREAS Modern Tools for Managing the Natural Environment Rosie Pahl-Donaldson, GIS Intern

Parks and preserves are incredible natural The assessment helps Stewardship Manager Allison Krueger using ArcCollector on her phone to places, but never far from technology. WCPARC identify monitor natural areas WCPARC creatively uses a variety of remaining natural areas modern technologies to keep protected and potential sites land in prime condition. for future protection through the Natural One of the main technologies used by Areas Preservation WCPARC is Geographic Information Program (NAPP). The Systems, or GIS, which is spatial analysis assessment utilizes and mapping software. WCPARC GIS by combining maintains several GIS databases containing information from GIS “layers,” such as wetland coverage, layers, such as land stormwater infrastructure, trails, and cover, roads, soils, park and preserve boundaries. These data wetland coverage, layers can be combined to analyze a site and up-to-date aerial in different ways. imagery, to create land quality “score” data for each potential site. land owners regarding land preservation For example, WCPARC is undertaking a We combine scores into a final ranking, opportunities. large-scale GIS project in order to expand resulting in a prioritization of superior the Bioreserve Site Assessment developed sites for protection. This information GIS also aids in land stewardship by the Huron River Watershed Council. can be used to target outreach efforts to activities in our nature preserves.

(continued on page 10) NAPP NEWS Natural Areas Preservation Program | Total Land Protected: 4,678 ac. | Since 2001 Ginny Trocchio, Superintendent of Park Planning and Natural Areas One goal of NAPP is to expand existing protected land for ecological protection and outdoor passive recreation. For example, NAPP has established 31 preserves consisting of purchases from nearly 80 individual landowners. What may start out as a small 20- acre preserve, may grow and evolve over the years, as evidenced by the Raymond F. Goodrich Preserve. In October 2006, the County purchased an 11-acre conservation easement, which allowed for public access. Through additional purchases, the preserve has expanded to 36 acres managed by NAPP. In addition, a proposed trail system will provide nearly six miles of trails to connect the Goodrich Preserve to the Tom A. Freeman Preserve, University of Michigan’s Horner McLaughlin Preserve, and the City of Ann Arbor’s Marshall Park, totaling over 300 acres of contiguous protected land. This is one example of how the NAPP program works to acquire additional land to enhance and connect our existing properties.

Fall at the Freeman Preserve As discussed in the article above by GIS intern Rosie Pahl-Donaldson, the NAPP program is undergoing a land protection prioritization process utilizing GIS. This will enable us to identify critical corridors between nature preserves and their possible additions, and protect the natural resources that make Washtenaw County an exceptional place to live.

Fall 2016 | Newsletter 3 Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (734) 971-6337

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES Migrating “Jewels of the Sky” Shawn Severance, Parks Naturalist

Have you recently seen a Monarch As caterpillars grow, they shed butterfly? It is a grand sight to witness their skin five times, until a its strong orange and black wings gliding chrysalis is revealed. Its jade above the meadow wildflowers and to see green color, speckled with pure it dipping to drink nectar. If you are lucky, gold, helps them hide under you can even find its tiny ivory colored leaves as they begin the process of eggs on milkweed plants. metamorphosis. During the next two weeks, the chrysalis protects The female monarch chooses milkweed to them as they hang quietly, but lay her eggs, because it is the only plant her busily, turning from an earth- caterpillars can eat. After laying her eggs, bound leaf-eater to a “jewel of the Fish and Wildlift Service Credit: US Monarch caterpillar on milkweed plant leaf she flies off to drink more nectar, leaving sky” that drinks nectar. her eggs behind. In Michigan, we might see two It takes a Monarch about a month to grow generations of Monarchs, first in into a flying adult. After hatching from June or July, another in August its egg, it emerges as a striped caterpillar or September. The butterflies about 2-6 mm long. For two weeks, it that emerge during late summer voraciously devours milkweed and will are born to migrate to Mexico be 3,000 times larger than when it first and will live about nine months, hatched. A Monarch caterpillar’s diet compared to only one month comes with an unexpected benefit—the for the earlier generations. They Credit: US Fish and Wildlift Service Credit: US Monarch on a milkweed pod milkweed plants contain toxic molecules know the way to go, even though called cardiac glycosides. As caterpillars they have never made the journey eat and become plump, the substance is before. They lift off a few at a time and and nectaring flowers for Monarchs. Take concentrated in their bodies making them join together in a large group, riding the a hike on a sunny early fall afternoon and poisonous to birds. air currents for up to 3,000 miles. Almost you will almost certainly spot at least one the entire population of Monarchs east of of these glorious butterflies! Monarch on milkweed plant the Rockies overwinters in a few forests in the mountains west of Mexico City. The Disappearing Monarch The next spring, the butterflies that Many scientists fear that this once- overwintered in Mexico return to the common insect is in danger of going southern United States, laying eggs and extinct. It is estimated that the then dying. The adult Monarchs born in Monarch population has decreased the southern United States, or sometimes 70-90% due, in part, to the widespread use of herbicides in United States their offspring, make their way north so agriculture diminishing the availability the cycle can begin, once again. of milkweed. To combat this problem, many gardeners are creating Monarch The best places to spot monarchs are open Waystations providing the nectar and fields with lots of milkweed. The West milkweed that Monarchs need to thrive. Lake and Leonard preserves, and Rolling For more information on creating Hills and Independence Lake parks all have your own Monarch Waystation, visit

Credit: William Warby large open habitats that offer milkweed monarchwatch.org/waystations.

4 Fall 2016 | Newsletter parks.ewashtenaw.org [email protected] Fall 2016 Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission parks.ewashtenaw.org

Rates (Effective July 1, 2013; subject to change)

Individual 16-61 • (Y) Youth 3-15 • (S) Senior 62+ (D) Disabled (with doctor’s note)

Credit: Fred Golden Photography Credit: Fred County Non- Resident Resident Daily Fees Individual $8 $9 Y/S/D $6 $7 Annual Passes Individual $230* $345* Y/S/D $180* $270* Family $495* $745* Over 80 $60 $60 *Renew before your Annual Pass expires to receive a $10 discount. (Does not apply to “Over 80”.) 6 Month Passes Individual $175 $265 Y/S/D $135 $205 Family $370 $555 30-Day Pass $45 $45 Fitness/Instructional Swim Classes See pages 6-8 for class registration fees †

Fitness Class “Drop-In” Rates † Individual $8/class $9/class Senior $6/class $7/class † Registered participants are allowed to make up their absences in any class priced at equal or lesser value of the class in which they are registered. Non-registered individuals may drop in to Fitness classes when space is available.

About Us N Facilities & Programs Building Hours • Track (1/12 mile) Mon–Fri, 6am–10pm Stadium Washtenaw US-23

• Gymnasium Sat, 8am–6pm Huron Pkwy Exit 37B • Heated Pool (Barrier-free) Sun, Noon–10pm Meri Lou Aug. 22 - Sept. 5, Annual Maintenance – Closed Rec Center • Cardio Training Equipment Murray Entrance • Strength Training Equipment Thanksgiving, Nov. 24 – Closed Recreation County Farm Park • Locker Rooms Center Entrance • Assisted Care Locker Room Visit Us! • Personal Trainers 2960 Washtenaw Avenue • Swim Instruction (entrance on Platt Road) Administrative • Fitness Classes Ann Arbor, Michigan Offices Platt Meri Lou Murray RecreationFall 2016 | NewsletterPackardCenter (734) 971-6355 Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (734) 971-6337

Group Fitness Classes CONDITIONING MIND & BODY Online Registration: 9/4 - 9/24 Aerobics and Strength #13180 Balanced Yoga #13273 Walk-in Registration: 9/6 - until filled Tone, strengthen and firm your entire Using yoga movements and breathing ($2 late fee per class for registration after 9/24) body! Bands, weights, resistance tubes, techniques, we will relax and strengthen Classes Run: 9/25 - 12/17 floor mats provided. mind and body, while increasing flexibility No classes: 11/24 T 5:35-6:35p A $63 (Sr. $51) and working core muscles. Th 5:35-6:35p A $58 (Sr. $47) Basic Sculpt & Condition #13320 NEW! Slower paced entry level workout for all Beginning Pilates #13291 CARDIO ages. Hand weights and tubes strengthen Pilates with resistance bands for whole Aerobic Interval #13232 and tone muscles, while improving body conditioning. Strength training, Combination of aerobic conditioning and flexibility and balance. stability work, and gentle stretching will muscle work using weights, bands, balls improve core strength, posture, balance T 8:30-9:30a A $63 (Sr. $51) and flexibility. and steps. This is a great cardiovascular Th 8:30-9:30a B $58 (Sr. $47) workout! Sun 11:45a-12:45p A $63 (Sr. $51) Th 9:40-10:40a A $58 (Sr. $47) Power Sculpting #13190 Sat 1:20-2:20p B $63 (Sr. $51) Intervals of aerobics and conditioning. Fitness Pilates #13290 Fast paced, easy to follow and a very Increase core strength and flexibility of Basic Aerobics #13300 effective fat burner. the spine, improve posture, alignment and Slower paced, entry-level workout for M 5:30-6:30p A $63 (Sr. $51) mind-body connection. all ages. 40 min. aerobics, 20 min. W 5:30-6:30p B $63 (Sr. $51) M 6:45-8:00a A $79 (Sr. $64) conditioning & stretch. Sculpt & Condition #13200 Matwork Pilates #13280 M 9:15-10:15a A $63 (Sr. $51) Tone and strengthen the total body. Mild Benefits include increased overall F 9:15-10:15a B $63 (Sr. $51) aerobic workout, adaptable yet challenging flexibility, abdominal strength and an for all fitness levels. Hand-held weights, overall sense of well being. Feel stronger and leaner as you develop your core. Basic Step #13330 tubes, bands provided. Slower paced, entry-level workout for Sat 9:20-10:20a A $63 (Sr. $51) M 10:30-11:30a A $63 (Sr. $51) all ages. Sharpen balance awareness W 10:30-11:30a B $63 (Sr. $51) and increase cardiovascular and muscle Pilates #13285 endurance. CYCLING This is an exercise system that is focused Studio Cycling #13420 on building strength without bulk, M 8:15-9:00a A $48 (Sr. $39) improving flexibility and agility, and W 8:15-9:00a B $48 (Sr. $39) Experience the high gear cardio energy of this indoor cycling class! Blast calories, helping to prevent injury. build muscle, and increase endurance. Th 4:00-5:00p A $58 (Sr. $47) Boot Camp #13400 Drop-ins not permitted when class is PiYo #13150 Ready to kick your workout routine up a at capacity. Mix of Pilates & yoga that increases notch? Come experience this high-energy, T 12:05-1:05p A $84 (Sr. $72) flexibility and core strength. All fitness whole body workout! This class can be F 6:15-7:15a B $84 (Sr. $72) levels welcome. adapted to most fitness levels and is sure F 11:30a-12:30p C $84 (Sr. $72) M 11:45a-12:45p A $63 (Sr. $51) to generate results. Th 6:40-7:40p B $58 (Sr. $47) W 6:10-7:10a A $63 (Sr. $51) DANCE Strengthen Yoga #13314 Dance & Tone #13234 This 60-minute yoga flow class, will A blend of different dance and aerobic challenge your sense of balance while Advanced Step #13210 intervals (salsa, cha-cha, line dancing, working your core and legs. Targets lower extremities, excellent fat etc.) combined with full body toning and T 4:25-5:25p A $63 (Sr. $51) burner. Advanced choreography and/or sculpting work. A great fitness activity for intensity. Stretch and Strengthen #13315 those who enjoy dancing, aerobics, and This class is for all ages to strengthen and T 6:45-8:00a A $79 (Sr. $64) having a good time! stretch all major muscle groups at their Th 6:45-8:00a B $72 (Sr. $59) T 9:40-10:40a A $63 (Sr. $51) own level. Core work and balance will be Sat 8:05-9:05a C $63 (Sr. $51) addressed. T 10:50-11:50a A $63 (Sr. $51) Step Interval #13231 Th 10:50-11:50a B $58 (Sr. $47) Combination of aerobic conditioning Tai Chi #13251 Personal Trainers! Harmonize body & mind, better handle using step and muscle work through If you’re looking for that extra weights, bands, and/or ball. This is a great stressful situations, learn to release body cardiovascular workout! boost of motivation, personal energy to move with unified integrity trainers are available. Photos using your structural alignment. All levels F 3:55-4:55p A $63 (Sr. $51) welcome. Instructed by Karla Groesbeck. and bios of each trainer are T 6:40-7:40p A $63 (Sr. $51) available on the bulletin board Yoga #13274NEW! For additional information, contact at the facility and our website Class includes breath control, meditation, Gus Rosa, Parks & Facilities Supervisor at parks.ewashtenaw.org. and the adoption of specific bodily (734) 971-6355 x0 | [email protected] postures to increase health and relaxation. F 5:05-6:05p A $63 (Sr. $51)

6 Fall 2016 | Newsletter parks.ewashtenaw.org [email protected]

REC CENTER BRIEFS

MARTIAL ARTS & SELF DEFENSE LATIN AEROBICS Pool Improvements Commando Krav Maga (CKM) #13243 Latin Aerobics #13136 CKM is an Israeli reality-based self- This fun and easy to follow cardio The next time you take a dip in the pool, you’ll defense system that teaches tactics and dance class combines high-energy and notice some changes have been made to improve techniques to survive violent encounters. motivating Latin music with unique moves your pool-time visit. Besides cleaning and grouting CKM is taught by Level 7 instructor Mike and combinations that make you feel like the pool area tiles, the base of the pool gutter was Trester. you are partying on the dance floor! resealed and a few drain covers were changed M 7:45-9:15p A $85 W 9:15-10:15a A $63 (Sr. $51) to comply with current standards. However, the Sat 10:35-11:35a B $63 (Sr. $51) biggest improvement was made to the pool’s water Tae Kwon Do quality management system. Learn the technique, strength and Zumba Fitness® #13132 proficiency of this martial arts style under This Latin-based aerobic fitness class uses Over the past few weeks, a new filtration system was the instruction of Grand Master B.C. Yu. easy, fast, and slow rhythms set to fun installed including new pumps and the addition of Youth (Ages 5-12) Sun/W 4:00-5:00p #13240 Latin and international music. A real “feel an ultraviolet water treatment unit. Our goal is to 9/7-9/28 A $42 happy” cardio workout! increase water clarity, reduce chloramine gases that 10/2-10/30 B $54 M 6:40-7:40p A $63 (Sr. $51) can cause respiratory irritation, and improve the 11/2-11/30 C $54 F 6:15-7:15p b $63 (Sr. $51) water’s sanitary condition. As a reminder, please Adult (Ages 12 and up) T/Th 7:45-8:45p #13241 take a 15-30 second shower before entering the ® 9/6-9/28 A $48 Zumba Gold #13138 pool. Doing this simple task will further protect 10/4-10/27 B $48 Class combines zesty Latin and the sanitary quality of the water. Enjoy your swim! 11/1-11/29 C $48 international rhythms with exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves and an invigorating Adult/Youth - Advanced Sun 3:00-4:00p #13242 party-like atmosphere. The pacing and *Class concentrates on more specific techniques. moves are designed to suit the needs of Halloween Bash Must be a Green Belt or greater to participate. the active older participant, as well as 9/11-9/25 A $18 Saturday, October 29, 6:30-8:30pm those just starting their journey to a fit Put on your Halloween garb, and join us as the 10/4-10/30 B $30 and healthy lifestyle. 11/6-11/27 C $24 gymnasium is transformed into a Halloween F 10:20-11:20a A $63 (Sr. $51) Haven! Get ready for some tricks, some treats, and Zumba Toning® #13137 everything in between. Don’t miss out on a festive An innovative muscle training program night of family fun and prizes—and we’ll top the WATER AEROBICS using lightweight dumbells in combination night off with an amazing balloon drop! Water Aerobics #11200 with Latin-inspired dance rhythms. It Cost: $6/person, $22/family of 4 and $3 each Looking for a new and refreshing way to provides participants with a safe, effective, stay in shape? Water aerobics is a great redefining total body workout. additional child; register at the front desk or online at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. low impact workout that can improve Sun 12:10-1:10p A $63 (Sr. $51) strength, flexibility, circulation and W 6:40-7:40p B $63 (Sr. $51) cardiovascular stamina. Workouts can easily be tailored to match your abilities. Class Registration Options No swimming skills required. In person • Fax • Mail • Online M 9:00–10:00a A $63 (Sr. $51) Group Fitness Hotline Online registration at: M 6:00–7:00p B $63 (Sr. $51) 734-971-6355, #5 parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. T 9:00–10:00a C $63 (Sr. $51) Forms are available at the front desk or T 10:00–11:00a D $63 (Sr. $51) Call for daily, current class online at: parks.ewashtenaw.org W 9:00–10:00a E $63 (Sr. $51) schedule; updated only to (select “Forms & Publications” and under W 6:00–7:00p F $63 (Sr. $51) the “Application Forms” drop-down menu Th 9:00–10:00a G $58 (Sr. $47) announce class cancellations. Th 10:00–11:00a H $58 (Sr. $47) (Substitutes for regular instructors choose “Class Registration Form”) F 9:00–10:00a I $63 (Sr. $51) will not be recorded) Mail to: Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center Sat 9:00–10:00a J $63 (Sr. $51) P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645 Fax: 734-971-2094

Class Fee Refund Policy Cancelled or full class Full refund Before class begins Full refund less $5 service fee After class begins* Pro-rated refund less $5 service fee Missed class No refund

*Refund after 1st class only with letter from doctor for medical disability or from employer indicating transfer from the area

Fall 2016 | NewsletterFall 2016 7 Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (734) 971-6337

Instructional Swim Registration Required

I Online Registration: 9/4 - 9/23 II Online Registration: 10/9 - 11/4 For online registration, select the Walk-in Registration: 9/6 - 10/1 Walk-in Registration: 10/10 - 11/12 name of the child you would like to Lessons Run: 9/25 - 10/29 Lessons Run: 11/6 - 12/17* enroll from the drop-down menu. *No Classes: 11/22 - 11/27

GROUP SWIM LESSONS YOUTH ADULT & TEEN Parent Tot 1 $40 #11010 Level 1 $45 #11060 Beginning Swimmer $50 (Sr. $40)#11111 (6 mos–18 mos with adult) With adult (At least 5 yrs) Children who can float (16+ yrs) Designed for those with little or participation, infants and toddlers learn and kick on both front and back without no water experience. Class will focus on to enjoy water activities. Songs and games support begin to complete their strokes. water comfort and introduction of strokes. teach the children water comfort. One Focus on stroke completion and technique. Session I Session II adult per child. Session I Session II Th 6:30-7:30p A B Session I Session II Th 4:00–4:40p A H Sat 11:00–11:25a A C Th 4:50–5:30p B I Intermediate Swimmer$50(Sr. $40)#11112 Sat 12:30–12:55p B D Th 5:40–6:20p C J (16+ yrs) Designed for students with some Sat 10:00–10:40a D K water experience and swimming ability. Parent Tot 2 $40 #11020 Sat 10:50–11:30a E L Class will focus on stroke improvement, (18 mos–3 yrs with adult) Through songs Sat 11:40a–12:20p F M including correct breathing coordination. and games, and with adult help, pre-school Sat 12:30–1:10p G N Session I Session II aged children learn water comfort and Th 6:30-7:30p A B simple water skills. One adult per child. Level 2 $45 #11070 Session I Session II (Must pass Level 1 or with permission) Sat 10:30–10:55a A C Learn to combine and coordinate basic Sat 12:00–12:25p B D swimming skills into complete strokes. Rhythmic breathing introduced; front and Parent Tot 3 $40 #11030 back crawls will improve. (2½–4+ yrs with adult) We’ll begin to Session I Session II practice skills from Preschool 1; for kids Th 4:00–4:40p A H who aren’t ready to be in the water without Th 4:50–5:30p B I a parent. One adult per child. Th 5:40–6:20p C J Sat 10:00–10:40a D K Session I Session II Sat 10:50–11:30a E L Sat 10:00–10:25a A C Sat 11:40a–12:20p F M Sat 11:30–11:55a B D Sat 12:30–1:10p G N PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS Preschool 1 $40 #11040 (At least 4 yrs) Great for beginners! Level 3 $45 #11080 Children with little or no water experience (Must pass Level 2 or with permission) Private Swim Lessons $100 #11000 will learn water comfort, supported Deep water comfort is a must. Improved (4+ yrs) One-on-one instruction to fit floating/kicking, basic arm movement. stroke technique and endurance is the individual needs. Five week sessions. A focus. Children work on more distance second person may be added to the same Session I Session II with front and back strokes, along with lesson for $50. Th 4:00–4:25p A G breaststroke and treading water. Session I Session II Th 5:00–5:25p B H Sun 2:00-2:30p A K Th 6:00–6:25p C I Session I Session II Sun 2:30-3:00p B L Sat 10:00–10:25a D J Th 4:00–4:40p A E Sun 3:00-3:30p C M Sat 11:00–11:25a E K Th 4:50–5:30p B F Sun 3:30-4:00p D N Sat 12:00–12:25a F L Sat 10:00–10:40a C G Sat 11:40a–12:20p D H Tues 5:00-5:30p E O Tues 5:30-6:00p F P Preschool 2 $40 #11050 Tues 6:00-6:30p G Q (4–5 yrs) Children already comfortable Level 4 $45 #11090 Tues 6:30-7:00p H R in the water will practice swimming skills (Must pass Level 3 or with permission) Th 6:30-7:00p I S without support. Floating, kicking, front Students will refine and improve all Th 7:00-7:30p J T crawl and back crawl will be taught. strokes learned while increasing endurance Session I Session II and stroke efficiency. More distance is Jeremy Hodges, Parks & Facilities Supervisor Th 4:30–4:55p A F introduced. (734) 971-6355 x210 | [email protected] Th 5:30–5:55p B G Session I Session II Sat 10:30–10:55a C H Th 5:40–6:20p A D Sat 11:30–11:55a D I Sat 10:50–11:30p B E No make-ups for missed Sat 12:30–12:55p E J Sat 12:30–1:10p C F instructional swim classes

8 FallFall 20162016 | Newsletter parks.ewashtenaw.org [email protected]

SHARON MILLS SITE MASTER PLAN ADOPTED Enhancing Recreation and Conservation in Western Washtenaw County Richard Kent, Park Planner

This past June, the Parks Commission wooded area behind the adopted the Sharon Mills County Park Site pavilion to allow greater Master Plan to guide future development access to the River Raisin. over the next ten years and beyond. The To address erosion along Master Plan defines an overall vision for the river, the shoreline will the park; sets goals and objectives for be restored in a way that is the physical development of the site; and compatible with the historic establishes development phases and sets setting. The mill will also priorities. receive enhanced exhibits and interpretive signage. The master planning document was prepared by WCPARC staff with input Presently, a significant from the general public, neighboring portion of the property is property owners, local officials, and actively farmed. WCPARC interest groups. After two years of intends to increase the research and analysis, the approved natural areas by gradually Master Plan addresses improvements to converting farmland back the mill area, landscape restoration of to a native landscape. the larger 264-acre site, and increased This will, in turn, provide recreational amenities. These changes valuable habitat for wildlife will be accomplished in phases, the first and increase the aesthetics of which (2016-2025) are now in progress. of the site.

The following are significant site Recreation amenities

enhancements planned for the park: include trails connecting Whipple Credit: Lynn Plan of the Sharon mill area Sharon Mills Park to The area surrounding the mill building adjacent protected land owned by The the hiking trail system from approximately will be improved with a short trail in the Nature Conservancy (TNC), increasing three miles at Sharon Mills to 6.5 miles. The trails in the TNC preserve will, in turn, connect to State of Michigan land. FALL golf At Pierce Lake golf course Increased access to the river includes an overlook and canoe put-in/livery to be operated in cooperation with Village of Excellent Value Manchester. 18-hole weekday, primetime rates start at $38 with cart If demands grow, long term recreation (Special rates start after 2:00pm. Call for details.) amenities include a picnic pavilion, All Levels Welcome informal ball fields, and a play structure. 5 tee sets, up to 6,917 yds Please join us for an open house at Sharon Mills Park October 2, from 1-4pm, to view Exit 159 off I-94, 1/2-mile north on (734) 475-5858 the Site Master Plan. Parks staff will be M-52 in Chelsea www.piercelakegolf.com on-hand to answer questions.

Fall 2016 | Newsletter 9 Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (734) 971-6337

Halloween Events continued from front cover of fall favorites, including hay rides, a as the gymnasium is transformed into “Trek-or-Treat” trail, face painting, and a Halloween Haven for you and your We Want to carnival games. Be sure to stop by our family to enjoy. Get ready for some pumpkin patch to pick out your family’s tricks, some treats, and everything in Socialize With You! Halloween pumpkin! The Monster between. Don’t miss out on a night of Don’t miss a beat— Smash is sure to be your Halloween family fun and prizes—and we’ll top it follow us on social media! highlight with live music and costume off with an amazing balloon drop! contests! Not to mention, there will be Find us on YouTube at a fantastic and spooky “creatures of the So, Dash, Smash and Bash your way into Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. night” presentation by the Cranbrook fall! Each registered participant who Institute of Science! Event warning: attends two Halloween events will receive Follow us on Facebook at Failure to attend this spooktacular event a coupon toward future purchases at Washtenaw County Parks & will result in loss of fun for everyone! Independence Lake County Park, Rolling Recreation Commission. Hills County Park, or the Meri Lou Murray Tag your Instagram photos Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center Recreation Center. Attend all three events #washtenawcountyparks—you will be holding their annual “Halloween and receive an additional coupon for future just might be selected for our Bash” on October 29, from 6:30-8:30pm. park adventures! Registration information photo stream! Put on your Halloween garb, and join us is available on page 11.

GIS and Stewardship continued from page 3

Using ArcCollector, a program for mobile devices, parks staff are beginning to collect GPS-based data points while working in the field. Additionally, ArcCollector Spread awareness allows for staff to access the County’s existing GIS data including information about soils, elevations, and historic and support the aerial photographs thus improving staff ’s ability to evaluate landscapes and ecological health. This tool is currently being used for mapping trails and habitats, as well as documenting areas actively being restored through stewardship work. Future uses of this program could include improving communication between staff For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2aisw9x and streamlining work requests. or call (734) 484-9676

As protected land continues to grow, the Parks Commission will continue to September 18, 2016 • 11:00am integrate the best technologies in order to $30 Rolling Hills County Park improve efficiency and accuracy in caring for its special ecological sites.

10 Fall 2016 | Newsletter parks.ewashtenaw.org [email protected] 2016

CALENDAR Nature Program Cultural Program PROGRAMS & Special Event EVENTS Program Naturalist: Children’s Program (KB) = Kelsey Bolda (FS) = Faye Stoner Vehicle Park Entry Fee (SS) = Shawn Severance Program/Event Fee (all others FREE) Programs are subject to cancellation. Pre-Registration Required at Visit website for updates: parks.ewashtenaw.org. parksonline.ewashtenaw.org Trail in the fall at County Farm Park SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Sat, Sept 10 Sat, Oct 1 Tues, Nov 1 Family Camp Out Park It and Run! 5K | Rumblin’ Tumblin’ Pumpkin Mash Independence Lake Park 1 Mile Kids Run/Walk 3-7pm | Rolling Hills Park | Roll your 2-6pm tent set-up | Crafts, fishing, nature programs, Kids Run - 9am | 5K - 9:30am | Independence Lake carved pumpkins down the sledding hill and try to night hike, and more. $8/person. Pre-registration Park | Discount registration rates apply before 9/19. hit the targets at the bottom! required, contact Hannah at cooleyh@ewashtenaw. Registration #421300. Sat, Nov 12 org or (734) 449-4437 x.201. Sun, Oct 2 Junior Naturalist: Beginning Wild Crabapples | 1-4pm | County Farm Park, Dog Swim | 10am-noon Herbalism | 10-11:30am Medford Pavilion | Learn to use crabapples in Rolling Hills Water Park Parker Mill Park, log cabin | Learn how to prepare a chutneys and pickles. Hike to gather fruit, followed Come splash in the pool with your pup! $5 per healing skin salve from wild herbs. Each participant by a cooking demo. Bring a harvesting bucket. (SS) dog, owners get into water park free. Limit 2 will take home a cup of salve. Maximum of 10 dogs per owner. Times vary based on size of dog. Sat, Oct 8 children ages 7-12.Registration #811004-C. (SS) Registration #712302. Scarecrow Mystery Dash 10am-2pm | Independence Sun, Nov 13 Sun, Sept 11 Lake Park | Activities include: crafts, obstacle course, Hiking the Hills: A November Woods Walk Dog Swim | 10am-noon games, and cider and doughnuts. $6/person; $22/family 2-4pm | Tom A. Freeman Preserve | Identify Rolling Hills Water Park of 4 + $3 add. child. Registration #421301. trees, shrubs and other plants, and look for birds See above for information. Registration #712302. Sun, Oct 9 and mammals. Note: Some terrain is steep. Parking Vines of the Floodplain | 10am-noon Michigan Trees | 2-4pm | Burns-Stokes is located at Marshal Park off of Dixboro Rd., just Parker Mill Park | Wild Yam, Greenbriar, Virgin’s Preserve | Identify several common Michigan trees north of Plymouth Rd. (FS) Bower and other Michigan vines can be found and shrubs by observing leaves, bark, and buds. (KB) Thurs, Nov 17 Sat, Oct 15 growing along Fleming Creek. Hike the Hoyt Post Toddler Hike: Campfire Monster Smash Trail and learn about the many wild vines common 10-11:30am 12-3pm | Rolling Hills Park Celebration! in Washtenaw County. (FS) County Farm Park, Medford Pavilion Start at Family-fun event featuring favorite Halloween activities! | story circle and go on a short hike to put the fairy Sat, Sept 17 $6/person; $22/family of 4 + $3 add. child. Registration houses to rest for the winter. End hike at pavilion Junior Naturalist: Who’s That #721303. with a campfire, s’mores and tea (provided). Please Bird? | 10-11:30am Sun, Oct 16 bring a kid-friendly snack to share. Maximum of 15 Independence Lake Park | Learn how to identify Full Moon Hike and Campfire children ages 1-4. Registration #811003-C. (SS) birds by sight and sound. If you have binoculars and 7:30-9:30pm | County Farm Park, Medford a bird field guide please bring them! Maximum of 10 Pavilion | Celebrate the Falling Leaves Moon with a hike Sat, Nov 19 children ages 7-12. Registration #811004-A. (KB) at sunset, followed by hot drinks and s’mores. (SS) Campfire Cooking | 1-5pm Sat, Oct 22 Sun, Sept 18 Park Lyndon South, east lot | Experiment with Junior Naturalist: Lake Erie’s different methods of preparing meals around a | 8-10am Almost Autumn Bird Walk Ancient Shore | 10-11:30am campfire. Cooking equipment, food, recipes and Brauer Preserve | Explore open field, woods, Rolling Hills Park, The Lodge | Hike the shore of instructions will be provided. Bring a reusable and wetlands to looking for resident and migrating ancient glacial Lake Maumee and learn about the plate, bowl, silverware, and mug. (SS) bird species. Beginners and all ages welcome. (FS) glacial history of our region. Maximum of 10 Sun, Nov 27 Colors of Cancer 5K | 11am children ages 7-12. Registration #811004-B. (SS) Rolling Hills Park | Wear white Sun, Oct 23 Birding the Woods and Wetlands | 9-11am Trinkle Marsh Preserve | Hike along the and, by the end, you will display your support with Autumn Wetland Wander | 2-4pm marshes and in the woods. Beginning birders many colors! $30; kids 10 and under free. Riverbend Preserve | Identify plants, look for mid- welcome. Bring binoculars/bird book if you can. (FS) Registration #721300-B. For more info, contact autumn insects, and more. Wear waterproof boots. (FS) Allison at [email protected]. Thurs, Oct 27 Thurs, Sept 22 Toddler Hike: Signs of Fall 10-11am | County Farm Park, ONGOING Toddler Hike: All About Birds Medford Pavilion | Explore the autumn woods for 10-11am | County Farm Park, Parker Mill Tours leaves, birds, nuts, and seeds. Maximum of 15 Medford Pavilion | Learn about birds and make a Sept 11, 18 & 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, & 23 | 1-5pm children ages 1-4. Registration #811003-B. (SS) craft to take home. Maximum of 15 children ages 1-4. Parker Mill Park | Learn how the Parker family used Registration #811003-A. (SS) Sat, Oct 29 waterpower in the 1870s to grind flour, turn a lathe, Halloween Bash and run other machines in this operating pioneer Sat, Sept 24 6:30-8:30pm | Meri Lou Murray grist mill. Autumn Prairie Flowers | 2-4pm Rec Center | See page 7 for info. Sharon Mills Tours Leonard Preserve | Visit a beautiful tallgrass Sun, Oct 30 Sept 4 & 18, Oct 2 &16 | 1-4pm prairie at its peak wildflower display. Abundant Exploring the Whitmore Lake Preserve Sharon Mills Park | Learn about the mill’s varied goldenrods and asters attract fall bees and 2-4pm | Whitmore Lake Preserve | Identify uses over time with a focus on Henry Ford’s migrating monarchs. (SS) plants, listen for birds, and more. (KB & FS) influence and innovation. Fall 2016 | Newsletter 11 -and- olling HillsCountyPark &Water Park L. arker MillCountyPark K. J. ou Murray Recreation Center I. ark Northfield H. G. ce Lake GolfCourse &Park F. on MillsCountyPark E. anaugh Lake CountyPark D. C. ark Lyndon B. A. Washtenaw County

Washtenaw &Recreaton County Parks Commission Facility Map

PRE-SORT

Parks & Recreation

Parks &Recreation Facilities

439 acres Nelson Meade County Farm Park R Superior Cent P Swift RunDogP Meri L P Osborne MillPr Independenc Pier Shar Cav P P.O. Box 8645 STANDARD

Ann Arbor, MI Independence Lake Park Pierce Lake GolfCourse Administrative Offices (at CountyFarm Park) US POSTAGE PAID Ann Arbor, MI48104 48107-8645 Ann Arbor, MI48107 fax (734)971-6386 tel (734)971-6337 Recreation Center Rolling HillsPark Mailing Address: 2230 PlattRoad

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Natural Areas Preservation Program

Washtenaw &Recreaton County Parks Commission Facility Map Albert J K 160 acres L De Br Er L 99 acres Dr Me West Lak F Squier Riv R Nanc Burns 19 1 A D 13 . MillerandRobert & e Preserve e Preserve 2 10 21 | | | | 226acres 157acres 260acres 55acres | 259acres | | 217acres 53acres 20 | | 73acres 126acres | 29acres | 29acres 3 8

| 160acres | 48acres †

5 | 4 parks.ewashtenaw.org info, anddetailed directions at Visit usonline for photos, maps, 12 16 F wood Heritage Preserve 25. er WoodsPreserve 23. 21. 18. 17. 16. † 27. 26. om A.Freeman Preserve atherbee Woods 24. 22. rinkle Marsh atEaston Preserve Farm on ShortHillsPreserve 20. 19. * Publicaccess notavailable atthistime portions protected viaNAPP E Owned by SoutheastMichiganLand Conservancy;

| 103acres K 84acres 14 | 16acres 23 6 7 | 100acres 22 |