Viva la Vino

Wed, 04/04/2007 - 6:03pm by Debbie G.

April is Michigan Wine Month and there are events for wine enthusiasts and novices alike: classes, weekend vineyard getaways, wine trails, tastings, festivals. For a complete list of Michigan wine events, wineries, and to preview the new Michigan Wine Country magazine, visit the Michigan Wines web site.

Great News for Hackers and Hobbyists!

Thu, 03/22/2007 - 4:18pm by anned

Grab your Dremel, soldering iron, and those old electronic parts that are collecting dust in your closet. The Downtown Library, Pittsfield Branch, and Malletts Creek now carry the magazine Make: technology on your time.

Make combines articles on science, technology, and art with DIY projects reminiscent of 1960s Popular Mechanics. The latest issue shows you how to assemble a cloud chamber that will track cosmic rays, build a panoramic pinhole camera, make a $5 crackerbox amplifier, plus oodles of other things that you can construct using a bit of ingenuity, passion, and free time. Want even more info or to interact with other makers? Visit Make’s website and check out their blog, podcasts, projects, and more.

Mosaics @ the MRF

Mon, 03/05/2007 - 11:46am by Debbie G.

Create your own mosaic tile from found art, recycled glass and ceramic pieces at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Saturday, March 10th at 10 and 11 a.m. or Tuesday, March 13th at 3 and 4 p.m. Don’t forget to take a tour of the recycling operations while you’re there. The tile making and tours are free. Call 734-994-4722 for more information or to register groups of 5 or more.

A Bog, A Kettle, A Lake

Sun, 03/04/2007 - 4:17pm by Debbie G.

Washtenaw County Naturalist Extraordinaire Faye Stoner will lead a hike at Park Lyndon South's Lake Genevieve on Sunday, March 11, 2-4 p.m., exploring and explaining kettle lakes, bogs, fens and fauna. Meet Faye at the West Lot and wear boots and pants that can get wet.

Help Fight Plant Blight

Tue, 02/27/2007 - 4:10pm by Debbie G.

The Natural Area Preservation is holding a training session on Thursday, March 8, noon-5 p.m. for volunteers interested in assisting with the prescribed ecological burn program. Without prescribed fires, invasive plants gain a competitive edge, threatening the existence of native plants like upland boneset and oval ladies tresses.

Go Team Go!

Thu, 02/22/2007 - 4:23pm by Debbie G.

Let’s put the trees back in Tree Town. Join a Tree Team and help replant trees lost in Ann Arbor due to the emerald ash borer infestation. Volunteers interested in forming a neighborhood or school area Tree Team, please call Global ReLeaf at 800-642-7353 or visit their website to register a team.

Calling All Bird Counters

Mon, 02/12/2007 - 11:56am by Debbie G.

Join beginners and experts in the 10th annual Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 16-19, 2007. Take part wherever you are – at home, in school, at a local park. Have a field guide to Michigan birds handy. For extra fun, try identifying our feathered friends by their birdsongs.

Cabin Fever Relievers

Tue, 02/06/2007 - 10:27am by Debbie G.

Cross-country ski by lantern light at Hartwick Pines State Park on Saturday Feb. 10th and Saturday Feb. 24th, 6 to 9 p.m. It’s free and you can call 989-348-2537 for up-to-the-minute ski conditions. Closer to home, the Hudson Mills Metropark’s 3.5-mile paved hike/bike trail is cleared all winter for walking, jogging and cycling. Something even warmer in mind? Walk, swim, dribble and dance at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center on Washtenaw Ave.

Mush!

Tue, 01/23/2007 - 11:14am by Debbie G.

Kids can have a day of winter fun at “Chillin’ at the Mills” on Saturday, January 27 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Hudson Mills Metropark. Pull a dog sled, cross-country ski, learn about winter camping and then head over to the shelter building for hot cocoa and Girl Scout cookies courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Huron Valley Council.

Rethinking the Plaza

Wed, 01/10/2007 - 9:55am by Debbie G.

The City of Ann Arbor and the Downtown Development Authority are seeking further input through Jan. 31, 2007 on plans to improve Sculpture Plaza. Plans include new lighting, landscaping and reconfiguring the seating and tables. Offer your comments to City Parks Planner Amy Kuras by phone at 734.994.1827 or via email akuras@a2gov.org.