February is a busy month in the Ann Arbor parks

Swim indoors: Learn to swim classes available Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St.) has a variety of days/times available for private swim lessons - don't delay. Registration is also underway for the final group swim lesson classes before summer sessions begin. Sign up for both here.  Save the date: Summer day camp information will be available for viewing on March 1 and  registration opens Wednesday, April 8, at 8 a.m. sharp.

Get out and skate at Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena Lace up and head outside — Buhr Park is packed with skating fun all week, from Sticks & Pucks to themed open skates. This weekend * Friday, Feb. 6: Sticks & Pucks, 3:30-5 p.m.; Latin Night during open skate, 7-8:45 p.m. * Saturday, Feb. 7: Sticks & Pucks, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; open skate, 2:45-4:30 p.m. and 7:15-8:30 p.m. * Sunday, Feb. 8: Sticks & Pucks, 9-10 a.m.; open skate, 3:15-5:30 p.m. Ann Arbor Public Schools long weekend highlights (Friday, Feb. 13-Tuesday, Feb. 17) Additional open skate sessions are offered Friday, Feb. 13, Monday, Feb. 16, and Tuesday, Feb. 17, from noon-2 p.m., in addition to regularly scheduled times. * Friday, Feb. 13: Open skate, noon-2 p.m. and 7-8:45 p.m. (Valentine’s skate); Sticks & Pucks, 3:30-5 p.m. * Saturday, Feb. 14: Sticks & Pucks, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; open skate, 2:45-4:30 p.m. and 7:15-8:30 p.m. (Valentine’s theme) * Sunday, Feb. 15: Sticks & Pucks, 9-10 a.m.; open skate, 3:15-5:15 p.m. * President's Day Monday, Feb. 16: Open skate, noon-2 p.m. and 3:30-5 p.m.; Sticks & Pucks, 2:15-3:15 p.m.; drop-in hockey (18+), 9-10 p.m. * Tuesday, Feb. 17: Open skate, noon-2 p.m. and 4:45-6 p.m.; drop-in hockey (women’s), 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Volunteer opportunities are available this winter in the Ann Arbor parks
Check out the Ann Arbor Parks Volunteer Program website on VolunteerHub to register for upcoming volunteer events. All experience levels are welcome and we provide tools/supplies. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Help beautify, maintain and steward parks and natural areas. 

* Monday, Feb 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Join us for a volunteer event at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave.) to take down winter decorations and help tidy up around the rink. As a thank-you, everyone that volunteers can stay for FREE open skating immediately following the shift (skate rental included). Check-in at the front desk area. Register here.

* Monday, Feb. 16, 1-4 p.m. Help protect Ann Arbor’s biodiversity and public lands by cutting and removing invasive shrubs with hand saws and loppers. This work creates more space for native plants to thrive, providing food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Stapp Nature Area (entrance on Traverwood Drive south of the library). Register here.

* Thursday, Feb. 19, 3-4:30 p.m. Join us  at the Ann Arbor Senior Center as to prepare the outside of the building for spring. We will be taking down seasonal decorations and performing other cleanup tasks inside the center. 1320 Baldwin Ave. Learn more and register here.

* Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3-4:30 p.m. Join us at the Ann Arbor Farmer Market (315 Detroit St.) to get the market ready for spring and create an inviting space for vendors and visitors. Look for the volunteer check-in flag either at the market office or under the central awning. Register here.

* Saturday, March 7, 1-4 p.m. At this event, you’ll help protect Ann Arbor’s biodiversity and public lands by cutting and removing invasive shrubs with hand saws and loppers. Register here. Meeting Point: Kuebler Langford Nature Area entrance off of Beechwood Drive.

Join Natural Area Preservation for hands-on training Saturday, March 7 – Salamander Survey Kickoff and Training: 1-3 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Learn how to help monitor salamanders in Ann Arbor’s parks – there are five species here! Volunteers will select parks to survey and learn how to identify these rarely-seen silent amphibians. Register here. Friday, March 13 – Frog  and Toad Survey Kickoff and Training: 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. Everyone is invited to help monitor frog populations in Ann Arbor! No experience required. You will learn to identify frogs mainly by ear, optionally by eye, and chose an area of the city to survey. Register here.

Fun February happenings at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market! On Saturday, Feb. 7 the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will be open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 315 Detroit St. We will have warm drinks, plentiful produce, artisan goods, jams and honey, protein options, and more! In-season produce that you can find at the market this time of year includes the following: apples, beets, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, winter squash, leeks, brussels sprouts, parsnips, salad greens, turnips, sweet potatoes and more! The market will be taking place on Valentine’s Day this year and will coincide nicely with Srodek’s selling paczki before Mardi Gras! Stop by with friends, lovers, or yourself to grab a paczki and appreciate your local producer. Vendors accept cash, and tokens for credit/debit card, mobile payment and SNAP/EBT are available at the construction trailer in the parking lot. Any questions about food assistance at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market can be directed to staff at the construction trailer. Service animals only. Accessible restrooms are available. More information at our website.

Winter story time: Every Tuesday in February Sign up for the free and fun programs hosted at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena, 2150 Jackson Ave. We ask that you preregister for each (links below). The events are suitable for children ages 2-6 with an adult and younger siblings are welcome. Feb 10 - Animal Tracks: Explore the tracks that animals make in the snow and make your own with animals figures and paint. Register here. Questions email epotter@a2gov.org Feb 17 - Animal Hibernation: Learn which animals sleep through winter and make your own den to take home!  Register here. Questions email epotter@a2gov.org Feb 24 - Nocturnal Animals: Learn what animals are doing at night and make your own nocturnal animal to take home!  Register here. Questions email epotter@a2gov.org

NEW environmental education programs for kids during the Ann Arbor Public Schools break
Explore winter nature through hands-on activities for young learners. All classes are hosted by Eleva Potter, environmental educator. Programs are free, but preregistration is required.

Kindergarten through fifth frade: Wild Valentines
Friday, Feb. 13, 1–2:30 p.m. at the Burns Park Shelter. Participants will create nature-themed valentines using a variety of materials. Register here.

Prekindergarten: Winter Story Time
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Ice Arena. Participants will learn which animals sleep through the winter and create a take-home animal den. Sign up here.

Kindergarten through fifth grade: Animal Tracks
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1–2:30 p.m. at the Gallup Park Meeting Room. Participants will learn which animals live in Ann Arbor by identifying tracks left behind in the snow. This program will take place mostly outdoors. Participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Register here.

Mall walks
Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Briarwood Mall by the JC Penny and Panda Express entrance. Join a group of seniors and two staff members on a self-paced walk around the mall (one to two laps - up to you!) Enjoy light snacks and water after your laps  Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Brunch & Learn: How tooth loss affects overall health
Monday, Feb. 16, 10-11 a.m. Join the University of Michigan Dental School for this new presentation! We'll learn how tooth loss affects nutrition, overall health, and confidence. We'll also discuss denture options and how these treatments improve chewing and daily function as well as low-cost treatment options available for eligible seniors. Light brunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here to register or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Lunch and Learn: 10 essential questions to ask your home care agency
Wednesday, March 4, noon-1 p.m. Join our host Visiting Angels! Choosing the right home care agency is crucial for ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. This presentation outlines ten essential questions to ask when evaluating potential providers. From understanding caregiver qualifications to assessing emergency protocols and pricing structures, these key inquiries will help you make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term care, this guide will empower you to find a trustworthy and compassionate agency that meets your family's unique needs. Light lunch provided. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Free of charge.

Out and about lunch meetup
Thursday, Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. Our staff invites you to meet us for a luncheon out on the town! The restaurant will be shared upon registration. Limited spots available. Preregistration required by Feb. 13. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost: each person will pay their own bill.

Natural skin care workshop
Thursday, Feb. 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Show your skin some love by making your own hand salve and lip balm with natural materials including local conifer needles. There will be strong fragrances. All materials provided, no experience needed. Located at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin Ave. Preregistration required. Click here or call 734.794.6250. Cost is $5. 

Free knitting 101 class Are you interesting in learning to knit or want to improve your existing skills? Join us for this three-class program Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Burns Park Shelter (1300 Baldwin Ave.). We provide the supplies needed to get you going and the class is taught by an instructor in a fun + friendly environment! This is free but we ask that you preregister here please. The class is suitable for ages 18+.

Family trivia night - fun for all ages Join us at the Ann Arbor Senior Center, Friday, Feb. 20, 5-6:30 p.m. for trivia night. Questions are suitable for ages 4 to adult. Please preregister for this FREE event as a family/team. No more than six per group. Sign up here.

Replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge: Join us for an informational meeting 
The south pedestrian bridge along the Border to Border Trail in Barton Nature Area has reached the end of its useful life, and planning is underway for its replacement. Community members are invited to an informational online meeting to learn more: Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., online (only) via *Zoom.

The meeting presentation will explain reasons for the bridge replacement, the anticipated project process and funding considerations and will share early, draft concepts for the new structure. Attendees will also have opportunities to ask questions and provide comments.

*As the meeting time nears, the link to join will be posted on the South Barton Bridge Replacement project page. Visit the project page for details, and click the “follow” button to receive project updates as well.

Interested in volunteering at Veterans Memorial Ice Arena? We need skate guards and hockey announcers. Email cschmitt@a2gov.org or stop by the front desk at the ice rink.

Project Grow: Growing peaches in the home garden
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 7-9p.m. It can be rewarding to pick juicy peaches from your own trees, and frustrating when those trees fail to produce. With knowledge and care, it’s possible to grow good peaches in your Ann Arbor garden. Experienced gardener Dave Strayer will discuss planning, selection, planting, and routine care of peach trees. Topics include the importance of choosing the right varieties; strategies for dealing with common shortcomings of your yard, such as poor soils, shade, and frost; pruning and training; fertilizer; and pest control, including organic controls. Open to ages 18+. Click here to register. Call 734.996.3169. Cost is $5.