Title
Resolution Naming the Property Acquired from Toll MI VI Limited Partnerships as “Buttonbush Nature Area”
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the naming of the property acquired from Toll MI VI Limited Partnership as “Buttonbush Nature Area.” In March, 2019 the 16.07 acre parcel was in large part purchased by the City of Ann Arbor from Toll MI VI Limited Partnership, and a smaller section was donated. The property consists mainly of dry-mesic forest dominated by oaks and hickories. A large buttonbush swamp lies in the central portion of the site, and a stream flows to the south from the swamp. North of the swamp, several vernal pools provide habitat for amphibians.
The property is connected to Foxfire South Park on its western edge, and is not far from Oakwoods Nature Area to the east, which makes it an important link in the habitat corridor in the northeast area of Ann Arbor. Many interesting species can be found in this park, including wild turkey, wood thrush, wood frog, salamander species, bladdernut, swamp white oak, black ash, and turtlehead. In addition, the federally-threatened Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake has been observed in adjacent Foxfire South, and a Duke’s skipper butterfly, which is a protected threatened species in Michigan, was observed in the buttonbush swamp in 2002.
Staff
Prepared by: Dave Borneman, Deputy Manager, Natural Area Preservation
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Manager, Parks and Recreation
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The property contains high quality ecological features and species, including a buttonbush swamp; and
Whereas, The Parks Advisory Commission recommended at their September 17, 2019 meeting that the park be named, "Buttonbush Nature Area";
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and Council approve that the park acquired from Toll MI VI Limited Partnerships, as shown on the attached map, be named "Buttonbush Nature Area.”