Events

Thurston Nature Center (TNC) is mostly owned by the Ann Arbor Public Schools and is used for their Science and Outdoor Education curriculum.  It is 18 acres in size, including an 7-acre pond, on the north end of Thurston Elementary School grounds.  It has several ecosystems, including a mature oak/hickory forest remnant, a tall-grass prairie, five rain gardens, and a young oak savanna/short-grass prairie.  A long-time goal was to include every significant Michigan-native tree, which has been nearly met.  More recently, we have concentrated on returning native forbs and grasses to areas we have cleared of buckthorn, honeysuckle, phragmites and many other invasives.

Jim Vallem, TNC Land Steward, will be giving us a guided tour pointing out the various ecosystems, using the route shown on the flier (bring your own copy if you wish).

Some portions of the route may be a bit muddy, so hiking boots may be appropriate.

People should park on Prairie Street near the eastern end of Renfrew Street.  We will start the tour there (Point of Interest #1 on the tour map).