5/17/2008      57°F | Partly Cloudy
The University of Michigan
Arb Parking Tip There are often FREE street parking spaces available on Oswego St. near the Arb's Geddes Street entrance. Click here for a map.
what's in bloom
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum burst to life come spring time. The Peonies start to peek. The woody plants begin to flower. The daffodil line emerges at the Arb. Check out the bloom calendar.
Looking for a central location to hold a group meeting? How about catching up on some of your reading at a riverside bench? We have some of the University's best study spots.

Explore the changes in the land since farming ended on the property in the 1940s. Some of the old pastures can be recognized, while the old woodlots are becoming nice mature woods. The stands of one kind of tree (monocultures) are all part of mid 20th century land restoration practices - sheep had been grazed here and the land needed restoration work. This trail is a great place to take an exploratory hike or go bird watching, given the range of habitats. On rare occasions, visitors may see a fox.
 
The Blue Trail is one of the most ambitious hikes on the northern side of the gardens property. It begins along Fleming Creek and continues for nearly 2 miles, through wooded glacial terrain and past Rash Pond and Dix Pond. Access back to the building and parking is via the trailhead or extending your hike along the Yellow Trail.

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