The natural areas along the Huron River Corridor in Ann Arbor offer the interested explorer an opportunity to see some of nature's finest works. Among the thirteen natural communities presented, one can see different ecosystems of marshes, meadows, prairies, old fields, shrublands, and various types of forests. Each of the ecosystems offers common, rare, and extremely rare plants to discover and fascinating animals to see. This readable and easily accessible guide to thirteen gems along the river presents comprehensive trail information and accurate descriptions of the 630 acres of undeveloped green space in Ann Arbor. Each ecosystem is explained in understandable language. Maps of each natural area offer precise and detailed information of what you will see and where you will find what you are looking for. Tables and charts provide concise and informative comparisons of the parks. Useful illustrations and accurate descriptions of the plants, animals, and locations help the explorer get the most pleasure from a visit to every natural community presented in the book.
This guide is the result of the work of more than fifty volunteers who assisted with the inventories of plants, amphibians, butterflies, and breeding birds along the Huron River, numerous volunteers who helped restore the native community, and the cooperation of staff from the University of Michigan and the Washtenaw County Department of Parks and Recreation. It was written by the staff of the Natural Area Preservation Division of the Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation.