Chelsea’s Best Kept Wildflower Secret (with slideshow)

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Tom Hodgson and the Waterloo Natural History Association for the information and photos in this column.)

Thanks to the foresight of Michigan Nature Conservancy and the generosity of the family of Nan Weston, residents of the Chelsea/Dexter/Manchester area have access to one of the premier wildflower woodlands in Southern Michigan. The 248-acre site is located on Easudes Road in Southwestern Washtenaw County. Woodland wildflower blooms are now at their peak, so this is a perfect time to visit.

The Nature Conservancy long recognized the value of this property and had been interested in acquiring it for many years. In 1983, the Conservancy purchased 22 acres adjacent to Easudes Road that would allow access to the 216 acre parcel to the south. In 1992, with the help of private and corporate donations, the Conservancy was able to purchase the larger parcel. However, funds were still needed to insure the continued care and maintenance of the property.

The family of the late Nan Weston, who was an avid nature lover, gave the Conservancy a generous donation for the continued preservation of the site. In return, the land was named the Nan Weston Preserve in her honor and memory.

From mid-April to mid-May, there is simply no better place to view spring wildflowers. During this period, woodland plants rush to bloom and set seed before they are deprived of sunlight by the expanding leaves of the forest canopy. The parade of blossoms begins with bright blue hepatica, and candy-striped spring beauties followed by Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, blood root, large-flowered trillium and wild ginger, just to name a few.

The Nature Conservancy has developed a series of well-marked trails to provide public access.   Strategically placed board walks provide safe and convenient passage over streams and through wetlands that would otherwise be largely impassible. In spring, some of the trails can be a little muddy, so visitors are advised to wear hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes that can withstand a little mud and water.

Nature photographers will want to be there in early morning when the light is soft and the winds are calm. Those who come just to enjoy the flowers should choose a sunny afternoon. Then flowers like spring beauty and hepatica that close up during cool  mornings and on cloudy days will be open and in all their glory.

To reach the Preserve from the Chelsea/Dexter area, take M-52 for 7.4 miles south from its junction with I-94 to the flashing light at Pleasant Lake Road. Turn right and follow Pleasant Lake Road for 3.2 miles to Sharon Hollow Road. Turn right on Sharon Hollow Road and follow it a short distance to its end at Easudes Road. Turn left and travel .9 miles to the preserve entrance, which will be on the left.

There is a small parking lot, just large enough for three or four cars. Look for the Nature Conservancy sign. The main trailhead begins at the sign.

While visiting the Preserve, for whatever purpose, The Nature Conservancy encourages visitors to please stay on the trails and always follow the motto “take only pictures and leave only foot prints.”

For those who can’t make it, a slide show below features some of what you missed.