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Visit Nan Weston Nature Preserve and see lots of wildflowers

Courtesy photo. Marsh marigold

Courtesy photo. Cape May warbler.
Courtesy photo. Cape May warbler.

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

Thanks to the foresight of Michigan Nature Conservancy and the generosity of the family of Nan Weston, residents of the Chelsea/Dexter 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. 

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 Nature Preserve in her honor and memory.

Today the preserve includes glacial moraine, flood plain forest, wooded wetlands, and a natural stretch of the Raisin River. More than 260 plant species have been identified on the site, and although some logging did occur many years ago, the woodlands have recovered and look much the same as they did before the first settlers arrived.

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.

Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.

But wildflowers are not the only attraction.The preserve hosts a remnant population of the eastern box turtle, one of the few left in southeast Michigan. It is also a favorite spring stop-over for migrating warblers and other songbirds. The cerulean warbler, oven bird, scarlet tanager and the impressive pileated woodpecker nest here.

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.

The best time of day to visit the Preserve depends on the reason for going. Nature photographers will want to be there in early morning when the light is soft and the winds are calm, or on cloudy days when there are no harsh shadows to make wildflower photography difficult. Bird watchers will also want to come early in the day while the waves of migrating song birds that arrived during the night are busy feeding. Those who come just to enjoy the flowers or a pleasant walk in the woods, would do well to come on 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 Rd., and follow it a short distance to its end at Easudes Road.Turn left and travel .9 of a mile 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.

Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.

For those who would like a personal tour of the Nan Weston Preserve, the Nature Conservancy will host a spring field trip through the preserve on Saturday, May 4 from 4-6 p.m. Conservancy naturalists will guide visitors through the preserve’s floodplain forests, rippling springs, and pocket wetlands. All can expect to see emerging wildflowers, turtles sunning on logs, and salamanders scurrying under leaves and logs. Large flower trillium should be at their best.

While this tour is free, advance registration is required since the number of participants is limited. To register, click here and follow the registration link or call 517-316-2285.

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

Courtesy photo. Eastern box turtle
Courtesy photo. Eastern box turtle

 

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