Parks and Recreation
School Programs Detailed
Please find detailed information on each of the tours available. Additionally, each park provides a link to additional general park information.
PARK LYNDON
COUNTY PARK: located in
western Washtenaw County, just north
of Chelsea, on North Territorial
Road
Park Lyndon contains over 400 acres of some of the wildest nature in
southeastern Michigan, including the Embury Swamp
Natural Area Preserve. Woodlands, marshes, fens, swamps, and geologic
landforms are used to explain how glacial events 10,000 years ago created
one of the most unique preserves in the state. Note: Park Lyndon is divided
into North and South. Trails used will depend on program topic. Note: Lyndon
South has a small cabin that can be used during nature field
trips.
Special program topics: glacial geology, wetlands,
forest ecology
Trail length: 1 to 1.5 miles, hilly terrain
Lyndon tour length: 2 hours, shorter walks can be
arranged
INDEPENDENCE LAKE
COUNTY PARK: located in
north central Washtenaw County, just
west of Whitmore Lake, at
3200 Jennings Road
The mile-long Prairie Meadows Nature trail focuses on the two most
notable features of the park: Cordgrass Marsh and a remnant tall-grass
prairie. Students will discover first hand the wonders of one of the best
natural tall-grass prairies in Washtenaw
County and experience various wetland habitats.
Boardwalks and an observation tower provide unique viewing opportunities. A
newly renovated office complex includes an Activity Room, where slide
presentations can be offered, and groups can eat snack/lunches
indoors.
Special program topics: prairie habitat, wetlands, frogs
and toads/pond life (life cycles-spring only)
Trail length: 1 mile, flat terrain
Tour length: 2 hours, shorter walks can be arranged
ROLLING HILLS COUNTY
PARK: located in
southeastern Washtenaw County, at
7660 Stony Creek Road
This former Lake Erie shoreline contains a gently rolling
landscape with a pond, wet-meadow, woodlot, an ancient dune, and a man-made
prairie. Various topics can be taught.
Note: Rolling Hills has a lodge and sledding hill that could be incorporated
into a winter field trip.
Special program topics: habitats, birds (especially in spring, we
have a nesting box program here), frogs and toad/pond life (life
cycles-spring only)
Trail length: many options, varies from .25 to 1 mile
Tour length: 1 to 2 hours
COUNTY FARM
PARK: located in
southeast Ann Arbor, at 2230 Platt
Road
County Farm Park was once an
actual working farm, but nature is slowly reclaiming the area. General
nature topics are good themes to choose for field trips here.
A designated nature trail - Britton
Woods: These woods contain typical tree and wildflower
species for our area (spring wildflowers, including trillium, are abundant
here) and offer a pleasant forest visit
Special program topics: forest ecology, spring wildflowers
Trail length: mile to mile (can be lengthened by
using walking trails)
Tour length: 1 hour (can vary)
PARKER MILL
COUNTY PARK: located in eastern Washtenaw
County, just east of Ann Arbor,
at 4650 Geddes Road
Parker Mill is a unique park, for it offers field trip opportunities
for historical learning, as well as nature
programming.
**Parker Grist Mill**
- The field trip at the mill is an indoor/outdoor tour of
the County's only operational pioneer flour mill. Students will learn about
early area history, operation of the mill machinery, and see the processing
of corn into flour, meal, and cracked corn. Due to the small size of the
mill buildings, groups are limited to 30 people per tour.
Special program topics: Washtenaw County history, 19th
century milling
Trail length: less than 100 yards
Tour length: 1 hour
**Hoyt G. Post Memorial Trail - This trail is a
beautiful winding boardwalk that will accommodate wheelchairs and others who
need a safe level hiking surface, while providing a comprehensive nature
experience. Interpretive platforms and signs discuss life the along the
Fleming Creek floodplain as well as flood cycles and the influence of
glaciers. The trail, which leads to a view of the Huron
River, is intended to be self-guiding, but an interpreter can be
provided, schedule allowing.
Special program topics: floodplain forest habitat
Trail length: about 1.25 miles (ADA handicap accessible)
Tour length: 1.5 to 2 hours for staff guided tour
