Green Map Site Descriptions - Ann Arbor

The Argo Park Canoe livery is a barrier free facility that features over 100 canoes, rowboats, snacks, ice cold drinks and fishing supplies. River briefings are provided prior to your canoeing excursion down the scenic Huron River. 

From the City of Ann Arbor Website: Barton Nature Area is a 102-acre park located along the Huron River on Huron River Drive, a few miles north of downtown. (Actually, the park is in two sections. The larger main section is known locally as the oxbow. The western section, 24 acres of the total, is accessible by boat from Barton Pond and is known as Foster.) The main parking lot is located on Huron River Dr, just northwest of Bird Rd, near Barton Dam. A smaller pull-off lot is located further east on Huron River Dr. near M-14. Bridges from the parking areas allow pedestrian access to the oxbow area. There is a picnic area and toilet next to the main parking lot.

The main trail is wood-chipped, and connects the two bridges. Smaller unofficial paths lead to the river from various points along the main trail. Most of the oxbow area is open field. Some areas are shrubby. Lower wet areas support sedges and marsh plants. The smaller Foster section has a small trail through a more open woodland on its eastern side. Other unofficial trails are found on its wetter western side.

Gallup Park was named for Eli A. Gallup who served as Park Superintendent for Ann Arbor from 1919 to 1961 It is a barrier-free facility featuring canoe, kayak, paddleboat and bicycle rentals, snacks, cold drinks, fishing supplies and live bait. Other highlights include a wet prarie, the Elizabeth Dean Tree Grove, playgrounds, picnic shelters and fishing and observation decks.  Huron River Day is celebrated in early July and a Blues and Jazz Festival happens in September.

From the Metroparks webpage (given above): Delhi Metropark is a 53 acre park located three miles northwest of Ann Arbor. Picnicking facilities with tables and stoves, wells, swings and slides, shelter, fishing sites and softball diamonds. Proximity of parking areas to Huron River permits canoe launching. For picnic shelter reservations contact Hudson Mills Park Office.  Phone (734) 426-8211 or 1-800-477-3191. 

Two canoe trips from canoe rental in Delhi Metropark. Hudson Mills to Delhi and Dexter-Huron to Delhi. Deposit required. Open weekends in April, September and October, weather and river conditions permitting. Open daily May 1st through Labor Day. Open canoeing weekdays, reservations required weekends and holidays. Contact

Canoe Rental Building, phone (734) 769-8686 or Hudson Mills Park Office, phone (734) 426-8211 or

1-800-477-3191 for more information.

Furstenburg Park, 2950 Green Rd.

Furstenburg Nature Area received an Honor Award from the Michigan Society of Landscape Architects.  The award recognized the City of Ann Arbor Department of Parks and Recreation and Pollack Design Associates for the design and natural area management of the park.  Some of the features of the nature area include the Shrubb-Carr Wetland, the Sedge Meadow, demonstration prarie garden, oak-savannah restoration, tall grass prarie, and the cattail marsh.

Sugarbush City Park, 3228 Rumsey

Area includes wetlands that serve as a rest area during waterfowl migration.  Many wood ducks are seen gathering here in the fall.  Winter often offers excellent ice skating.

1900 West Liberty (to 2010 Fair Street)

Serves as a drainage area protecting local neighborhoods from flooding. It also serves as a wildlife habitat for birds, spring peepers, and hardwood trees. The area contains wildflowers such as Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Mayapple. It has the only path connecting West Fair and Virginia Parks. Furthermore, the wetland pond is a children's ice skating rink and an environmental oasis.

Carpenter Rd. Drain Wetland Basin, 3000 Carpenter Rd.

Constructed by the County Drain Commissioner's Office, it is a wetland that provides habitat as well as stormwater quantity and quality control for a developed watershed. It was awarded the 1998 Urban Stormwater Management Award from the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners.

Approximately 12,000 tons of leaves, grass clippings, christmas trees and other yard debris is delivered to the compost center annually where it is converted into either mulch or compost. The finished compost is sold in the community, and reduces the need for fertilizer and peat.

Project Grow Composting Demo, 1831 Traver Road (Leslie Science Center)

Project Grow's website listed in the near future

Project Grow is Washtenaw County's community gardeing organization.  Using land donated by the city of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, the public schools and area churches, Project Grow rents garden space at seven sites throughout Ann Arbor.  Gardeners pay a small fee for garden rental and also provide at least two hours of volunteer time to help with their community garden.  Project Grow also sponsors educational programs in the community including the Children's Garden and Earth Day at the Leslie Science Center.

InSite Design, 150 South Fifth Ave.

John Barrie Associates, 1050 Pinetree Drive

Sunstructures, 201 East Liberty

This facility recycles various grades of mixed paper and containers. In addition, it also accepts a number of harder-to-recycle items such as auto and household batteries, packing peanuts, egg cartons, Styrofoam, hardcover books, tires, automotive fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid), appliances, concrete, furniture, mattresses, building materials and scrap metal. In addition, the facility accepts yard waste and wood waste, and sells finished compost and mulch made from these materials. 

The Home Toxics Center offers a permanent drop-off site where residents can safely dispose of household hazardous wastes. Educational programs and information on safe, non-toxic alternatives to toxic household products are available as well. All services are provide free of charge.

Materials Recovery & Transfer Facility (MRF), 4150 Platt Rd.

The MRF was made possible through strong voter support of a 1990 Environmental Bond.  Many materials used in the construction of the MRF were made from recycled material including ceiling tiles, steel frame and reinforcing, aluminum, asphalt, insulation, flooring, signs, plastic bumper blocks and parking stops, totaling almost 14 million pounds of recycled content material.  In October 1998 it was estimated that the MRF processes nearly 100 tons of recyclables a day.  The City's residential waste recovery rate (including both recycling and composting of yard waste) is one of the nation's best at 53%.  The MRF also has an educational center (tours by appointment 994-2807) and the famous "landfill gas to energy" mural.

Recycle Ann Arbor (RAA) founded in 1977, is a private non-profit organization which provides education and innovative services in the collection, processing and shipping of recyclable materials.  RAA recycling programs include commercial recycling services for businesses,  weekly curbside collection under contract to the more than 120,000 residents of Ann Arbor and the very popular ReUse Center (see 214).

Ann Arbor Landfill Gas to Energy Projects, 4120 Platt Road

The City of Ann Arbor has partnered with private business to capture approximately 1,000,000 cuft/day of landfill gas and use it to fuel generators to produce electricity. The project captures a polluting greenhouse gas (methane (CH4)) and generates 1.6 megawatts of electicity, enough for over 1,000 homes.

Barton Dam (hydro-electric), 201 Barton Shore Drive

The City of Ann Arbor has refurbished two of its four dams to produce hydroelectric power. These dams operate on "run-of-the river" flow which does not disturb the natural cycles of the Huron River. They produce clean, renewable energy.

Buhr Pool (solar pool heating), 2751 Packard

The City of Ann Arbor has constructed 2,000 square foot solar pool heating systems for two of it's large municipal swimming pools.  The solar collectors heat the pool water when necessary and displaces natural gas to heat the pool. The solar collector's provide 50%-80% of the heating requirements of the pools.   For more information on the pool facility, please visit the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation web page at www.ci.ann-arbor.mi.us/framed/parks/index.html

Veteran's Pool, (solar pool heating), 2150 Jackson Ave.

The City of Ann Arbor has constructed 2,000 square foot solar pool heating systems for two of it's large municipal swimming pools.  The solar collectors heat the pool water when necessary and displaces natural gas to heat the pool. The solar collector's provide 50%-80% of the heating requirements of the pools.   For more information on the pool facility, please visit the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation web page at www.ci.ann-arbor.mi.us/framed/parks/index.html

The ReUse Center accepts donations of and then sells used building materials, household goods, major appliances and furniture. The mission of the ReUse Center is to keep good items out of the waste stream and make them available and affordable for reuse.

Catholic Social Services, Whitewood St.

Forsythe Park, 747 Packard Rd

Forsythe Park, named after the original landowner, began as an old gas station on the busy corner of Packard and Arch. The city purchased the property in 1974 through a unique collaboration and it became a city park, 1/3 acre in size. When it was first purchased, neighborhood residents in conjunction with the Ann Arbor Jaycees donated well over 1000 volunteer hours and funding to transform the site from a contaminated eyesore to a useful park. But over the years it became obvious that the park was in need of renovation and updating. In hopes of recreating the original volunteer efforts at the park, the Department of Parks and Recreation with Pam Stuckman as Park Planner, redesigned the area and contacted organizations regarding the need for renovation. The effort was successful as neighbors and Ann Arbor Jaycees once again came forward to help transform the park. 

A grant was provided from the City's Solid Waste Department Buy Recycled Grant Program to assist in funding, and artist Matt De Genaro was commissioned to design a sculpture from recycled materials representing "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle." Collective efforts from the City's Park Operations staff and Margolis Nursery to renovate the plaza created a new plaza that demonstrates prudent use of our resources while creating a beautiful setting. In honor of this special effort, the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association awarded Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation their "Innovative Park Resource Award," stating "Through a partnership with neighbors, service organizations, businesses, and city department, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation successfully demonstrate prudent use of resources, especially at a time when our environment is so fragile." The result of this collaborative effort is an attractive plaza providing a place for children and community members to gather.

Kiwanis Club, 200 First Street

From 9:00 am till noon on most every Saturday, the Kiwanis "yard sale" is the place to go if you like to hunt for bargains.  Clothing, books, housewares, electronics, furniture, art, etc. sometimes fun to go to see what is there.  One Saturday last November they had two motorcycles for sale.

Klothes Kloset, 2410 East Stadium

Consignment shop for career woman.

Once Upon a Child, 3426 Washtenaw Ave.

Consignment shop for children and some maternity.

University of Michigan Surplus: Used computer equipment, desks, tables, chairs, dorm furniture, cabinets, anything item found at a large university that is being replaced or is not needed anymore, goes here, and is up for sale.

Recycled content basketball court, 3000 Ellsworth Rd.

The City of Ann Arbor's Solid Waste Department proactively encourages the use of recycled content products by other city departments by financing a $50,000/year competitive grant program.  An excellent example of this is the recycled content basketball court and playground created with recycled content materials.

Scavenger Hunt, 325 East Liberty

Regretfully, since the printing of this green map, the Scavenger Hunt has closed its doors.

St. Vincent De Paul Society, 1001 Broadway

Sells donated items.  Clothes, etc.

Student Bike Shop, 607 South Forest Ave

Accepts used bikes in working or repairable condition.

The Scrap Box, 581 State Circle

The Scrap Box is where discards become discoveries.  A non-profit, tax-exempt community organization, staffed by volunteers, the the scrap box was formed in 1983 to provide a central resource center for the collection of odds and ends for art projects.  Items are available at a minimal cost to teachers, parents and children, daycare centers, scout troops, religious programs and other community organizations.  Hundreds of businesses in the area donate a wide assortment of recyclables, remnants, samples, discontinued items, surplus materials, seconds, packaging containors, and other miscellaneous treasures that the imagination can turn into something beautiful (& reused!). 

The Scrap Box does workshops. In 1999, over 6,000 children, from 3 year olds to high school, toured The Scrap Box. They learned about the importance of recycling and reusing materials, made curriculum related projects, and took home a small bag of unique supplies to experiment with.

The Tree, 419 Detroit

One of the oldest consignment shops in the nation.  Clothes for all family members.

Thrift Shop Association of Ann Arbor, 1149 Broadway

Top Drawer, 1960 South Industrial

Consginer of better label clothing - career and evening. Helps women starting careers afford business wardrobes.

Treasure Mart, 529 Detroit

A consignment shop specializing in antique and household items.  Constant turnover of merchandise, but most items  do not stay there long, prices go down the longer something is there.

Wooden Spoon Books, 200 North Fourth Ave.

email (no website) wspoonbks@provide.net

Buyers and sellers of used books.

Buhr Pool (solar pool heating), 2751 Packard

The City of Ann Arbor has constructed 2,000 sq. ft. of solar heating systems for two of its large municipal swimming pools. The solar collectors heat the pool water when necessary and displace natural gas to do so. The solar collectors provide 50% - 80% of the heating requirements of the pool.

Veteran's Pool (solar pool heating), 2150 Jackson Ave.

The City of Ann Arbor has constructed 2,000 sq. ft. of solar heating systems for two of its large municipal swimming pools. The solar collectors heat the pool water when necessary and displace natural gas to do so. The solar collectors provide 50% - 80% of the heating requirements of the pool.

The laboratory has many facilities for demonstrating and testing sustainability issues in buildings such as two test chambers for thermal performance of windows, building mass, etc.; a 30 ft diameter artificial skydome to study daylight and shading of buildings; a photovoltaic installation on the roof that feeds up to 2kw power in the electrical gride of the College's building. All of these facilities are equiped with latest recording instruments for simulation and demonstration. There is also a collection of sustainable building materials with related literature and a computerized database.

SolarCurrents 1, corner of Wagner Rd. and Scio Church

Solar-Powered Fountain, 4150 Platt Rd.

The Ann Arbor Landfill's solar fountain was built to visually demonstrate that the sun's power can be put to work. Solar "photovoltaic" collectors convert sunlight to electricity which powers the fountain pump.  The solar collectors are mounted on a special "passive tracker" which keeps the collectors pointed towards the sun, tracking from east to west during the day.  The fountain adds movement and aeration to the landfill pond improving the environment for the many birds and animals that live on and around the pond.

Waste water treatment plant, 49 South Dixboro Road

Do you ever wonder where your water comes from and then drips away to after you have used it? When referring to the water treatment process, do you refer to it generically by saying, "they treat it over there?" Well, the "they" refers to the employees at the City of Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant that provides the city with primary and secondary wastewater treatment. The plant further helps the environment by recycling many items, including waste oil and scrap metal. One of the ways the treatment plant helps to "close the recycling loop" is by using 20% post consumer content paper. The "there" part of that generic sentence is a building on Dixboro Road that is definitely environmentally-sound. Within the last three years, the plant was involved in two "Buy Recycled" grants, allowing them to purchase recycled content carpeting, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, bricks, and plastic outdoor furniture.

Waste water treatment plant, 2201 Hogback

From the City of Ann Arbor website: Black Pond Woods is a 34-acre woodland on the north side of the city off Traver Rd. It is bordered by Leslie Golf Course on its east side, and it is located north of the Leslie Science Center. Parking is available in the Leslie Science Center parking lot. No facilities are available in this undeveloped park.

The unpaved trails can be reached from Tibbits Ct., the Arrowwood Housing Co-op, and from behind the Leslie Science Center - Project Grow gardens. The trails wind through the woods of oak, hickory, maple and dogwood. The spring wildflowers offer a terrific show. Black pond is a vernal or seasonal pond, and its murky waters support a variety of wildlife both terrestrial and aquatic.

From the City of Ann Arbor website: Buhr Park is a 39 acre park serving the south central part of town with softball diamonds, two tennis courts, play equipment, basketball court, open field play, sledding hill, picnic facilities with a grill, an outdoor pool with a family activity pool, and a seasonal ice rink. Parking lots are located near most activities. Buhr is connected to Cobblestone Farms and John Allen Elementary School.

From the City of Ann Arbor website: Burns Park is a 15 acre neighborhood park on Wells and Baldwin adjacent to Burns Park School. It hosts a small shelter with restrooms and a drinking fountain, five tennis courts with a one half practice court, a basketball court, a sledding hill, ice skating rink and hockey rink in the winter, a small parking lot and play equipment to be renovated by spring of 1998. The park is the old site of the County fairgrounds. Remnants of the oval track can still be seen by the same shape tree planting around the interior of the park. 

From a nomination form: "An outstanding natural area, featuring a couple of small loops of woodchip trails with several wooden bridges over a stream bed, and miles of grass and gravel paths through brush and meadow. Formerly a farm given to the County, this is now a true urban oasis. It is generally accessible, yet marvelously overgrown. Pheasants, fox and bluebirds, plus the usual goldfinches munching on thistle seeds, and cottontails and groundhogs grazing on clover are known inhabitants. There is a picnic shelter and grill at the Medford Road entrance. There is star shaped raised native-plant flower bed and circular vine arbor, with a deck and benches, overlooking the lawn and main picnic shelter near the Platt Road entrance. The Project Grown community gardens, replete with sunflowers and marigolds, grace the bottom-lands on the way to the County recreation building. But in between, there are acreas of shelter for small animals and birds. Cultivated, native, and non-native species mingle everywhere. Mulberry trees and black and raspberry bushes provide a fast food treat as you walk. A bike trail now skirts the perimeter on the north. It is a slice of paradise at any time of day, a place that many county residents and visitors, whizzing by on busy Washtenaw Avenue behind a row of trees, do not know exists."

County Farm Park is located on the east side of Ann Arbor. This 141 acres of county land was bought from Claudius Britton in 1836 for $1200. A poor house and insane asylum was built in 1837 and used until 1917 when a brick hospital was constructed and named the Washtenaw Infirmary. The infirmary stood until 1967 when it was ordered to be closed or  modernized. In 1972, the infirmary was vacated (and eventually razed) and Project Grow gardeners began using 8 acres of land for their gardens. The Parcour exercise trail was constructed in 1976. Recently, the Washtenaw County Recreation Center has opened in the northeastern corner of County Farm Park, where the infirmary stood years ago. 

From the City of Ann Arbor website: Fuller Park is a 60-acre recreation area located on Fuller Road and Maiden Lane. The park contains soccer fields that are scheduled by the Ann Arbor Soccer Association, a 50 meter outdoor pool, and a water slide, with restroom and locker room facilities. A concession stand operates in the summer when the pool is open. The perimeter of the park is the Huron River, with a pedestrian bridge connection to Island Park. The play area was designed and built by the community and is one of the largest in the City. There are picnic tables located near the play area, and parking both at the park and across Fuller Road. During the week this parking area is used by the University. An accessible asphalt path connects to the play area and pool facilities.

Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road

Park contains a "Butterfly and Humingbird Garden," created in 1989 by the Ann Arbor Rotary North service club, which moniters and maintains the garden for the City of Ann Arbor, Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

Lillie Park, 4200 Platt Rd

A 58-acre natural park that was acquired in 1982 that will remain natural  There is a pond and small lake on the site.  The lake supports fish, and deer, ducks and geese often frequent the park

A working gristmill, listed on the Historic Register, open for fall tours the last two weekends in September and most October weekends. The mill is wheelchair accessible as is the 1+ mile of boardwalk/nature trail along Fleming Creek. Running water, restrooms, a small picnic area, and an interpretive center are available. There is also a bituminous path starting from Parker Mill and continuing into Gallup Park for walkers, runners and 10 speed cyclists. Tours are available. Park Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM (summer) & sunrise to dark (winter)  For more information please call 734-971-6337. 

From the City of Ann Arbor website: Veterans Memorial Park is 36.77-acre park located between Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, Stadium Boulevard, and Jackson Road. The park contains a pool geared towards children, with lots of spray fountains and a water slide. The building contains an ice rink, exercise facilities complete with tread mills and stationary bicycles, locker rooms, concession stand, and restrooms. The park contains lighted softball and baseball fields, batting cages, a picnic shelter, tennis courts, play area, and picnic facilities. Parking is located on each of the three roads bordering the park.

From the City of Ann Arbor website: West Park is a large central City park established in the early 1900's with a bandshell where concerts are given in the summer, a playground, restrooms, basketball court, tennis courts, volleyball posts, picnic tables, walking path and a major baseball diamond. It serves the nearby neighborhoods as well as the whole city. The park contains several large specimen trees and a wild area along with special plantings and unmowed areas.  Some of the most beautiful Oaks are located in the middle of the park near the picnic area. The Willow trees mark the location of Allen Creek which is now in a pipe underground. The park is bounded by Miller Ave (N), Seventh St. (W), Huron (S) and Chapin St. (E). An  historic pergola is located at the Miller entrance & parking is off Chapin.

Northeast Area Park, 1600 Dhu Varren Rd

Northeast Area Park is being designed with input from the local residents.  It will host restored woods, wetlands, a prarie, fishing pond, recreational fields, picnic area with shelter, hiking and mountain biking trails.  In coordination with the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner, the park will feature state of the art stormwater management and serve as a demonstraion project for the Commissioner's office. 

Molin Nature Area, corner of Kimberly and Columbia

Dedicated October, 1996   Originally dedicated as Kimberley Colony Nature Park in September 1989, this 7.2 acre nature area is named in memory of Peg Molin, who served as a member of the Ann Arbor Park Advisory Commission from 1981 to 1990 and chaired the Commission from 1984 - 1990.  Through her leadership, the Kimberley Colony Nature Area Association, the Park Advisory Commission and the Ann Arbor City Council cooperatively preserved this land to further enhance the quality of life in Ann Arbor.  This area was the first park land aquired through the 1988-92 Park Aquisition Millage with matching funds from the neighborhood.

Dolph Park Nature Area, 200 S. Wagner Rd.

A small park that contains two lakes, a pond, wetlands, forest and fields in its 44 acres.  A half mile trail leads to the high ground between First and Second Sister Lakes.  A park for enjoying a walk in nature.

Huron Woods, 2500 Glazier Way (nearest cross street: Huron Parkway and Fuller Road)

An 80 acre woods within Ann Arbor containing large sections of mature white oak.  There are several wetland ponds and a watershed.  Neighbors have seen deer, red fox, and a great horned owl on visits to the woods which are evidence of the important habitat it provides for urban wildife. 

Nichols Arboretum, 1456 Washington Heights  (One entrance)

The Nichols Arboretum (known by many as "the Arb") is approximately 123 acres in size and has two entrances- (both listed above).  Please refer to their website for parking, hours, etc..

The Nichols Arboretum, operated by the School of Natural Resources and Environment, sets forth as its mission to heighten the awareness of human relationships with the environment by considering issues of renewable natural resources conservation and by the development of an outstanding and diverse collection of the world's temperate zone plants, demonstrated by the conservation and restoration of individual plants, plant communities, and their habitats. To accomplish this mission, the Arboretum shall promote education and research projects that promote the botanical and design aspects of plants which benefit students of the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor schools, Michigan residents, and the world's citizens. Adopted November 2, 1988 

Saginaw Forest, 3900 West Liberty Road

Chinkapin Oak (Wurster Park), 630 Third Street

Located in Wurster Park, the Chinkapin Oak is referenced in State and National tree listings.  The general concensus is that it is at least 150 years old.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is situated on 350-acres of diverse plant life. The mission of the Gardens is, in part, to study and disseminate knowledge of plants as they exists in nature, contribute to human culture, and support life on Earth. The Gardens consists of outdoor nature trails and an indoor conservatory with plants from around the world. Life on Earth either consists of plant material or is dependent on plants for existence, making the on-going research and educational opportunies at Matthaei Botanical Gardens vital.

Domino Farms, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr

A petting farm at "Barnyard Bend" is open from April through October, call 930-5032 for hours. 

Pioneer Prairie, 601 West Stadium Blvd

The Pioneer Prairie was constructed in 1991-1992 by staff and students to simulate an ecosystem that may have existed in the area in pre-colonial days: the Prairie-oak savannah. Five species of grasses and many forbs are planted and the ecosystem is self-sustaining, although it is artificially burned annually. It is used in curriculum by many school classes to illustrate environmental quality and the value of habitat.

Anne and Leonard Wing Nature Preserve, Ann Arbor

Owned by the Washtenaw Audubon Society, and named after a nationally known ornithologist (husband) and nature writer (wife), the preserce is a 2.5 acres surrounded by hills on three sides.   The area is full of birds, and is an excellent opportunity to observe a wetlands habitat up close on the boardwalk.

Clean Cities Program, 100 North Fifth Avenue

The Clean Cities Program goal is to reduce local air pollution and reliance on foreign oil through the use of alternate fuel vehicles. The US Department of Energy established the Clean Cities Program as nationwide effort to bring fleet owners together with vehicle manufacturers and fuel suppliers to voluntarily find a way to make the transition from fossil fuels to alternative fuels for vehicles.  The Ann Arbor Area Clean Cities Program was officially designated on April 19, 1999, by the DOE after approving the local program plan put together by local stakeholders who have made commitments to buy vehicles and build alternate fueling infrastructure.  These include: the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County Government, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, Ann Arbor Public Schools, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Detroit Edison Company, Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, the Ecology Center, the US EPA - National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory, the MI Dept. of Environmental Quality-Air Quality Division and the MI Dept. of Consumer and Industry Services - Energy Resources Division.

See also the Washtenaw County Department of the Environment & Infrastructure Services Clean Cities page for more information.

Huron Highlands Greenway, 502 Larkspur St.

The Huron Highlands Greenway is a valuable, non-motorized pathway for wildlife and residents of northern Ann Arbor, connecting the Huron River and northern Ann Arbor's park system. It also plays vital roles in protecting a part of the Huron River watershed and contains a water main for Ann Arbor housing.  I also serves to unite two neighborhoods by a path that runs under the M 14 bridge.  Hiking, biking and neighborly greetings are a daily occurance.

The greenway is also part of a mountain-biking trail system agreed to by the City of Ann Arbor in the early 1990s to reduce mountain bike traffic in even more sensitive natural areas.

For another park that will include paths for mountain biking, see also Northeast Area Park #311

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority serves Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and surrounding areas.  For over 90% of the houses in Ann Arbor, there is a bus route with in a quarter-mile.  The fare is $0.75.  Recently, The AATA partnered with the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor to give Ann Arbor downtown employees a go!pass which enables them to ride for free unlimited rides on the AATA.  The go!pass is funded by these partnerships as well as state and federal dollars.  The program was established to promote public transit, bicycles, walking, carpools and vanpools, and encourage downtown employees to choose an alternative to singgle-passenger auto commuting.

Serves Detroit, Chicago and points east, west and south. 

Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, 0 Airport Dr

A 24-hour municipal facility that handles business, charter, private and air ambulance flights.  Served by a FAA flight tower.  Flight instructor, flying clubs, and ground school services are based at this airport.

U-M Diag, 400 S State

The Diag is often a gathering place for demonstrations and is used by many campus organizations for advertisements and promotions.  A significant amount of foot-traffic daily!

See the AATA site  for more information on the park and ride programs in Ann Arbor.

Maple Village Shopping Center, 205 N. Maple

Pioneer High School, 1753 Main St.

Plymouth/Green Road Lot, 3500 Plymouth Rd.

State Street Commuter Lot, 2815 State St.

The Ecology Center has promoted sustainability through its environmental education and advocacy work since it was founded in 1970. The center is a statewide leader in recycling and waste reduction, environmental education, community organizing, and policy development. The Center continues to be a valuable resource for the community.

Leslie Science Center, 1831 Traver Road

The Leslie Science Center provides fun and interesting educational programs primarily for youth with an outdoor, environmental focus. They instill a love of nature, while including experimental learning about topics such as ecosystems, the food chain, native and invasive species, the hydologic cycle, and the human impact on the environment.  The Center is situated on 50 acres of fields, woods and prairie in the heart of Ann Arbor. 

From their website: The Great Lakes Natural Resource Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, unites people throughout the eight-state Great Lakes region, the U.S. and Canada to protect the world's greatest freshwater seas, the surrounding ecosystem, and the benefits they provide to people and wildlife. 

MRF Transfer Station, 4150 Platt Rd.

The MRF was made possible through strong voter support of a 1990 Environmental Bond.  Many materials used in the construction of the MRF were made from recycled material including ceiling tiles, steel frame and reinforcing, aluminum, asphalt, insulation, flooring, signs, plastic bumper blocks and parking stops, totaling almost 14 million pounds of recycled content material.  In October 1998 it was estimated that the MRF processes nearly 100 tons of recyclables a day.  The City's residential waste recovery rate (including both recycling and composting of yard waste) is one of the nation's best at 53%.  The MRF is an educational center (tours by appointment 994-2807) and contains the very popular "landfill gas to energy" mural. 

Vision Statement: The Ann Arbor District Library continues to lead and inspire by providing ever-expanding opportunities to enrich and inform users' lives. The Library sets the standards for excellence and innovation.

Mission Statement: The Ann Arbor District Library provides open access to information, resources and services that support and enrich the lives of the communities it serves.

Named the 1997 Library of the Year by Library Journal.

Plymouth-Green Technology Center (3600 Green Ct.) of the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, 1899 Green Rd.

http://www.erim-int.com/

Demonstrates a model of watershed management within a setting of new and existing office and research facilities. The site plan incorporates reduced impervious surfaces for automobile parking with legal cross easements for shared parking between neighboring facilties. Storm water management is accomplished through a series of smaller, interconnected retention basins designed for pre-filer runoff through indigenous wetland plantings. Areas of low-maintenance meadow plantings increase water absorbtion on site.

The laboratory develops all Federal regulations for mobile sources. Maintains global warming web site of "What's happening". Develops research with the "Partnership for New Generation of Vehicles" (PNGV), a partnership between Ford, GM, Chrysler, & the Federal goverment to develop an 80 mpg mid-sized vehicle comparable in performance & comfort to today's vehicle. This facility also serves as a model for energy conservation. With the help of a contractor, this facility was the first EPA facility to develop plans to reduce energy consumption by 66%. A recently built office  annex was nationally awarded "green building" status.

Great Lakes Science Center, 1451 Green Road

Sterling Motors, 325 East Eisenhower Park

A research and development facility working on an improved energy efficient motor.

The Main campus for the University, but still encompassing a large area.  See website for more information.

Site of several large laboratories and academic centers, including the Media Union, Space Research lab, the Industrial Technology Institute, College of Art and Architecture, School of Music, Gerald R. Ford Library, Engineering, Science and Technology Buildings, Transportation Research Institute and home to one-tenth of what survives of the Eniac!

American Lung Association, 3157 Packard Road

"The mission of the A.L.A. of Michigan is the prevention of lung disease and the promotion of lung health. The quality of the air we breathe is of primary importance in this mission. Environmental advocacy goes hand-in-hand with lung health."

Boy Scouts of America, 1979 Huron Parkway

Provides character development, citizenship training adn fitness programs that emphasize outdoor skills, carreer exploration and community services.  For boys ages six thorugh twenty and girls ages fourteen through 20.

A food rescue/food bank program that alleviates hunger in Washtenaw County by rescuing and distributing perishable food, educating, developing food resources and coordinating with other hunger relief providers.

Huron Valley Girl Scout Council, 1900 Manchester

Serves girls ages five to seventeen with a single gender, values-based program that promotes competence and confidence, develops charachter and citizenship, and helps to prevent most of the social probelms facing youth.

New Center, 1100 North Main

The NEW Center's purpose is to enhance the quality of life in Washtenaw County and the surrounding communities by promoting leadership development, management excellence, and effective service delivery within the nonprofit sector. The Strategic Plan describes their role in three key areas: NEW's role as servant to the nonprofit sector, NEW's role as leader within the community, and NEW's role in leveraging resources for the community.

The Washtenaw County Department of Environment and Infrastructure Services protects and improves the quality of the environment and the health of Washtenaw County citizens.  Green Maps are available here, second floor, Suite 200.