Address: 2000 Upland Dr, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Hours and Rules
Open 6 a.m.-midnight with quiet hours beginning at 10 p.m. Refer to Chapter 39 of the City of Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances for park regulations and rules. Smoking is prohibited and dogs must be on leash.
Overview
Leslie Woods Nature Area is a
23-acre natural area located south of Leslie Park Golf Course and north of Upland Drive. View the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Areas map for location context. A thousand meter trail loop winds through the park. Composed of mixed hardwoods and shrubland it is one of Ann Arbor’s more mature
woodlands. This oak hickory forest has some of the largest trees found within
the Ann Arbor park system. A seasonal creek winds through the park. This nature
area is a historically intact woodland that remains a well-functioning ecosystem. Three species of frogs observed in the park include American toad, gray tree frog and green frog. Rare and interesting plant species growing in the park include New Jersey tea, culver's root, Kentucky coffee tree, maiden hair fern, pin oak and sedge.
Access and Parking
Limited street parking is available on Upland Drive, about a quarter mile south from the park entrance. Refer to posted signage regarding parking rules and restrictions.
The park can be reached on foot and bicycle, but there are no paved paths leading to the park entrance. There are no bike racks at the park. There are bike lanes and sidewalks along nearby Plymouth Road.
Public Transportation: The nearest bus stop is less than a 5 minute walk from the park. Visit The Ride for closest stops and route details or check out the parks ride guide.
Amenities
Volunteer
There are ongoing and limitless opportunities for volunteering and getting engaged with the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Services Unit. Natural Area Preservation has volunteer opportunities that support their mission to protect and restore Ann Arbor's natural areas and to foster an environmental ethic among its citizens. If you are feeling the call to volunteer or give some time, reach out or explore the website above to see what’s upcoming or how to get involved.
Report a Problem - A2 Fix It
To report any maintenance issues or other problem during your park visit, please report through A2Fix It. When reporting an issue in a park please include location details. There is a details and description section near the end of the request process to help you provide this. In addition, users can utilize the pin (website) or X (mobile app) feature to provide specific location information inside the park. Finally, please consider including a wide angle photo or include background landmarks, which helps staff find and fix the problem.
Gifts and Donations
Information on donating to the parks and the Guide to Giving can be found here. For special projects ideas in natural areas, Natural Area Preservation staff will guide you and provide project guidelines unique to natural areas.
History
The land was purchased in the 1960s by the City of Ann Arbor as a potential traffic loop. The trail loop was created in 2003 by Natural Area Preservation (NAP) staff and volunteers.
Learn more about the ecosystem and restoration efforts from from this NAP newsletter article:
2004 Park Focus: Leslie Woods Nature Area by Jason Tallant
Updated November 2021. Email [email protected] for incorrect/outdated information.
