Park Address: 2380 Parkwood Ave, Ann Arbor MI 48104
Overview
Redbud Nature Area is a 5.11-acre nature area along Malletts Creek, south of Washtenaw Avenue and east of Platt Road. View the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Areas map for location context. Originally an
unnamed plot, it was purchased by the City of Ann Arbor in 2000.
The motivation was to protect the 5-acre site because it
was the last remaining undeveloped and unprotected
parcel of land along Mallett's Creek. When Natural Area Preservation staff
began conducting a plant inventory of the parcel, staff
were excited to discover that it had over 120 native
plant species, a stunning display of trout lily, and the
largest stand of redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) in any of the city's nature
areas. In the spring there are carpets of bloodroot, wild ginger and skunk cabbage. There are trails through the park.
Access Points and Parking
There is street parking along Parkwood Avenue, which forms the eastern edge of the park.
The park entrance can be reached on foot by walking through the neighborhood and on bike by riding through the neighborhood streets.
Public Transportation: There are bus stops on Washtenaw Avenue about a half mile from the park. The nearest stop is less than a 10 minute walk. 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. Keep in mind that parks are large spaces and A2 Fix It requests can be difficult to find without detailed information. 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 plot of land that became Redbud Nature Area was purchased by the city in 2000. It was the last undeveloped and unprotected piece of land along Mallett's Creek. Natural Area Preservation (NAP) staff discovered a large stand of redbud trees, the largest in any of the city's nature areas, which ended up becoming the namesake of the park. NAP now actively protects and restores the area. View NAP newsletters highlighting Redbud right after it became a park: 2001 Redbud Nature Area: The People Plant Connection and 2013 Redbud Nature Area: Reminiscing and Restoring, by Sara E. Jackson.
Updated June 2021. Email [email protected] for incorrect/outdated information.
