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South Pond Nature Area

3880 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

734.794.6230

Overview

South Pond Nature Area is a 16-acre park located north of Huron River Drive and south of the B2B Trail in Gallup Park and the railroad tracks. View the Ann Arbor Parks & Nature Areas Map for location context. South Pond is comprised several disconnected areas of land surrounding a large pond. The most visible part of the park is the pond itself, to which Chalmers and Malletts Creek drain. This area has an interesting natural history as the pond was once a prairie, before the Dixboro Dam was constructed, and is now becoming a marsh. Across the pond is a piece of land that is a beautiful example of an oak savanna. This natural area is being restored by the staff and volunteers of the Natural Area Preservation unit. This includes prescribed burns and removal of non-native invasive plants. South Pond is also home to the Natural Area Preservation (NAP) office.

Park Notices

Unless otherwise posted per City Council resolution, when a park is closed, no person shall remain in or enter it other than to quietly sit or walk.

Refer to Chapter 39 of the City of Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances for park regulations and rules.

Park Hours

6 a.m. – Midnight

Amenities

Benches

Access and Parking

Some parking is available at the Natural Area Preservation (NAP) office at 3875 E Huron River Drive, but space may be limited.

There are no sidewalks or bike lanes along Huron River Drive.

Using a phone?

Open the Park Finder

Public Transportation

There is no bus stop within a 20 minute walk of South Pond. Check out TheRide Guide for more details.

History

Ann Arbor's city parks sit on the ancestral and traditional homelands of several indigenous Native peoples. Read a land acknowledgement from the city and learn more about the early history of the land here.

South Pond Nature Area was once a prairie. Around 1918 there was a railroad that was developed in the prairie area. Later on Swift Run Creek was dammed and the rerouted towards Mallets Creek. The combination of building the railroad, rerouting the river, river level rising due to damming the river and the impact of dredging created South Pond. The parcel that the Natural Area Preservation (NAP) office resides on was purchased by the city in 2009, although the occupants remained in the home on a life estate plan until 2013. In 2013, the parcel became park land as a part of South Pond. NAP's offices moved to the building here in 2014.

Read a NAP newsletter highlighting the history and natural features of South Pond, which was about to become home to NAP's office:

2014 South Pond—Prairie, Pond, Marsh...Home by Dave Borneman

Helping your parks

Help Ann Arbor parks stay beautiful and welcoming to residents and visitors

Volunteering Opportunities

Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in your community! Whether you're interested in gardening, trail maintenance, event planning, or education, we have opportunities to fit your skills and interests.

Learn more about volunteering

Gifts & Donations

Looking for a way to give back to your local park? Consider making a gift or donation! Your generosity can help support maintenance and improvements to park facilities, as well as educational programs and community events.

Donate today

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A2 Fix It allows users to upload a photo with each request, as a visual reference to help staff quickly locate the problem. It is also helpful for requests to be as detailed as possible.