Stapp Nature Area is a 8.11-acre wooded natural area located on Huron Parkway, north of Plymouth Road. View the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Areas Map for location context. The nature area has rustic trails that meander through a mature oak-history forest, as well as as a small vernal pool with great frog and toad habitat. The diversity of large trees in such a small area is what makes the nature area remarkable, with species such as white, black, and bur oaks; shagbark, bitternut, and pignut hickories, as well as red maple, black walnut, white ash, and slippery elm. A walking trail connects Stapp Nature Area to Tuebingen Park. Stapp Nature area is adjacent to the Leslie Park Golf Course and Traverwood branch of the Ann Arbor Public Library.
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
Hiking Trails
There is limited street parking along Huron Parkway and Traverwood Drive in front of the AADL Traverwood Branch. There is also street parking on Traver Boulevard, which is a short walk from the park. Refer to posted signage regarding parking rules and restrictions.
There are three park trailheads that can all be accessed on foot. One trailhead starts at Huron Pkwy., in the northeast corner of the park. Another starts in the southeast side off of Traverwood Dr., and the third leads from Tuebingen Park into the northwest corner of the park.
There are sidewalks but no bike lanes along Huron Pkwy. and Traverwood Dr. There are no bike racks at the park.
Nearby city parks include Tuebingen Park (which connects to the northwest corner of Stapp), Traver Creek Nature Area to the northwest, and Leslie Woods Nature Area to the southwest.
There are two bus stops within walking distance of Stapp Nature Area. The closest bus stop is at the intersection of Tuebingen and Lancashire, less than a 5 minute walk from the northern trail entrance off of Huron Pkwy. The second closest bus stop is at the corner of Huron Pkwy. and Traverwood Dr. Visit TheRide for closest stops and route details or check out the parks ride guide.
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.
The land that now comprises Stapp Nature Area was sold to the city in November, 2003, by the First Martin Corporation. William Martin, the previous owner, wished to name the new park after William B. Stapp, PhD. Dr. Stapp served as Professor at the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, where he founded and then chaired the Environmental Education program from 1970 to 1993. He is considered by many to be the founder of international environmental education because he developed education programs in 135 countries. In Ann Arbor, Dr. Stapp began a monitoring program involving high schools along the Huron River. The program evolved into the Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN), which is now being carried out all over the world. This program brings diverse groups together to investigate and protect river water quality. Dr. Stapp’s ability to serve as a global environmental diplomat brought Israelis and Palestinians together to test their shared water sources, creating a model for Middle East cooperation.
Volunteer in the parks
Looking to make an impact in a park or nature area? Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation provides volunteer opportunities for almost every interest, ability, and commitment level.
Park Finder
Discover parks and find amenities through the City of Ann Arbor Park Finder. This map allows you to search park names or search by amenity type or keyword.
A2Fix It - Service request tool
A2 Fix It is an online system you can use to report any maintenance issues or other problems during your park visit. When reporting an issue in a park please include detailed location information in the "details and description" section near the end of the request process. Pictures that provide location context are very helpful.
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