Who We Are
We are one organization with two locations at the University of Michigan. Our mission is to promote environmental enjoyment, stewardship, and sustainability through education, research, and interaction with the natural world.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Nichols Arboretum
1610 Washington Hts. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The Gaffield Children’s Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a place for child and family exploration and fun in a natural setting specially designed from a kids’-eye view, a place that invites discovery with all the senses.
We offer amazing opportunities for classroom groups to visit Matthaei in person or virtually. Both kinds of field trips are easy to schedule, interactive, and fun. Click here or on the image above to learn more.
Join us July 9th from 2:00pm – 4:00pm for a meet & greet with artist Hava Gurevich in the West Lobby of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The show will be on display at Matthaei Botanical Gardens from July 2 – September 11. Details here.
The conservatory and display gardens are open to the public! Click here for info.
Earth Words (our blog)
Bugs with Beth: Milkweed Leaf Beetle & Red Milkweed Beetle
Many of us love exploring Milkweed plants for the chance to find a chubby Monarch caterpillar: a sign that things are working and that the Milkweed is serving its big purpose. Monarch larvae are always an exciting find, but Milkweed plants are host to tons of other fascinating critters. This week’s bug spotlight shines on two such friends: the Milkweed leaf beetle and the Red milkweed beetle. If you’ve spent time examining Milkweed leaves, you may have encountered these two beetles, both of which display an interesting trait reflective of their Milkweed-eating existence.
Viva la Nature Play
MBGNA knows open-ended nature play is recorded in children’s hearts and souls, in their memory and imaginations, to be recalled many times in their lives, to be transformed into creative impulse, scientific exploration, the ability to think broadly and widely, and to carry a desire to help the future of our Earth.
Summer 2022 Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The Gaffield Children’s Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens is hosting weekly hands-on Nature Play Pop-ups for summer 2022.
Bugs with Beth: Mining bee
by Beth Weiler This week’s featured bug is a Mining bee (genus Andrena)! These bees get their name from their nesting habit, which is to “mine” and create their nests in bare ground. All bees in this genus are solitary ground-nesters. Female Mining bees excavate a...
“100 Years in Bloom” W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden Centennial Celebration
After over a year of planning, the W.E. Upjohn Centennial Celebration took place on June 5, 2022. The weather was perfect, and the peonies were ready to impress. MBGNA Director Tony Kolenic gave remarks on the garden's impact and noted "When I’m in the Peony Garden I...
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