The Thurston Nature Center, established in 1967, is a cherished community treasure located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born from a visionary partnership between Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MIDNR), and dedicated environmental advocates, the Nature Center was created to preserve and restore a diverse ecological habitat.
Spanning over 20 acres, the site includes a pond, wetlands, woodlands, and open fields, providing an invaluable space for education, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Over the decades, it has served as a living laboratory for students, a sanctuary for local wildlife, and a gathering place for nature lovers of all ages. Anchored by a commitment to conservation and community, the Thurston Nature Center continues to thrive through the collective efforts of passionate volunteers and supporters.
The Thurston Nature Center (TNC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the oldest environmental education center established in the 1960s by Dr. William Stapp —the global “founder of environmental education”, E. Genevieve Gillette – “Mother of Michigan Parks”, Doug Fulton who co-wrote the landmark Michigan Wilderness Law 1987 and other legendary environmental pioneer trailblazers. This cherished urban flourishing nature area, made by students for students, has created a legacy that has inspired environmental stewardship for generations. Read more in About TNC
NEWS ARCHIVES
2024
WEMU, December 20, 2024 – Construction of new Thurston Elementary School moving forward despite public objections.
Letter from Michigan State Senator Sue Shink, 14th District, to the Ann Arbor Board of Education, December 17, 2024: “I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed Thurston Elementary School Expansion into the Thurston Nature Center. Please consider my full support for the preservation of the Thurston Nature Center. I also ask you to pursue historic landmark status for this space and I offer to be helpful in that endeavor.“
Letter from Michigan State Representative Jennifer Conlin, 48th District, to the Ann Arbor Board of Education Members, December 2024: “I am writing to express my opposition and concerns for the proposed Thurston Elementary School expansion into the Thurston Nature Center. Please consider my full support for the preservation of the Thurston Nature Center.“
Updated plans mentioned in the 12/16/2024 MLIVE article for the new Thurston Elementary and the southern part of the Thurston Nature Center.
Thurston building renderings from AAPS BOE meeting 9/24/2024
The Michigan Daily, December 9, 2024 – Ann Arbor community responds to Thurston Elementary School construction plan.
Map of Oak Savanna 2024 – records their size in November, 2024, 15 years after the 20 trees were planted, showing that 14 of the 20 are now over 6″ in diameter.
Thurston Elementary School Conceptual Site Plans – Youtube video from Ann Arbor Public Schools, November 8, 2024.
MLIVE Article, September 27, 2024 – Residents fear new Thurston Elementary School will harm 56-year-old nature center
2021
Outdoor Education article from Ann Arbor Observer, January 2021 (mentions history of Thurston Nature Center and goats) https://annarborobserver.com/outdoor-education/
Rain Garden article and photo in the A2H2O Quality Water Matters for January 2021 (on page 2)
2020
Goats at Thurston Nature Center, September 2020
Annual Report – Community Partners for Clean Streams Mini Grant (for Rain Garden) – as of December 2020
Grant Award of $1,200 for Rain Garden from Washtenaw County Water Resources Office -Email May 2020
Grant application for Remediation Rain Garden 2020
2019
Earth Week 2019 Activities at Thurston Elementary School, June 2019
Thurston Nature Center Receives Washtenaw County Environmental Excellence Award, March, 2019
2013-2015
Thurston Pond Restoration, MLIVE article from April 2015
Thurston Nature Center Celebrates 50 Years, AAPS District News
Thurston Nature Center Installs New Features for Ann Arbor Public Schools, MLIVE article from 2014
2005-2009
Rob Reiner Movie “Flipped” Filmed at Thurston Nature Center (MLIVE article from 2009)
Oak Savanna
- Oak Savanna Project Narrative, 2009
- Oak Savanna Planning document, 2009
- Oak Savanna trees, sources, prices, and related information,
compiled by Neal Foster, 8/12/08 - Project Report on Short-Grass Prairie Creation in Oak Savanna Dec. 2016
Aerials photographs of the Thurston Nature Center, from 2005 back to 1955, from https://historicaerials.com/viewer
1990’s
1980’s
1970’s
School Board Hears Thurston Pond Hassle, May 14 1970
Tree Removals Deplored, Ann Arbor News, May 7, 1970
Report on Study of Nature Center in Preparation of Junior High School Site, 1970
1960’s
A Naturalist’s Journal: Things Look Up. Ann Arbor News, May 25, 1968. Mentions Bill Stapp giving a bird tour of the Nature Center, and “the thousands of hours of volunteer labor” to improve it.
Defend Thurston Pond Plan (letter to the editor) – Nov 1967
Work to Curb Flooding in Bromley and Orchard HIlls, Sept. 1967
Thurston Nature Center Committee meeting September 1967
BOE Hears Nature Area Sites Proposal, Feb 26, 1967
Planner Sees Progress on Building Projects, Feb 9, 1967
BOE Approves TNC for Outdoor and Conservation Education, 2/8/1967
Group of Residents Oppose Plan, May 2, 1966
Thurston Pond Lengthly Debate on Proposed Nature Study Pond – Article May 6, 1966
1956 aerial photo of the future Thurston Nature Center area, showing dark wetland soil indicators where the pond is now, as downloaded from https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/
1967 video “We’re On our Way” about the early days of Thurston Nature Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG-Ht9p5kXw
Thanks to Michelle McManman and Stacy Davis for digitizing many of the historical materials.