Land Use Policy
The Thurston Nature Center Committee (a committee of the Thurston Elementary School PTO) is responsible for the maintenance of the Nature Center and development of long-range plans for preservation of this land and water.
The Thurston Nature Center should be managed as a natural environment for the benefit of the Ann Arbor Public School’s Environmental Education Program and the local community.
The goal of the Thurston Nature Center Committee (TNCC) is to maintain the Nature Center with plant and animal species indigenous to the State of Michigan and the adjoining eco-regions to our south.
The Thurston Nature Center Committee shall develop and apply policies for
(a) the planting and removal of trees, shrubs, and other plants
(b) the introduction or removal of any animals, and
(c) the altering of the wetlands, pond and land of the Nature Center.
Any changes to the Nature Center must be in accordance with such policies.
Planting Policy
Read the Thurston Nature Center Planting Policy (PDF), Updated June 2018.
Info on Native Plants: Read why native plants are critically important to the web of life, and how you can help us restore and preserve areas using plants that provide the greatest benefit to wildlife, starting in your own yard! Updated and greatly expanded in January 2024 to include many more resources, more native plant options in the “Plant This, Not That” section, and lots of tips on how to get started using native plants. (PDF Download)
Eagle Scout and Gold Award Project Policy
This policy (PDF) covers project selection, planning and approval, and other project considerations