This intriguing book details much of the history of SNRE.  This summary will only discuss the origins of Saginaw Forest presented in this work, but it is a highly recommended read to understand the early evolution of the School. 

Forestry first was recognized as a field of instruction at UM in late spring, 1901. However the first courses were not taught until 1902-1903 and the department of Forestry was not established until 1903.  One of the early needs of the department was an area for research and teaching.  University Regent Arthur Hill deeded this property with the stipulation that it be used as a demonstration and experimental area for forestry and named it the í¢â‚¬Å“Saginaw Forestry Farm,í¢â‚¬  although this name was changed in 1919 to í¢â‚¬Å“Saginaw Forest.í¢â‚¬   As of the mid 1950s, many older residents of Ann Arbor still referred to it as the í¢â‚¬Å“Forestry Farm,í¢â‚¬ 

The department board promptly appropriated $557 to begin work on the property.  Planting started in 1904 and continued until 1915 when most of the area was covered.  40 species were planted, of which 28 were not native to southeastern Michigan and 10 non native to the U.S. 

A co-operative agreement was signed with the U.S. Forest Service in January, 1906.  At least 20 acres of Saginaw Forest was to be set aside as the í¢â‚¬Å“Ann Arbor Forest Experiment Stationí¢â‚¬  to be managed and maintained by UM and USFS.  The goal of this co-operative work was to determine by experimental planting the species and cultural methods that were best suited to southern Michigan.  Annual expenses were estimated at $200, to be shared equally between the two institutions.  Extensive planting was done in 1906-1907 in accordance with this agreement, but there are no further records of active involvement by the USFS in Saginaw Forest (however, see Webber, and also Kistler).  Annual campfires occurred in the fall and a field day in the spring. 

When the land was deeded, an old barn stood on the southeastern corner of the property.  In 1914, the frame of this structure was sold to a neighboring farmer.  In was decided that some sort of shelter was needed for tools, work crews, and classes, so the stone cabin was built in 1915 at a cost of a little over $300. Unfortunately, the need of a caretakerí¢â‚¬â„¢s residence was not foreseen.  Initial plans for the building were drawn by Professor Beverly Robinson of the Department of Architecture.  Wood was kept to a minimum due to fire concerns which prompted criticism from some alumini.