Saginaw Forest and Stinchfield Woods are owned by the University and operated by the School of Natural Resources and Environment for research and laboratory excursions. The School holds its annual fall campfire at Saginaw Forest. Stinchfield Woods is home to the Peach Mountain Observatory, which has regular open houses for the public.
Saginaw Forest
Saginaw Forest is a field research area for demonstration of forest management and sustainable ecosystem management for the faculty and students of the School of Natural Resources and Environment, and other units of the University of Michigan. The forest is located 5 miles west of the University campus, on Liberty Road.
History of Saginaw Forest
Saginaw Forest is an 80-acre parcel of land surrounding Third Sister Lake. Access is from Liberty Road, which constitutes the south boundary of the property. The site is most distinctive because the origin of the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) is integrally tied to Saginaw Forest, which was purchased in 1903 for forestry operations, research, and instruction. Forest planting by the first students and faculty of the School commenced when the parcel was purchased in 1903-04, the first year of SNRE's existence. Planting continued up until 1937, resulting in a total of 47 acres of forest plantings of several tree species, both native and exotic.
Use of the Forest
Public use of Saginaw Forest is encouraged. Rules for public access include:
- No parking in front of the access gate.
- Public use hours are from 6am to 6pm only; no camping on the site!
- No vehicles or bicycles are permitted on the site except those for approved research and teaching use.
- Dogs with owners are welcome to visit, but they must be on a leash.
- Dog owners must carry out all pet waste; please bring your own doggie bag to do so
- No cutting or collecting of plant material; no hunting or harming vertebrates.
Map & Directions
While Google marks this property as a county park, the site is owned by the University of Michigan and managed by the School of Natural Resources and Environment.
Stinchfield Woods
Stinchfield Woods is a field research area for demonstration of forest management and sustainable ecosystem management for the faculty and students of the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment, and other units of the University of Michigan.
History of the Woods
The original tract of Stinchfield Woods was acquired in two parcels totaling 320 acres in 1925. The property was expanded somewhat since the original purchase in 1946-1949 and 1955-1956 (to bring the total to 777 acres). The property was acquired with funds deeded to the University of Michigan in memory of the Stinchfield brothers, Jacob and Charles, from the Detroit area. It is perhaps fitting that this reforested woodland is named after them, as they are descendants of the lumbermen that harvested northern Michigan's giant white pine in the 1800's.
Use of the Woods
Public use of Stinchfield Woods is encouraged. Rules for public access include:
- No parking in front of the access gate.
- Public use hours are from dawn to dusk only.
- No vehicles or bicycles are permitted on the site except those for approved research and teaching use.
- Dogs with owners are welcome to visit, but they must be on a leash (the dog, not necessarily the owner).
- No cutting or collecting of plant material; no hunting or harming vertebrates.
Class use by permission of the caretaker.