Redbud Nature Area

Overview

Redbud Nature Area is a 5.11-acre nature area along Malletts Creek, south of Washtenaw Avenue and east of Platt Road. View the Ann Arbor Parks and Nature Areas map for location context. The area was purchased by the City of Ann Arbor in 2000 to protect the 5-acre site because it was the last remaining undeveloped and unprotected parcel of land along Mallett's Creek. When Natural Area Preservation staff began conducting a plant inventory of the parcel, staff were excited to discover that it had over 120 native plant species, a stunning display of trout lily, and the largest stand of redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) in any of the city's nature areas. In the spring there are carpets of bloodroot, wild ginger and skunk cabbage. There are trails through the park.

Park Notices

Unless otherwise posted per City Council resolution, when a park is closed, no person shall remain in or enter it other than to quietly sit or walk.

Refer to Chapter 39 of the City of Ann Arbor Code of Ordinances for park regulations and rules.

Park Hours

6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Amenities

Nature Trails

Landfill Bin

Access and Parking

There is street parking at the the park's main entrance along Parkwood Avenue, which forms the eastern edge of the park.

The park entrance can be reached on foot by walking through the neighborhood and on bike by riding through the neighborhood streets. There are no bike racks in the park.

Public Transportation

There are bus stops on Washtenaw Avenue about a half mile from the park. The nearest stop is less than a 10 minute walk. Visit TheRide for closest stops and route details or check out the parks ride guide.

Park Maps

Open the Park Tracker - See your location while in the park Open the Park Finder - Discover more Ann Arbor parks

History

Ann Arbor's city parks sit on the ancestral and traditional homelands of several indigenous Native peoples. Read a land acknowledgement from the city and learn more about the early history of the land here.

The plot of land that became Redbud Nature Area was purchased by the city in 2000. It was the last undeveloped and unprotected piece of land along Mallett's Creek. Natural Area Preservation (NAP) staff discovered a large stand of redbud trees, the largest in any of the city's nature areas, which ended up becoming the namesake of the park. NAP now actively protects and restores the area.

View NAP newsletters highlighting Redbud right after it became a park: 2001 Redbud Nature Area: The People Plant Connection and 2013 Redbud Nature Area: Reminiscing and Restoring, by Sara E. Jackson.

Volunteer in the parks

Looking to make an impact in a park or nature area? Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation provides volunteer opportunities for almost every interest, ability, and commitment level.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities

Park Finder

Discover parks and find amenities through the City of Ann Arbor Park Finder. This map allows you to search park names or search by amenity type or keyword.

View the Park Finder

A2Fix It - Service request tool

A2 Fix It is an online system you can use to report any maintenance issues or other problems during your park visit. When reporting an issue in a park please include detailed location information in the "details and description" section near the end of the request process. Pictures that provide location context are very helpful.

Submit a request