Thurston Nature Center is a 23.96 acre wooded area on the northeast side of Ann Arbor, with the 7 acre Thurston Pond contained within its boundaries. Created in 1964, it was designated a Conservation Education Reserve in 1968 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Approximately 75% of the land is owned by Ann Arbor Public Schools, while the northeast corner is owned by Orchard Hills Athletic Club, a neighborhood-run pool. The area is home to various species of birds and aquatic wildlife, and the pond, prairie, and woodlands have marked trails throughout.
The Thurston Nature Center Committee, a subcommittee of Thurston Elementary's Parent-Teacher Organization, is a volunteer group dedicated to preserving the area, and meets regularly to coordinate local community events, maintain trails, and combat invasive species of plants.
Thurston Nature Center is located just north of Thurston Elementary School, and bounded by Prairie St to the West, Bluett Rd to the North, and Georgetown Blvd to the East.
