Explore erosion control efforts and the impact
of urban runoff in Nichols Arboretum. Start and
end this self-guided tour at the Washington
Heights entrance.
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This self-guided tour
uses wide level trails,
involves grade changes
and rustic hillside trails.
Average time to
complete the tour is
45 minutes.
Storm water runoff flows into School Girls Glen
from nearby parking lots, roads, rooftops and Forest
Hill Cemetary. The fast-moving water erodes the
soil, which then washes into the Huron River.
Visible here are large drainage pipes through which
storm water flows into the glen after heavy rainfalls.
To hold soil in place here, it’s important to have robust
and diverse plantings of plants native to the area. In the
past this area was covered with non-native invasive plants,
which didn’t allow for plant diversity, nor mutiple layers
of growth, necessary for stable slopes. Restoration efforts
have re-established plants native to the area, and removed
non-native invasive plants.
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B
The hillside trail - winding into School Girls Glen and
leading down to the Huron River - was created using a
switchback, or zigzag path. This design prevents
erosion. If the path were straight, water would flow
faster down the hill eroding the soil.
Despite erosion control efforts, urban runnoff still causes severe
erosion. Eroded sediment gets deposited here, forming an
unnaturally large gravel delta where the stream empties into the
Huron River. Smaller particles was downstream, clouding the
waters and degrading the habitat for aquatic life.
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Clean Water Trail @ Nichols Arboretum, University of Michigan
Clean water downstream needs action upstream.
The Wetland Boardwalk crosses a seasonal stream, which
has meandering curves that naturally slow down water.
The wetland is a natural drainage point for surrounding
residential areas.Water settles here and eventually makes
its way into the river.
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F
Here dips in the road slow down water and redirect it off
the road. This prevents the formation of gullies, which
are deep ditches cut by flowing water after heavy rains.
The Gateway Garden intercepts rain water rushing down
from Forest Hills Cemetery. The plants and their roots
stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The garden also
absorbs and reduces rain water speed, lessening its ability to
U-M
erode theParking
soil Lotin School Girls’ Glen.
North
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Clean Water Trail
@Nichols Arboretum
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South
Girls’
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Forest Hill
Cemetery
Washington
Heights Entrance
Gateway Garden
James D. Reader, Jr.
Center
Visitor Information
Restrooms
Drinking Fountain
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s
ak ing
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Huron River
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Outdoor
Classroom
Council Ring
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Magnolia
Collection
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Elephant’s
Trunk
Caretaker’s
Cottage
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Wetland
Trail
Heathdale
To Central Campus
Orchard
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Overlook
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East Medical Center
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Hospitals
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River
Landing
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Nichols Drive
Entrance
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Clean Water Trail @ Nichols Arboretum, University of Michigan
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Riverfront Landing once experienced severe erosion and
other damage, such as soil compaction that prevented plant
growth. The riverbanks have been stabilized using rocks,
regrading, and native plantings. Redesigned access allows
visitors to experience the water without risk to the banks.
Field
Office
Wo o d l a n d