University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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V . J, I ,. hen the University of Michigan was established by law in 1817, specific men- tion was made of botanic gardens to be included in the new school. But during the 20 years the college was located in Detroit and the first 60 years following its move to Ann Arbor, the idea never materialized. It wasn ' t until 1906 when Walter Nichols and his wife Esther donated a 25-acre tract of land fronting the Huron River for such a garden. The next year, a nationally known Chicago landscape gardener was hired to plan a number of Ann Arbor parks, including the new university gar- den, for a $500-a-month salary. Upon completion, the grounds became a labora- tory for everything from practical garden- ing to medicinal and experimental plant- ings. The property, subsequently named Ni- chols Arboretum, is probably less impor- tant to today ' s biology majors than it was to those before World War I. But the rela- tive wilderness of the place, a pleasant walk from Central Campus, is the perfect escape from the hassles of contemporary living. Its popularity not withstanding, the Arboretum always offers visitors an envi- ronment of solitude and beauty, g Bill Marsh T. v - - --: I . 22 The University Outdoors - The Arboretum

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D ' espite its location in the heart of a city, the University ' s Central Campus is a place where trees and grassy, open spaces predominate over stone and steel. Ever since provisions were made in the early days of the school for a central yard (known to most as the Diag, of course), planners have given greenery and open areas high priority. Today students seeking recreation and rest share spacious grounds within sight of the commercial clutter of State Street or South University; buildings like the eight- story Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library are obscured from many directions by gi- ant oaks; even a former street Ingalls south of the RackTiam Building is now an expansive pedestrian mall. For persons on the campus, tranquil surroundings are usually just a few steps away. 21

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Mfet Ki I EXPERIENCING THE GREAT OUTDOORS The Arboretum ' Photos by Scott Horner The University Outdoors The Arbor 23