The Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail is Open!

Although it was a very rainy morning, dozens of supporters came out to the grand opening celebration of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail on Saturday, October 14. Visitors warmed up with Zingerman's coffee, enjoyed conversation with one another, and learned about bike repair from Common Cycle. Delightful comments and thank yous were shared by Director Bob Grese, Matthaei family lawyer and friend Ira Jaffe, Associate Director Karen Sikkenga, Ann Arbor Charter Township Supervisor Michael Moran, and DNR Trust Fund Grant Coordinator Merrie Carlock. InterimVice Provost Michael Solomon read a supportive letter written by University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel and Morgan Crowther, daughter of Regent Emeritus Fredrick Matthaei, Jr. engaged the crowd in a traditional Matthaei family chant.

Following the speeches, the ribbon was cut and the trail became officially open! National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Toyota Motor Company bicyclists and many walkers braved the weather and enjoyed a stroll down the trail. For more details about the Matthaei Botanical Gardens trail, click here.

Thank you to everyone who supported the trail through the planning process and attended the grand opening! We hope the people of Ann Arbor and our surrounding communities are able to enjoy the trail soon and often. See photos below from the grand opening:

Photo credits to Scott Soderberg of Michigan Photography.