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Conserving History & Nature in One
Conserving History & Nature in One
by Susanne Udell
A quiet hidden gem–the magnificent Nichols Arboretum–lies just past the bustling student life of the dorms and academic buildings on the University of Michigan (UM) campus. Despite its longevity and monumental size, this one-of-a-kind sanctuary is unknown to many students and residents of the area. Calling the Nichols Arboretum (commonly referred to as “the Arb”) underrated would be an immense understatement. This unique space supersedes the expectations of any run-of-the-mill nature preserve, home to everything from hundreds of vibrant plant species to trails suitable for hikers of all levels. It’s no wonder that the Arb has remained one of the most phenomenal spaces located on the university’s campus. The rich history of this landmark provides great insight into the lasting impact of environmental preservation and education–values that are more important now than ever before.
Photograph of trail in UM’s Nichols Arboretum, October 24, 2022, by Susanne Udell
Prior to the establishment of the Arb, the university had only maintained a small botanical garden, one that was certainly not intended to be sufficient for the long-term goals of its scholars. Thus, the pursuit for a more ambitious botanical site was born. In the early 1900s, a team led by UM botany professors commissioned landscaper and fellow UM alumnus O.C. Simonds to scope out land suitable for a garden of such magnitude (Grese). Simonds ultimately settled on a plot just under 28 acres in size that belonged to couple Walter and Esther Nichols (Kielb). The land stood out to Simonds in particular because of the incredible range of terrain that it offered; the land harbored steep hills and valleys, open meadows and thick forest. He proposed this variation in landscape would make it a prime location housing a multitude of plant species and ecological communities, one of the primary goals of university scholars.
“Walter H. Nichols,” (1935) Photo courtesy: UM Bentley Historical Archives
The Nichols graciously donated this land for the university’s efforts. In fact, both Walter and Esther Nichols were alumni of the University of Michigan. According to the historical marker plaque in the Arb erected in honor of their contribution, both received Bachelor of Science degrees from the university. Walter received his B.S. in chemistry in 1891 and Esther received hers three years later in 1894 (Seewald).
The land was originally used as farmland by the couple, particularly for growing crops, such as apples, grapes, and plums (Kielb). In fact, according to a 1998 newspaper article by former Arb education coordinator Michael A. Kielb, “you could still find a cow or two on Arb property” as late as the 1930s!
Despite its original intended purpose as a space for conservation and educational study, debate emerged in the 1920s surrounding public use of the Arb. Some students and faculty felt that the outdoor site should be available as a recreational athletic space, advocating for activities such as sledding and skiing. The Arb’s director at the time, Aubrey Tealdi was a strong opponent of this idea. She, like many other educators and staff, felt that the Arb’s purpose as a scientific and educational site made it “incompatible” with simultaneous recreational use. This debate continued until 1934, when it was ultimately decided that Nichols Arboretum would remain a conservation site as originally intended (Grese).
The etymology of the Nichols name adds to the family’s lasting legacy at UM. The English surname Nichols can be traced back to Greek origins, derived from the name Nicholas, which combines the Greek terms nike (meaning victory) and laos (meaning people) (Campbell). Collectively, these terms can be interpreted as meaning victory for the people. Given the profound impact that the site has had from both an ecological and educational perspective, the Nichols Arboretum undoubtedly lives up to its name.
Since its humble beginnings in 1907, the Arb has become a community treasure for all. From students to life-time residents to those who just happen to be passing through the wonderful city of Ann Arbor, Nichols Arboretum offers a spectacular array of natural beauty that is sure to leave any visitor in awe. For over 100 years, the Arboretum has been an undeniable testimony to the profound impact that nature preservation efforts can have on the health of environments and communities alike.
Works Cited
Campbell, Mike. “Meaning, Origin and History of the Name Nicholas.” Behind the Name, 29 May 2020, https://www.behindthename.com/name/nicholas.
Grese, Robert E. “Nearby Nature: O. C. Simonds and the Nichols Arboretum – Library of American Landscape HistoryR.” LALH, 15 July 2021, https://lalh.org/place-studies/nearby-nature-o-c-simonds-and-the-nichols-arboretum/.
Kielb, Michael A. “The ARB: A Gem Revisited.” The Arb: A Gem Revisited | Ann Arbor District Library, Aug. 1998, https://aadl.org/node/252017.
Seewald, Joel. “Nichols Arboretum Historical Marker.” The Historical Marker Database, 12 Feb. 2023, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=161594.
Udell, Susanne. Photograph of trail in UM’s Nichols Arboretum. 24 Oct. 2022. Author’s personal collection.
“Walter H. Nichols.” Palo Alto Daily Times, Palo Alto, CA, Bentley Historical Library, 10 Oct. 1935, https://ask.bentley.umich.edu/loaderTicket?fid=3288751&type=0&key=0023bfab69bb406e2f9a0d10c4f5949f. Accessed 10 Apr. 2023.
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