University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum

Mission: To be a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the waters and lands we steward.

The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum’s (MBGNA) commitment to botanical growth, nature conservation, and research excellence can be seen through the management of an expansive expanse of more than 700 acres, encapsulating gardens, farmland, research areas, and natural preserves across the Ann Arbor region. Our facilities include a complex at Matthaei Botanical Gardens which includes a conservatory, greenhouses, laboratory, and spaces dedicated to teaching and meetings. The Campus Farm offers experiential learning opportunities for students and advocates for food justice. Nichols Arboretum hosts the James D. Reader, Jr. Center for Urban Environmental Education.

What started as a single unit has since grown, branching out into an amalgamation of five diverse locations operating under one unified mission within the University of Michigan. Today, MBGNA cares for Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum, Campus Farm, Mud Lake Bog, and Horner-McLaughlin Woods.

We, at MBGNA, work diligently to contribute to the conservation and understanding of nature. We turn this commitment into action by:

• Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails.
• Advancing partnerships, programs, and all that we steward to catalyze access and impact in a radically changing world
• Emerging as University of Michigan’s premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity
• Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world

Through research, education, and community engagement, we strive to promote environmental enjoyment and stewardship. Our biodiverse gardens and natural areas serve as living laboratories for faculty and students, while also providing picturesque green spaces for visitors. We also organize talks, walking tours, and other activities centered around plant life and environmental preservation. Through our efforts, we aim to inspire and cultivate an appreciation and understanding of the local and global environment.

***To volunteer with us, please visit this site to browse opportunities and fill out a volunteer application.***