CAMERON HUNT
VISUAL STATEMENT
BY
The birds of the Leslie Sci-
ence and Nature Center
are a hidden gem of Ann
Arbor. The predatory birds
in the collection include
a bald eagle, several spe-
cies of owls and vultures.
Other animals at the exhib-
its include insects, reptiles
and amphibians. Also on
the grounds are nature
trails, ponds and gardens.
The property previously
belonged to Dr. Eugene
Leslie, a former professor
at the University of Michi-
gan and his wife, Emily,
a nature and gardening
enthusiast.
The
couple
planted gardens across
their land over the course
of their lives. Seeing how
their neighbors’ children
engaged with nature, the
Leslies worked to create an
educational hub to instill
curiosity and respect for
nature. Wanting to spread
their love of nature to
future
generations,
the
Leslies gave the deed to
the city of Ann Arbor in
1976. Since then, the city
has honored the wishes of
the Leslies and has worked
to maintain and expand
the non-profit’s property.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019 // The Statement
8B