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

