The Friends of Greenview work to restore and enhance the nature area by planting native trees and shrubs in Greenview and Pioneer Woods to support wildlife, improve biodiversity, and beautify the landscape. The trees and shrubs for these projects are funded by grants and donations, with volunteers involved in the planting. Friends of Greenview also engage Pioneer High School students in planting, providing them with valuable educational experiences as they learn about habitat restoration and the benefits of native trees.
Restoring the Oak Opening
Over 200 years ago, this part of Ann Arbor was oak savanna, open prairie grasslands dotted with stately oak trees, known as an ‘oak opening.’ Friends of Greenview is recreating a small piece of that history and has so far planted several native Michigan oaks representing eight species, including Shingle Oak, Red Oak, Bur Oak, Swamp White Oak, and American Chestnut, which belongs to the oak family.
Oaks are a keystone species that support entire ecosystems, providing habitat and food for hundreds of species of insects, birds, and mammals.
This ongoing planting effort has been made possible through generous donations and grants from the community.
Shingle Oak Quercus imricaria
Red Oak Quercus rubra
Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa
Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor
Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii
American Chestnut Castanea Dentata
Swamp White Oaks at Glen Leven Entrance
In the spring of 2024, Friends of Greenview purchased four Swamp White Oaks for the Glen Leven entrance to Pioneer Woods, thanks to generous donations from the community. We planted these trees with the help of the Pioneer High School Plant Club. The students also spread wood chips and underplanted the oaks with native sedges and wildflowers. This project was completed in areas previously cleared of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle by FOG volunteers.
Serviceberries Along South Seventh
In the spring of 2022, in commemoration of Arbor Day, the Friends of Greenview planted six Amelanchier serviceberry trees along South Seventh, just north of Scio Church Rd. The Pioneer High School Sustainability Club helped with the planting. Amelanchier trees add seasonal interest to the park, with beautiful spring blooms and summer berries that are important for wildlife.
Explore Demonstration Gardens and Native Tree Plantings
The Friends of Greenview created demonstration gardens and a native tree grove to support pollinators, showcase food plants, and highlight native trees like chestnuts and oaks.
