Formar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
Rate this placeNearby: Longway Park Branch-Carr Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Former Nature Preserve & Arboretum is located in the state of Michigan and is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and various points of interest.
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Summary
Some good reasons to visit the preserve include hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the various gardens and exhibits.
One of the most popular areas within the preserve is the Wildflower Garden, which features a wide variety of native Michigan wildflowers. The arboretum is also home to several different ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can explore these areas and observe the different plants and animals that call them home.
In addition to the natural beauty, the preserve also offers several educational opportunities, including guided tours and workshops. The staff is knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna and can provide visitors with information about the different species they encounter.
Interesting facts about the preserve include that it was established in the 1960s and has since grown to cover over 700 acres. It is also home to several endangered species, including the Blanding's turtle and the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake.
The best time of year to visit the preserve depends on personal preferences, as each season offers its own unique experience. Spring and summer are popular for wildflower viewing, while fall offers stunning foliage. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Former Nature Preserve & Arboretum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. With its diverse ecosystems and educational opportunities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Longway Park
Branch-Carr Park
Amos Park
Kearsley Park
Dayton Park