Cherry Hill Nature Preserve

The Cherry Hill Nature Preserve is a 160-acre public nature preserve in Superior Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, offering a diverse landscape for recreation and nature observation. Featuring rolling hills, wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas, the preserve provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and a tranquil escape for visitors. Originally part of a larger agricultural area, the land has transitioned into a valued natural resource for the community.

History

The area encompassing the present-day Cherry Hill Nature Preserve has a history rooted in agriculture, evolving over time into a suburban landscape within Washtenaw County. The region's name and broader identity were shaped in part by the historic Cherry Hill estate, which from 1884 through 1963 served as the home of Catherine Putman Rankin and her family. That historic house and grounds, while a separate entity from the nature preserve, share the same geographical name and contributed to the area's lasting identity.

Superior Township now owns the 160 acres and maintains them as a public resource. The transition of the land into a nature preserve reflects a growing commitment to conservation and public access to natural spaces in the region. The creation of walking paths and a designated trail system represents a deliberate effort to allow visitors to experience the preserve's natural beauty, while the establishment of the preserve itself marks a shift from private ownership and agricultural use to a publicly accessible natural area.

Conservation efforts connected to the preserve have expanded in recent years. Superior Township has undertaken active land stewardship at Cherry Hill, including a woody invasives removal project documented in the Township's December 2025 board proceedings, which reflects an ongoing commitment to ecological management of the site. The preserve's stewardship is further supported by partnerships with conservation organizations, contributing to a contiguous corridor of protected open space in the broader Superior Township area.

Geography

The Cherry Hill Nature Preserve encompasses 160 acres of varied terrain within Superior Township, Washtenaw County. The preserve is located at 6375 Cherry Hill Road, on the north side of Cherry Hill Road, and covers an area approximately one-half mile square. This relatively compact footprint contains a notable diversity of habitat types, contributing to its ecological significance within the region.

The terrain includes rolling hills that provide varied elevation and scenic views across the landscape. Wetlands are a significant component of the preserve, contributing to its ecological richness and providing specialized habitat for plant and animal species adapted to saturated soils and standing water. A portion of Fleming Creek flows through the preserve, adding to the aquatic ecosystem and influencing the landscape's hydrology and overall character. In addition to the hills, wetlands, and creek corridor, the preserve features open meadow areas and wooded sections, together forming a mosaic of habitats that supports a diverse array of wildlife. The combination of these geographical features makes the Cherry Hill Nature Preserve a valuable natural space within Superior Township and the broader Washtenaw County region.

Attractions

The primary attraction of the Cherry Hill Nature Preserve is its natural environment, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and general nature observation throughout the year. A 1.6-mile loop trail provides a designated path for exploring the preserve's diverse terrain, guiding visitors through the rolling hills, wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas that define the site. A trail map is available at the main entrance, supporting independent exploration of the preserve's natural surroundings.

The preserve's wildlife population is another key attraction. The area supports a resident owl population, and Superior Township has organized seasonal programming around this feature, including an Owl Prowl event held in November 2025 that invited visitors to explore the preserve after dark in search of its resident owl species. In addition to owls, the preserve provides habitat for a variety of wetland bird species, including warblers and bluebirds, making birdwatching a popular activity for visitors. The surrounding Superior Township area also offers additional outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails, parks, and access to the Fleming Creek watershed corridor.

Getting There

The Cherry Hill Nature Preserve is located at 6375 Cherry Hill Road, Superior Township, MI 48198. From the Superior Township Hall at 3040 N. Prospect Road, visitors may turn south onto Prospect Road for approximately 360 feet, then turn west onto Cherry Hill Road and continue for 1.6 miles; the preserve entrance is on the right (north) side of Cherry Hill Road. Parking is available on site, and a trail map is posted at the main entrance.

The preserve is most readily accessible by personal vehicle via Cherry Hill Road. While specific public transportation routes directly to the preserve are not documented, the surrounding area is served by regional transportation networks connecting to the nearby cities of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Visitors traveling from further distances may find it convenient to utilize major roadways including US-23 and I-94 to reach Superior Township before proceeding to Cherry Hill Road.

See Also

Superior Township, Michigan Fleming Creek Ypsilanti, Michigan Washtenaw County, Michigan