Holliday Nature Preserve Association in Wayne County, Michigan

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Fall 2023

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The Holliday Nature Preserve Association (HNPA) was organized in 1988 and consists of volunteers dedicated to the William P. Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve.

The Preserve is part of the Wayne County Park system and consists of 500-plus acres of forests and wetlands that runs along tributaries of the Rouge River in Westland, Michigan.

The Preserve a place of beauty and tranquility within the most populous county in our state. Like Arthur Richardson who donated the funds for the Preserve, in memory of his uncle William P. Holliday, we seek to nurture a greater appreciation of this unique local natural resource by hosting walks for families, groups and individuals.

We also work to improve the experience of visitors through Preserve maintenance and improvements conducted in partnership with Wayne County Parks.

We also publish a newsletter three times per year to keep our members and supporters up-to-date on what is going on with our group and the Preserve. We ask a nominal donation of $5 per year for our newsletter. We also are pleased to accept additional funds, which are used to improve the Preserve. But whether or not you decide to join us, all our activities are free and open to all.

The Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve is a special place. Come experience it anytime of the year.

Mailing Address:
HNPA
P.O. Box 532243
Livonia, MI 48153

Springwood

Holliday Nature Preserve Association

Upcoming Activities

Our organization offers free walks that last about 90 minutes. All are done at a leisurely pace with time taken to enjoy and learn about the surrounding plants, trees and animals. We have anywhere from four to 25 people depending on weather and time of year. No reservations are necessary. Just c'mon out!

Fall Walk & Work
Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.—1 p.m. Newburgh entrance, east of Newburgh Road, just north of Warren Road. Enjoy changing colors, then help with some work in field area. Gloves and loppers provided. Come for the walk, the work, or both!

Another Fall Walk & Work
Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.—1 p.m. Cowan entrance, Central City Parkway, west of Wayne Road. North of Warren Road. Leaves falling, cooler temperatures for walk along Tonquish Creek, then some more honeysuckle cutting and piling at entrance. Gloves and loppers provided. Come for the walk, the work, or both!

Late Fall Walk – BUT NO Work
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 -11:30 a.m. Ellsworth entrance, parking at Nankin Mills, on Hines Drive, east of Ann Arbor Trail. Crunching leaves on this loop trail across the floodplain.

HNPA Annual Membership Meeting
Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.—noon. Robert & Janet Bennett Civic Center Library, 32777 Five Mile, Livonia. Opportunity to discuss issues concerning the Preserve; review proposed bylaws and start plans for 2024. Plenty of time to share comments, offer suggestions, and enjoy seeing friends off the trail.

Early Winter Walk
Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Cowan entrance, Central City Parkway, west of Wayne Road, north of Warren Road. Some calming “forest bathing” before holiday shopping.

Recent News

For a number of years, Wayne County Parks has been seeking grants to make improvements in Holliday Preserve. During that time, HNPA has had some discussions with WCP about the trail system and bridges. Recently, HNPA President Bill met with County Commissioners Anderson and Marecki regarding our positions on trails and bridges. This included walking the Preseerve.

Later that day, Bill received an email from WCP Director Bradford saying they got 10 million American Rescue Plan Act dollars for three projects, one of which is Holliday Nature Preserve. No details yet. HNPA will keep you informed as we learn something.

A Note About the Trails...

HNPA is a small group of volunteers who find beauty and value in the Holliday Preserve and work to maintain it as best a small group of volunteers can. That said, please keep in mind:

* Preserve trail system is not always maintained. While Wayne County Parks is doing a lot of work in the Preserve, some of the work you see has been done by volunteers. The boardwalks are generally Eagle Scout projects done in conjunction with HNPA and Wayne County Parks.

* Preserve trail system is not always marked.

* Preserve trail system is not always easy to follow across its length and non-authorized trails can make the trail system more confusing.

* Preserve trail maps do not reflect the true condition of trails or bridges.

Want to help improve the Preserve and its trails? Then please join us!