Through swales and dales

Through swales and dales

ANN ARBOR—”Bicycle Botany” is the chance for any biker who is also interested in botany to ride and at the same time identify interesting natural and cultural areas along the route.

Sponsored by the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the University of Michigan, this opportunity to discover nearby swales and dales while covering roads and trails throughout a cross-section of the Huron River watershed will start and end at the Gardens on Sept. 29 after a four-hour ride from 8 a.m.-noon. Participation is restricted to those at least 16 years of age. There is a fee ($36 for members of the Friends of Matthaei and $40 for non-members), and registration is required. For detailed information contact the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at (734) 998-7061.

Tour leader Liz Elling, coordinator of visitor programs at the Gardens, says riders can expect to see a vivid display of fall flowers, including a number of species in the genera of asters and goldenrods. The fruits and nuts of the area’s trees such as oaks and hickories will be explored as well as viburnums and hazelnuts.

“We go through several ecosystems,” says Elling. “There will be forest, riverine, upland, nearby ponds, and those swales and dales.”

While four hours is dedicated to the ride, the mileage covered actually will only be about 10, some of which will include a few hills. “This is not a hard ride,” Elling says. “There will be many, many stops and rests. Bring your own bike and helmet. Of course, ‘rules of the road’ will be carefully observed.”

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located at 1800 Dixboro Road just east of U.S. 23 between Plymouth and Geddes roads.

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