Past, Present, and Future: Natural Journey through Freeman

Freeman sits on the ancestral and contemporary homelands of the Anishinaabe peoples, also known as the peoples of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, as well as the Fox, Peoria, and Wyandot Nations, who have lived in and cared for this land surrounding the Great Lakes for countless generations. We recognize the deep and ongoing connection Indigenous peoples have with this land and acknowledge that their knowledge and stewardship have shaped its past, present, and future. We deeply value the contributions of these nations, understanding that any meaningful work on this land is indebted to their enduring presence and care, and we commit to honoring and including indigenous history and knowledge in environmental education teaching and learning opportunities.

Freeman sits on a historical black oak-barrens surrounded by oak-hickory forests and wet prairies, each a significant regional ecosystem. Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) lists both oak-barrens and wet prairies as Critically Imperiled in the state, meaning that their coverage has been significantly reduced compared to their historical range.

Circa 1800, Freeman was used primarily as farmland and from agricultural census data, we can see records of ownership and use of the property dating back to 1850. Like most of Washtenaw county at that time, Freeman had been converted to farmland. Farmer Fredrick Townsend, the owner of the property in 1850, had a variety of livestock but sheep were clearly dominant. Land use changes over the decades have left a legacy on the landscape that can still be seen today.

The 1880s brought a new era to the Ann Arbor-Dixboro area and the Dixboro School was built on the property. As the demographic of the area continued to change from farm to residential, the school needed to expand and rebrand. In honor of Glen A. Freeman, the Superior Township School Board President and an esteemed community member, the Dixboro School changed its name in 1958. The Glen A. Freeman School served as an elementary school throughout much of the 20th century until it was leased to an outside organization.

Check out how the Freeman property has changed from 1940 to 2022

Take a look at how the landscape surrounding the Freeman property has changed through the years!

Do you have a memory about Freeman that you want to share? Help us grow the connection by telling us about it  here !

Echoes of the past can still be found when exploring this changing landscape today. Freeman has several miles of trails that link different habitats and stewardship projects. As an AAPS property, all are welcome to visit the natural areas outside of school hours. Scroll through to see some of the things you might experience on a hike.

More to come...

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