On the last Friday before classes, faculty, staff, and students from U-M’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology gathered at the Edwin S. George Reserve for the department’s annual retreat. The afternoon offered a mix of exploration, learning, and connection—set against the backdrop of one of Michigan’s most unique ecological preserves.

More than just a retreat venue, the Edwin S. George Reserve (ESGR) represents nearly a century of ecological stewardship. Located about 25 miles northwest of Ann Arbor, the 1,300-acre fenced preserve was gifted to the University of Michigan by Colonel Edwin S. George in 1930. Since then, it has been maintained by EEB as a sanctuary for research, teaching, and conservation. Over the decades, generations of scientists and students have documented its plants, vertebrates, and insect populations, creating valuable long-term datasets that continue to support ecological research today.

Photo courtesy of Léo Laborieux

 

For the retreat, attendees began the day with a variety of guided nature walks, led by in-departmental experts, to explore ESGR’s woods and wetlands. Researchers pointed out the diverse flora and fauna that call ESGR home, from late-summer wildflowers to amphibians tucked into marshy edges, to a wide array of fungi. Several garter and ribbon snakes were encountered during one exploratory stroll, and a variety of species were also introduced, including: DeKay's Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi), two Eastern Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), a Northern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita septentrionalis), a Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), an  Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) and two Blue Racers (Coluber constrictor foxii).

“It was great to spend some time in the field together – literally – and see some of the species and phenomena that our colleagues write about,” said EEB Ph.D. Student Rachel Gutner. "I loved spending time with people in their own field and seeing how their work environment shapes what they do. It really helped me understand where I was heading and opened my eyes to the incredible variety of abiotic and biotic diversity right here in the Ann Arbor area."

Walkers on the fungi walk spotted more than 25 different species along their stroll. These included Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus cincinnatus), Old Man of the Woods (Strobilomyces strobilaceus), Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), Red Chanterelle (Cantharellus cinnabarinus), Two-colored Bolete (Baorangia bicolor), Mycena leaiana, Trametes versicolor, Stereum sp., Trichaptum sp., Lactarius sp., Russula sp., and Marasmius sp. “How cool is it to go on a walk and learn from experts and friends about ants, herpetofauna, plants, natural history, glacial history, and the fungal kingdom all at once?” said EEB graduate student Quinn Moon. “I love being part of Michigan EEB.

Photo courtesy of Léo Laborieux

 

After the walks, the group came together for lunch before launching into a spirited round of trivia that tested scientific knowledge, as well as fun department and university facts. The competition was lively, with teams laughing and trading guesses as they worked through questions. The winning team went home with a much coveted prize—fresh pineapples, which also happened to unassumingly serve  as the table centerpieces.

After trivia, attendees found activities for every interest—and all ages! Whether it was swimming in the pond, mountain biking or hiking the trails, or even bouncing around in the inflatable bouncehouse, participants enjoyed the good weather and good offerings. The chance to unwind and reconnect with colleagues in a relaxed setting made the day a memorable highlight before the start of the new semester. A few adventurous participants even extended the experience by camping overnight.

By hosting the retreat at the ESGR, the department not only enjoyed a day of camaraderie and summer fun, but also renewed its connection to the considerable resources the preserve provides. “The Edwin S. George Reserve is one of our department’s greatest assets,” said Nate Sanders, Chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. “It provides a living laboratory where our students and faculty and others can study biodiversity in the field in an afternoon or for decades. The ESGR has been a special place for nearly one hundred years, and will continue to be for hundreds more."