For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

Genesee County is home to Michigan's largest county parks system, with more than 11,000 acres of recreation space across dozens of properties. But even among that impressive portfolio, For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum stands out as something special. Located at 2142 North Genesee Road in Burton, this 383-acre preserve was established in 1970 when a local family donated a former dairy farm to the county with the vision that it would become a place where residents could connect with the natural world. More than five decades later, that vision has been realized in ways that still feel quietly remarkable.

The preserve features seven miles of hiking trails that wind through hardwood forests, past three ponds, along Kearsley Creek, and across open meadows. The trails are intentionally accessible — mowed paths and gravel service drives that welcome walkers, birders, families with strollers, and anyone who simply needs a quiet place to think. The Merkley Visitor Center, open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., serves as the educational heart of the preserve, with hands-on exhibits, live animal displays, and a knowledgeable staff that can point you toward the best trails for the season.

The arboretum is one of For-Mar's most impressive features. The preserve maintains a curated collection of rare and specimen trees that draws horticulture enthusiasts from across the state. The historic Maple Walk, planted decades ago, is a particular highlight in autumn when the leaves turn. The demonstration gardens, apiary, and treehouse add layers of discovery that make every visit feel different from the last.

The Foote Bird Museum, housed within the visitor center complex, contains over 100 mounted bird specimens representing Michigan's native species. It opens on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., and the collection offers a quiet, educational complement to the outdoor experience — a chance to identify the birds you just spotted on the trail.

Why It's Being Spotlighted

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum is being spotlighted because it represents exactly the kind of community asset that AI-powered research consistently surfaces as a top reason homebuyers choose a particular area. When I use AI-driven tools to evaluate what makes a community desirable — beyond listing data and school ratings — access to quality public green space consistently ranks among the most influential factors. For-Mar is free, open to everyone, and located in Burton, which puts it within a 15-minute drive of Grand Blanc, Davison, Flint, and Fenton. It is the kind of place that newcomers discover in their first month of living here and immediately understand as a gift. For homebuyers exploring Genesee County, knowing that a 383-acre nature preserve with an arboretum and bird museum is part of their everyday landscape can be the detail that turns a house into a home.

What Makes It Special

Several elements set For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum apart from the broader landscape in Mid-Michigan:

• 383 acres of preserved habitat. Forests, wetlands, ponds, meadows, and a creek — a rare diversity of ecosystems within a single county park.
• Rare tree collection. One of Michigan's finest arboretums, with specimen trees planted and labeled for public education and year-round enjoyment.
• Free and accessible for all. No admission fees, no parking fees — just open, welcoming nature that belongs to every Genesee County resident.
• Foote Bird Museum. Over 100 mounted Michigan bird species on display, with live animal exhibits and educational programming for all ages.
• Environmental education hub. A destination for school field trips, scouting groups, and families seeking hands-on learning about Michigan's natural heritage.

If You Go

For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum is located at 2142 North Genesee Road in Burton, Genesee County — roughly 10 minutes south of downtown Flint and 10 minutes north of Grand Blanc, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring the area. The preserve and trails are open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily. The Merkley Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Foote Bird Museum is open Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For current trail conditions, program schedules, or to confirm hours before your visit, call (810) 789-8567 or visit geneseecountyparks.org/for-mar-nature-preserve-arboretum-2/. Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Grand Blanc Farmers Market (seasonal) or a lunch at one of the locally owned restaurants along Grand Blanc's Saginaw Road corridor.

By Joyce England, REALTOR®