The Dahlem Center Provides Nature for All

By: Brian Elliott

          Looking for a way to connect with nature and take a break from the hustle of daily life?  The Dahlem Center just outside of Jackson at 7117 South Jackson Road, is an incredible natural environment of nearly 300 acres. The Dahlem Center provides educational classes, summer camps, and a little something for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.  Dahlem showcases 5 miles of natural hiking trails and a nearly ½ mile accessible “Nature for All Trail” made of crushed limestone.  The Nature for All Trail takes people on a loop from the main entrance out through the woods and back to the main office building.  The trails are free to use and are open dawn to dusk year-round (including holidays). 

          My favorite part, aside from having an accessible trail, is the newest additions to the “Nature for All Trail” installed at the beginning of 2021.  New stations (developed in collaboration with Henry Ford Allegiance Health) posted along the trail (as shown in the photo below) demonstrate how to do some simple stretches or movements such as yoga poses, jumping jacks, plus arm/leg stretches.  Performing the exercises are a calming experience as you take in the natural sights and sounds.  No longer do you hear the daily bustle of traffic and machinery.  Your eyes aren’t focused on a phone, television, or computer screen in front of you.  Instead, your senses can take in the rustling of leaves in all colors and sizes, and wildlife like birds and the scrunching of a squirrel as it scampers from one tree to another.  It is you and nature.  Simply, back to the basics. 

          Four spinning infographics are also posted along the accessible trail.  The infographics provide images and descriptions of what you can see as you look around the trail as you go.  The whole of nature is beautiful, and now you know what you are looking at.

          Next time you think you can use a break and unplug, check out the Dahlem Center.  A great place to connect with nature and see all of its stages from bloom to hibernation and everything in between. #Awareness