Our Best Nature Hikes Near Chelsea & Dexter, MI
These are some of our favorite nature hikes in the northwest part of the county.
If you’re an avid hiker or just want to go for a walk and enjoy the scenery, consider one of these local trails.
![Brauer Preserve Sign and Parking Area](https://walkingwashtenaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_5467-768x576.jpeg?x70551)
A Ramble Through Beautiful Brauer Preserve
Brauer Preserve, a 226-acre tract that protects diverse habitat types, from sandy knolls and upland oak/hickory forests to rich wetlands.
![Squires Preserve, Chelsea MI.](https://walkingwashtenaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_2299-768x491.jpg?x70551)
Squiers Preserve with a canine guide – Chelsea, MI
Today we visited Squiers Preserve, one of 3 small county preserves in western Washtenaw County. This small and uniquely shaped preserve is on Silvan Rd in Silvan Township. The preserve covers 59 acres of slightly rolling land and features mixed woodlands, wetlands and open meadows.
![Joan Rodman Plant Preserve](https://walkingwashtenaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IMG_2213-scaled.jpeg?x70551)
Joan Rodman Memorial Plant Preserve – Saline, MI
Joan Rodman loved this land and wanted others to enjoy it as much as she did.
![Baker Woods Preserve](https://walkingwashtenaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DSE00340-Edit-768x731.jpg?x70551)
Baker Woods Preserve – Chelsea, MI
Today I explored a new find, Baker Woods Preserve. The preserve covers 70 acres of old forest, open grasslands, and rolling hills and features well-maintained a trail system. Its varied ecosystem supports a large variety of birds and animals.