Partner Partner Content 50 years, 50 stories: Story #25 Leslie Science & Nature Center
Dr. Eugene Leslie and his wife Emily believed that no one could truly own a piece of land-that we can only use it, care for it, and pass it on to others. In keeping with that philosophy, they deeded their home and 50 acres of fields, prairies, and woods to the city of Ann Arbor in 1976 – the beginning of the Leslie Science Center, a place where people of all ages can explore the natural world.
THE LESLIE SCIENCE & NATURE CENTER
A Community Resource for Environmental Education & Experiences
Dr. Eugene Leslie and his wife, Emily, believed that no one could truly own a piece of land-that we can only use it, care for it, and pass it on to others. In 1976, they did just that by deeding their home and 50 acres of fields, prairies, and woods to the city of Ann Arbor. Their gift marked the beginning of the Leslie Science Center, a place where people of all ages can explore the natural world.
Over the years, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and its donors have provided nearly $300,000 in grants to support the Center’s innovative programming and outreach. A $40,000 grant in 2007 made it possible for the Center to become an independent 501 C(3) nonprofit to insure its long-term sustainability as the renamed Leslie Science & Nature Center (LSNC). And most recently, a $10,000 grant funded Critters Up Close – a creative new program offered by LSNC and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
Thanks in part to AAACF’s continued support, more than 65,000 children and adults benefit every year from LSNC’s school field trips, summer nature camps, community outreach programs, and year-round schedule of outdoor activities.
One of the many ways the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
supports all that is good in our community.
Read more “good” stories at: aaacf.org/stories
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