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Study Guide: Nichols Arboretum: History, Collections, and Ecology

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Nichols Arboretum: History, Collections, and Ecology Study Guide

Founding and Design

O. C. Simonds, a landscape gardener, designed Nichols Arboretum, which was established in 1907.

Answer: True

Explanation: O. C. Simonds, a landscape gardener, designed Nichols Arboretum, and its establishment year is recorded as 1907.

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O. C. Simonds' design philosophy emphasized creating artificial structures that contrasted sharply with the natural landscape.

Answer: False

Explanation: O. C. Simonds' design philosophy emphasized integrating with the natural landscape rather than creating contrasting artificial structures.

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The 1906 plan illustrates the initial design concept for the arboretum's layout.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1906 plan provides insight into the initial design concept and intended layout of the arboretum.

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Nichols Arboretum was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nichols Arboretum was designed by O. C. Simonds, not Frederick Law Olmsted.

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Who was the landscape designer responsible for planning Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: O. C. Simonds

Explanation: O. C. Simonds was the landscape designer responsible for planning Nichols Arboretum.

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In what year was Nichols Arboretum established?

Answer: 1907

Explanation: Nichols Arboretum was established in the year 1907.

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O. C. Simonds' design philosophy for the arboretum focused on:

Answer: Integrating with the existing natural landscape

Explanation: O. C. Simonds' design philosophy emphasized integrating the arboretum with its existing natural landscape.

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What design element, emphasized by O. C. Simonds, involves carefully orchestrated perspectives within the landscape?

Answer: Long views

Explanation: O. C. Simonds emphasized 'long views,' which are carefully orchestrated perspectives within the landscape.

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Operation and Administration

Nichols Arboretum, commonly referred to as 'The Arb,' is situated on the campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Nichols Arboretum is situated on the campus of the University of Michigan, not Michigan State University.

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The University of Michigan operates Nichols Arboretum.

Answer: True

Explanation: The University of Michigan is identified as the operator of Nichols Arboretum.

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The City of Ann Arbor agreed to manage the botanical garden, while the University of Michigan committed to building roads.

Answer: False

Explanation: The agreement stipulated that the University of Michigan would manage the botanical garden, while the City of Ann Arbor committed to building roads and providing policing.

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The botany faculty at the University of Michigan were satisfied with the Nichols Arboretum site for advanced plant research.

Answer: False

Explanation: The botany faculty were dissatisfied with the Nichols Arboretum site due to its hilly terrain being unsuitable for greenhouses required for advanced plant research.

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Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum were administratively separated in 2004.

Answer: False

Explanation: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum were administratively reunited in 2004, not separated.

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The official website for Nichols Arboretum is mbgn.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official website for Nichols Arboretum is provided as mbgn.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum.

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The University of Michigan's botany faculty moved their research greenhouses to the Nichols Arboretum site in 1914.

Answer: False

Explanation: The University of Michigan's botany faculty sought a different site for their research greenhouses in 1914 because the Nichols Arboretum site was deemed unsuitable.

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What is the primary function of Nichols Arboretum as described in the source?

Answer: A dedicated space for the study and display of plants

Explanation: The primary function of Nichols Arboretum is described as a dedicated space for the study and display of plants.

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Which university operates Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: The University of Michigan

Explanation: The University of Michigan operates Nichols Arboretum.

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According to the agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan, who was responsible for managing the arboretum?

Answer: The University of Michigan

Explanation: The agreement stipulated that the University of Michigan would manage the arboretum.

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Why were the University of Michigan's botany faculty unhappy with the Nichols Arboretum site?

Answer: Its hilly terrain was unsuitable for greenhouses.

Explanation: The botany faculty found the hilly terrain of the Nichols Arboretum site unsuitable for constructing the greenhouses necessary for their research.

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In what year were Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum administratively reunited?

Answer: 2004

Explanation: Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum were administratively reunited in 2004.

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Arboretum Features and Collections

Nichols Arboretum covers an area of approximately 128 acres.

Answer: True

Explanation: The arboretum encompasses an area of approximately 128 acres.

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The Huron River flows through the center of Nichols Arboretum.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Huron River flows adjacent to, but not through the center of, Nichols Arboretum.

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The ravine known as 'Schoolgirls' Glen' was named after university professors who conducted botanical studies there.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ravine known as 'Schoolgirls' Glen' was named likely for pupils of a girls' school who gathered flowers there, not university professors.

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Increased rainwater runoff due to university construction in the 1950s led to severe erosion in Schoolgirls' Glen.

Answer: True

Explanation: University construction in the 1950s increased rainwater runoff into Schoolgirls' Glen, causing severe erosion.

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The Nathan Burnham House, moved to the arboretum in 1998, now serves as a visitor center.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Nathan Burnham House was relocated to the arboretum in 1998 and now functions as the James D. Reader Jr. Urban Environmental Education Center.

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The 'Shakespeare in the Arb' event, starting in 2000, utilizes elaborate stage sets and lighting.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Shakespeare in the Arb' event is characterized by natural staging without artificial scenery or lighting.

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The postcard image from circa 1918 shows the W. E. Upjohn Peony Garden in bloom.

Answer: False

Explanation: The postcard image from circa 1918 depicts Schoolgirls' Glen, not the W. E. Upjohn Peony Garden in bloom.

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The ravine known as 'Schoolgirls' Glen' was historically a popular retreat for university students.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, 'Schoolgirls' Glen' served as a popular retreat for university students due to its natural beauty and proximity to campus.

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The James D. Reader Jr. Urban Environmental Education Center is housed in the relocated Nathan Burnham House.

Answer: True

Explanation: The relocated Nathan Burnham House now serves as the James D. Reader Jr. Urban Environmental Education Center.

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The 'Shakespeare in the Arb' event is performed annually in the main auditorium of the arboretum.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Shakespeare in the Arb' event is performed outdoors within the arboretum, not in an auditorium.

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Approximately how large is Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: 128 acres

Explanation: Nichols Arboretum covers an area of approximately 128 acres.

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Nichols Arboretum is located adjacent to which river?

Answer: Huron River

Explanation: Nichols Arboretum is situated adjacent to the Huron River.

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What historical ravine, once a popular student retreat, is now part of the arboretum?

Answer: Schoolgirls' Glen

Explanation: Schoolgirls' Glen is a historical ravine that was a popular student retreat and is now part of the arboretum.

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What development in the 1950s significantly increased erosion in Schoolgirls' Glen?

Answer: Construction of university facilities creating impervious surfaces

Explanation: Construction of university facilities in the 1950s led to increased impervious surfaces and subsequent rainwater runoff, significantly increasing erosion in Schoolgirls' Glen.

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What historic building was relocated to the arboretum in 1998 to serve as an education center?

Answer: The Nathan Burnham House

Explanation: The Nathan Burnham House was relocated to the arboretum in 1998 and now serves as an education center.

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The annual 'Shakespeare in the Arb' event is characterized by:

Answer: Natural staging without artificial scenery or lighting

Explanation: The 'Shakespeare in the Arb' event is characterized by natural staging, utilizing the environment without artificial scenery or lighting.

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Ecological Zones and Flora

Nichols Arboretum features over 400 species of plants, with more than 100 different types of trees.

Answer: True

Explanation: The arboretum's collection includes over 400 species of plants, among which are more than 100 different types of trees.

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The arboretum's collection includes rare species like the Ginkgo and Cedars of Lebanon.

Answer: True

Explanation: The arboretum's collection features rare species such as the Ginkgo and Cedars of Lebanon.

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The four Cedars of Lebanon planted in 1946 are located within their optimal cold hardiness range.

Answer: False

Explanation: The four Cedars of Lebanon planted in 1946 are located at the extreme edge of their cold hardiness range, indicating they are not within their optimal range.

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The Chinese Fringetree at the arboretum is believed to be the oldest specimen of its kind in Michigan.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chinese Fringetree at Nichols Arboretum is believed to be the oldest specimen of its species in the state of Michigan.

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Conifers like pines and spruces were primarily planted in Nichols Arboretum during the late 19th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conifers, including pines and spruces, were primarily planted in Nichols Arboretum between the 1910s and 1930s, not the late 19th century.

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The arboretum features Japanese larches planted in 1938 and European larches planted in 1952.

Answer: True

Explanation: Japanese larches were planted in 1938, and European larches were planted in 1952 within the arboretum.

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Trees from the Legume family, such as redbud and honeylocust, are absent from the arboretum's collection.

Answer: False

Explanation: Trees from the Legume family, including redbud and honeylocust, are present in the arboretum's collection.

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The arboretum's collection includes Magnolias and Tuliptrees.

Answer: True

Explanation: Magnolias and Tuliptrees are among the species included in the arboretum's collection.

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The Dow Prairie area has been restored to resemble its pre-settlement landscape and includes native plants like Big bluestem.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dow Prairie area has been restored to reflect its pre-settlement landscape and features native plants such as Big bluestem.

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The Wetlands area of the arboretum is characterized by dry upland forest species.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Wetlands area is characterized by wet meadow and hardwood swamp species, not dry upland forest species.

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The Uplands area is primarily a second and third-growth oak-hickory forest.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Uplands area is predominantly characterized as a second and third-growth oak-hickory forest.

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The arboretum features native oak species such as red oak and white oak, alongside Asian species like sawtooth oak.

Answer: True

Explanation: Native oak species, including red and white oak, and Asian species like sawtooth oak are represented in the arboretum's collection.

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The Uplands area is characterized by ancient forests dating back to the original establishment of the arboretum.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Uplands area is characterized by second and third-growth woodland, not ancient forests dating back to the arboretum's establishment.

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How many species of trees are featured in Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: 110 different species

Explanation: Nichols Arboretum features 110 different species of trees.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a notable tree species in Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: Giant Sequoia

Explanation: Giant Sequoia is not listed as a notable tree species in Nichols Arboretum, while Cedar of Lebanon, Ginkgo, and Tuliptree are.

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What type of forest primarily characterizes the Uplands area of Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: Oak-hickory forest

Explanation: The Uplands area is primarily characterized as an oak-hickory forest.

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The Dow Prairie area has been restored to resemble the landscape:

Answer: Prior to European settlement

Explanation: The Dow Prairie area has been restored to resemble the landscape prior to European settlement.

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Which of the following is an example of a native oak species found in the arboretum?

Answer: White oak

Explanation: White oak is an example of a native oak species found in the arboretum, alongside others like red oak and black oak.

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The Wetlands area contains plant communities such as:

Answer: Hardwood swamp and wet meadow

Explanation: The Wetlands area contains plant communities including hardwood swamp and wet meadow species.

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The oldest oaks in the Uplands area of Nichols Arboretum are estimated to be how old?

Answer: Between 75 and 119 years old

Explanation: The oldest oaks in the Uplands area are estimated to be between 75 and 119 years old.

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Historical Context and Development

Walter and Esther Connor Nichols donated land to the University of Michigan in 1906, leading to the arboretum being named in their honor.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1906, Walter and Esther Connor Nichols donated land to the University of Michigan, which subsequently led to the arboretum being named in their honor.

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The University of Michigan established its first botanical garden in 1897, fulfilling early campus plans from the 1830s.

Answer: True

Explanation: Early campus plans from the 1830s envisioned a botanical garden, and the University of Michigan eventually established its first such garden in 1897.

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Nichols Arboretum was officially named in 1922, following its transfer to the landscape architecture faculty.

Answer: True

Explanation: The site was officially named Nichols Arboretum in 1922, after its responsibility was transferred to the landscape architecture faculty.

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The land for the arboretum was initially donated by Esther Connor Nichols and Walter Nichols in honor of whom?

Answer: Themselves

Explanation: The land was donated by Esther Connor Nichols and Walter Nichols in honor of themselves.

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When was the site officially designated as Nichols Arboretum?

Answer: 1922

Explanation: The site was officially designated as Nichols Arboretum in 1922.

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