The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens (300 acres, 121 hectares) includes botanical gardens, natural areas with trails, and several research-quality habitats and is part of the organization Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

[1] The gardens are named after former Michigan regent Frederick C. Matthaei Sr. and his wife Mildred, who donated 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land.

[4] The gardens and hardy collections consist of several formal displays and outdoor plantings: The 10,000+ square-foot conservatory was designed by architect Alden Dow, and completed in 1964.

It is believed to be the largest university-operated display greenhouse in the United States.

[citation needed] The conservatory contains three distinct areas: The natural areas include mature woodlands, wetlands, several ponds, and a constructed tall-grass prairie, with four nature trails covering 3.2 miles.