With its dense woodlands, meandering trails and rich tapestry of more than 300 plant species, Royal Oak's Tenhave Woods is a community treasure. Encompassing approximately 22 acres, it offers residents an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

Tenhave Woods is situated just east of Royal Oak High School on property that was purchased by Samuel Goodwin back in 1834. What's interesting is that Goodwin didn't clear-cut the land, meaning he didn't cut down all the trees. He used the property as a wood lot for fuel, building materials and perhaps as an extra source of income from timber.

If Goodwin had cut down all the trees, there wouldn't be the diversity we see now. The park is widely believed to have some of the best hardwood trees in the area.

The woodlands were dedicated as a city park in 1955. In 1999, the park was named to honor Hessel Tenhave, an Army veteran and former biology teacher at Dondero High School for 34 years. Tenhave was a former president of the Michigan Audubon Society and the founder of the Forestry Club at Dondero High School. Tenhave used the woods to teach his students about nature and the importance of taking care of the environment. He was also instrumental in establishing the Royal Oak City of Trees Committee, which ran an annual tree planting each spring and fall starting in 1937.

The main entrance to Tenhave Woods is on Lexington Blvd., about 300 feet east of Marais. There's another entrance on Normandy. If you go to the west edge, near the soccer fields, you'll find turnstiles that you can only use to leave the park. You can park your car at the Lexington entrance or at the Senior/Community Center.

It's easy to get into the park and enjoy all the cool things it has to offer. Tenhave Woods boasts the Dragonfly Pond, three distinct forest types – swamp, oak/hickory and beech/maple – and a trail system.

Cummingston Park is another of Royal Oak's nature preserves and offers a similar haven for nature enthusiasts. Together these preserves symbolize the city's commitment to maintaining natural beauty and fostering an appreciation for the environment. Visitors are encouraged to explore, learn and revel in the serene landscapes of Tenhave Woods and Cummingston Park, the cherished natural gems of Royal Oak.


ABOUT THIS ISSUE'S COVER:

"New Year's Day" by John Nagridge is based on photos the artist took of his wife on a walk through Tenhave Woods on New Year's Day morning, 2021. The oil on canvas painting was created solely with painting knives.

Nagridge began his artistic journey at six, creating his first work around a Snoopy soap dish. Now a skilled graphic designer, illustrator and painter, Nagridge holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on printmaking and drawing from Wayne State University.

His diverse creations – drawings, etchings, woodcuts, and paintings – have graced Detroit galleries like the Detroit Artists Market and the Scarab Club. Notably, a woodcut earned the David Groff Purchase Award in 1987 and was featured in the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1991. Awards continued, with First Place in the 2021 Parks and Recreation Centennial Art Contest and Emerging Artist at the Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival.

Learn more at www.nagridgegallery.com.

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