During the summer, Jensen's Meadow is a vivid green, but throughout the seasons, it changes into a variety of colors and scenes...

 

In the autumn, leaves change color and fall to the ground where they will be recycled for use the following spring.  Migrating birds can be observed flying over the meadow this time of year.  An occasional Groundhog (Woodchuck) or small herd of deer can also be seen grazing on the meadow plants.

Winter brings about great change to the meadow as the snow forms a blanket of white on the ground and the trees reveal their trunks.  The White Birch trees shown here reflect the warm light of the sunset and seem to change color from pink to orange to purple.

 

As the snow melts, the plants in the meadow soak up the sun and begin to bloom.  Many wildflowers and flowering shrubs can be found along the meadow, which creates a sweet perfume on a warm and sunny day.

Jensen's Meadow is named after the Landscape Architect, Jens Jensen, who Henry Ford hired to transform the original soybean fields of the Estate into a "natural habitat" which would attract wildlife, and Henry's favorite, birds.  Can you identify the clusters of Hawthorn trees as you walk along the meadow? They were deliberately planted along the sides of the meadow to entice the visitor to walk further into the Natural Area.

Scavenger Hunt Question:
How many benches are in Jensen's Meadow?