5 Healthy Towns

What is a StoryBook Trail?

A StoryBook Trail combines the joy of reading and the outdoors! As families walk the .5 mile trail, they read a book one page at a time. Between the pages there are suggested activities to keep children engaged.

Prepare for the Trail

Baker Woods is a Nature Preserve. This land is owned and maintained by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. They strive to protect and conserve the flora and fauna in the area. Dogs and horses are not allowed on the trails in Baker Woods. The first half of the StoryBook Trail was freshly cut in 2019, and you may experience roots, rocks, and plants trying to reclaim the path.

Use the bathroom. There are no available bathrooms or electricity on the site.

Prepare for bugs! We recommend families use their preferred bug repellent product. Also, when your walk is finished take a moment to check shoes and clothing for unwanted passengers.

Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. The StoryBook Trail at Baker Woods Preserve is on a newly cut path so there may be places where roots and rocks are in the way. Also, storms may sometimes blow branches down across the path. Wearing sturdy shoes means everyone will be ready for what you find!

Beware of unknown plants! As a preserve, Baker Woods is home to poison ivy AND plants that look like poison ivy, but are not.  Visitors should stay on the trail, not touch unknown plants, and learn more about how to identify poison ivy. See these resources to be better prepared.

Poison Ivy Quiz

Quiz: Identifying Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

We need your feedback!

Baker Woods Preserve StoryBook Trail is made possible by a grant from 5 Healthy Towns. Help us report back on this project by sharing your experience. Scan the QR code while on the trail to share your thoughts! Or, send your comments to jzubik@chelseadistrictlibrary.org.

Baker Woods Preserve StoryBook Trail
11914 Trinkle Rd, Dexter, MI 48130

Join us monthly to walk the trail and enjoy a new story!

Current book (through end of Oct.): How to Help a Pumpkin Grow by Ashley Wolff

Dog plants a garden and does all he can to protect his plants… but are Crow, Rabbit, and other animals really out to destroy his hard work?

November book: My Book and Me by Linda Sue Park, illus. by Chris Raschka

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this book celebrates gratitude all the ways that stories impact our lives!

Baker Woods Preserve StoryBook Trail is provided in partnership with Washtenaw County Parks and funded through a grant from 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.