This 74-acre woodlot was originally called Van Atta Woods Park when the initial 62 acres were purchased by Meridian Township in 1973 followed by additional enlargements over the years. In 2009 when the final acre was added from the family of Ted Black and the park was renamed after the well-known environmental advocate.

Charlie “Ted” Black (1914-2007) began his career as a wildlife biologist before conducting postdoctoral research under Aldo Leopold, the founding father of wildlife ecology. Black made this slice of Meridian Township his home and was well known as an avid birder who field-identified more than 2,000 species over the course of his life. Black and his wife traveled the world as wildlife and botanical educators, guiding more than 25 birding and nature tours across five continents. During his 36 years with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Black made significant contributions as a wildlife biologist including leading the fight to ban DDT. In 2004, Black released his final book, the popular Birds of Michigan.

Ted Black Woods can serve as a quiet escape from the often busy Grands River Avenue. Views of homes and a church are frequent but the trails do allow you to be immersed in the woods at times and even occasionally spot wildlife, including white-tail deer and sandhill cranes. The wildflowers are excellent in the spring and the park can be an alternative choice when the Red Cedar floods out other Meridian Township parks such as Eastgate and Legg Parks.

This 1.75-mile outing is the complete loop beginning at the Grand River trailhead. It’s rated easy and takes most hikers 30 to 40 minutes along the level terrain. Keep in mind that the trail skirts several wetlands so mosquitoes can be a problem in late May and June.