Some of the regional Metroparks — including Hudson Mills outside Dexter — have taken on some unusual holiday decoration in the form of artworks created by University of Michigan students.

According to a Huron-Clinton Metroparks press release, U-M art professor Michael Rodemer created a new course centered on the system, “Metroparks: Engaging the Environment.” Students used their art to create "commentaries on the environment, preservation, ecological issues and more, while at the same time drawing attention to the park system and all it has to offer to the surrounding communities." Twenty students developed 13 projects at three Metroparks on display both indoors and outdoors. The projects range from a canvas collage to woven willow branches. A sampling of the art on display at Hudson Mills:

The works are on display at Hudson Mills, Kensington and Indian Springs Metroparks. Some pieces will remain as permanent exhibits, while others will be left to be “reclaimed by nature.” • Hudson Mills, 8801 North Territorial Road, outside Dexter: Projects can be seen in the Activity Center and along the nearby Acorn Trail. Oriental Bittersweet Installation - Brijit Spencer Wunderkammer - Lauren Sopher Butterfly Display - Elyse Shapiro Organic-shaped Benches - Laura Gillmore, Katie Barrie, Ekta Shah, Teshia Treuhaft Outdoor Canvas Collage Series - Anne Schulte Reclaiming Michigan’s Botanical Heritage - Trisha Previte, Nora Green Hudson Mills Sawmill Display - Andrew Hainen Soil Percolation Display (Coin Donation Device) - Penn Greene Colors of Nature Photography Display - Kristin Calder Woven Willow Structures - Allison Hylant, Shaili Das, Mallory Roukema • Indian Springs Metropark, 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake: Engaging Wildlife Identification Resource - Carly Wilhelm, Kyle Kulik Prairie Grass Root Paintings - Megan O’Neil • Kensington Metropark, 2240 W. Buno Road, Milford: Woodblock Prints - Alejandra Rivas-Vasto A vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors or $5 daily for 2010. General information can be found at www.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS.