U-M Plans 11-Acre Retreat Near Ann Arbor for 2027

The wooded property sits about a 15-minute drive from the University of Michigan's central campus, near the southwest corner of Gleaner Hall Road and Joy Road in Ann Arbor Township. The Board of Regents accepted the 11-acre donation, about 4.45 hectares, at its Oct. 15, 2026, meeting.

Regent Mark Bernstein and his spouse, Rachel Bendit, donated the site. U-M expects it to open in spring 2027 as the Bernstein Leadership Retreat at Joy Farm. The grounds include a cabin and a fire pit. Trails run through the property, alongside a boardwalk.

A place for campus groups

Student organizations and university departments will be able to use the retreat for retreats and planning sessions. They can also hold team-building activities there. The site will serve U-M's Ann Arbor campus. Dearborn and Flint campuses are included as well.

The wooded setting is meant to give groups a break from their usual routines and space to talk. Bernstein said he wants students to pause and have more thoughtful, engaged conversations.

U-M Student Life will manage the property and coordinate with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum on ecological management and study, according to the university. U-M has yet to announce specific programming or a booking process.

Farmington Voice separately reported on a Michigan school walking event. That event is separate from the retreat, which is intended for university groups across U-M's three campuses.

Gift includes operating support

Bernstein and Bendit have also pledged money toward the retreat's operating costs. Bernstein declined to disclose the amount, so no dollar figure is available for the property or its ongoing expenses.

Bernstein said the donation reflects his interest in supporting students and leaving a legacy beyond his service as a regent. He was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2012. His current term ends Jan. 1, 2029, and he is not seeking reelection.