ANN ARBOR, MI — At approximately 6:14 a.m. on June 1, 2025, the Nichols Arboretum staff reported an incident of malicious destruction of property (MDOP) at the Peony Garden.
Upon arrival, University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) officers observed roughly 250 peony plants on the north side of the garden – or about one-third of the garden’s 800 peony plants – had most of their flowers cut off.
No group or organization name was identified or otherwise has taken credit for this incident, though some papers were left behind.
DPSS is actively investigating this criminal incident and is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Anyone with information is urged to contact DPSS Dispatch at (734) 763-1131, the confidential tip line at (800) 863-1355 or email UM-DPSS-TIPS@umich.edu.
DPSS thanks the community for their assistance and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all university spaces.