Integrated Site Enhancements for the Highlands at Blandford Nature Center
For over 50 years, the Blandford Nature Center has been dedicated to fostering a deep connection between people and nature. Their mission is to enhance community engagement and environmental education by creating a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can enjoy, explore, and learn in nature.
Project Scope
- Green Stormwater Infrastructure
- Culturally influenced site design
- Interpretative storytelling Integrated in the landscape design
- Native plantings
- Child-friendly plantings
Through a variety of outdoor educational programs and initiatives, the 264-acre Blandford Nature Center promotes stewardship, integrity, experiential learning, partnership, and innovation, both now and for future generations. In 2017, the center acquired the adjacent 121-acre former Highlands golf course in collaboration with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Their goal is to restore diverse habitats and expand educational programs for Grand Rapids Public Schools, Blandford School, and the C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy.
Anticipated Results
In partnership with Corvias Infrastructure Solutions, LLC (CIS), Blandford Nature Center is launching a planting enhancement project to strengthen the West Michigan community’s connection with nature. CIS is providing design advisory services focused on native plantings along the former Highlands entrance and for stormwater management bioswales within a proposed parking lot. Additionally, they are contributing to the plant-friendly design of a new children’s nature play area and a new landscape for a future nature center.
By leveraging the historical significance of the site, identified in CIS’s research, an “Indian Sugar Camp,” noted in the General Land Office Survey Field Notes of 1824, the landscape plan aims to interpret and honor this culturally rich setting. The proposed landscape will reflect the former native Mesic Southern Forest, once dominated by sugar maple that previously thrived in the area.
Partners
Blandford Nature Center
Timeline
2024 – 2025