In November of 2004, the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township successfully passed a millage to purchase three different properties for public parkland. A governing body (Recreational Authority) was established to oversee these three properties.The largest of the sites was a 56-acre parkland on the grounds of the old Traverse City State Hospital, which included two beautiful historic barns.  In an effort to make this particular park as attractive and relevant as possible to residents and visitors, the Recreational Authority held a series of public meetings to determine how the park should be used, and to invite organizations to apply for management opportunities.Three non-profit groups submitted proposals, and the Recreational Authority worked with these groups for over a year to establish a blueprint for their work and activities on the site.The Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan was selected to build and manage a 26-acre public garden on the site.  SEEDS will be using an additional 5-acre site for a farmer-internship program and CSA gardens.Little Artshram will be using another 4.3 acres for their art & permaculture programs and individual community vegetable garden plots. The Recreational Authority has responsibility for the renovation and management of the two historic barns and the remaining property on the site.  They, in turn, will hire a for-profit company to manage events at the barns.

This unique partnership of governmental, profit and non-profit groups is a new and exciting approach to developing and managing parkland.  Individuals who come to the site will be able to enjoy the beauty and educational opportunities of a botanic garden, see demonstration farming first hand, participate in an art program, work their own vegetable garden plot, hike miles of beautiful trails, or enjoy a concert, wedding, or conference in a restored historic barn.The partnership of these groups will allow for a rich diversity of experiences for visitors to the park.

Part of the process of laying the groundwork for a botanic garden is to consider what needs to be done to protect and sustain important native wildlife at the site.  Kay Charters, Executive Director of Saving Birds Through Habitat, visited the botanic garden site last fall to identify trees, shrubs and plants that should be retained, since they provide both food and habitat for birds and their insect prey. She will also assist BGSNM in the selection of important native plants for future gardens on the site. Kay has long been a supporter of the botanic garden and will continue to be an important resource and expert.  She recommends the book Bringing Nature Home - How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens by Douglas W. Tallamy.

PHOTO: Kay Charters and BGSNM board member Jim Cooper identify important native plants near the Champion Black Willow, which is located at the border of the botanic garden site.