In fall of 2023, Powell Township’s Parks and Rec Committee reached out to CSCLS about the possibility of partnering to establish a pollinator friendly native plant garden and outdoor classroom at the Big Bay Pathway Trailhead. The project had been a dream of the Parks and Rec Committee and Powell Township School for some time, and has come together with the help of many wonderful community partners. CSCLS secured grant funding from the U.P. Environmental Coalition and the Community Foundation of Marquette County to carry out this project and would like to thank them for their support.

Throughout the 2024 growing season, we uprooted the invasive species living in the area, planted and nurtured over 650 native wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses. We also installed an outdoor classroom area, a short path through the garden, and a boot brush station to reduce the spreading of invasive species on the trail.

We’d also like to thank the volunteers who assisted with prepping the site, planting, and mulching to set our native plants up for success. Thanks and appreciation go to the Marquette County Conservation District for supplying plants through their annual wildflower sale and for their guidance in the restoration process. Thanks also to Wilson Creek Woodsmithing for supplying locally crafted benches for the outdoor classroom, Partridge Creek Compost for supplying compost, and North Country Tree Care for supplying wood mulch.