Fernwood Botanical Garden
Niles, MI
Fernwood Botanical Garden is 105 acres of gardens, fields, hillsides, wetlands, watercourses and mature woods in southwestern Michigan. Pashek + MTR developed a Master Plan for achieving the institution’s goals of welcoming a wider audience, improving earned income potential, expanding educational opportunities, and inspiring return visitors for generations to come.
The Master Plan divides the site into three zones: the Preserve, the Arboretum, and the Botanical Garden. We analyzed and reorganized circulation patterns in order to provide a coherent and harmonious sequence of experiences for visitors. We recommended expanding offerings for families as well as developing venues for event rentals.
We prepared a plan for the first phase of upgrades to Fernwood’s facilities, including a new Education Center, Amphitheater Garden, renovations to the Children’s Garden, and relocation of the maintenance center.