Meadow Brook Hall Seeks to Revitalize Woodland Entrance with Restoration Program
In an effort to revitalize its woodlands and kick-start a maintenance program, Meadow Brook Hall is launching the Woodland Entrance Restoration Program on Arbor Day, April 28, as a community work day and tree planting celebration.
“Historic landscapes are important cultural resources that are part of our national heritage,” said Nikki Thomas, facility operations manager for Meadow Brook Hall. “They represent a physical record of the history of a property and reflect a personal account of design trends and styles, social history, and the life styles of the owners.
“Meadow Brook Hall’s Woodland Entrance is an important component of our historic landscape; it also serves as a natural habitat for wildlife and as a recreational attraction for visitors to enjoy.”
Orientation will begin at 1 p.m., at which time all volunteers will be divided into work groups to remove invasive plant species, haul fallen branches, spread wood chips on the footpaths and planting area, and plant trees and indigenous wildflowers.
Following the work session, volunteers will gather along the driveway at 4 p.m. for the ceremonial tree planting and photo opportunity hosted by the City of Rochester Hills, an Arbor Day Foundation – Tree City USA community. Mayor Bryan Barnett will offer remarks and pass along the shovel to Boy Scout volunteers to plant a tree.
“We’re proud to partner with Meadow Brook Hall to recognize the importance of a healthy urban tree canopy,” Mayor Barnett said. “Their efforts today will provide a stronger ecosystem for wildlife and for our residents to enjoy. I encourage the families of Rochester Hills to join with us and plant a tree as well.”
Helping to facilitate the restoration program is ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide volunteer non-profit tree planting organization, whose mission is to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant and maintain them.
“Even if you can’t come plant trees on April 28, you can still have a positive impact,” Thomas said. “ReLeaf Michigan has generously offered to match donations up to a total of $1,000 toward the purchase of trees to be planted on Arbor Day. The size and species of trees we are planting range from $100 to over $200 each so a $100 contribution, when matched, would buy a tree.”
To volunteer or for more information, contact Nikki Thomas at thomas23@oakland.edu or 248-364-6209. To make a donation, visit growoakland.amploadadvance.com.