Fernwood’s Expanding Lineup Leads to Four Flags Business of the Year Honors

The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce concurs that “Nurturing environmental understanding and respect through education and community connections” is a high priority. When your annual Business of the Year Award honors those who have that vision, it’s a win for the entire community of Michigan’s Great Southwest.

The stated vision of a forthcoming new Education Center under construction at the Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve is just part of the success story that has led to the 2018 Business of the Year honors awarded last week to the Fernwood team.

The Four Flags 2018 Annual Dinner and Awards celebrate local businesses and individuals through several honors and receiving the Business of the Year Award were (as shown in the picture) Volunteer Coordinator Judi Jason…Executive Director Carol Line…Director of Development & External Relations Elaine Rowland…and Jordan Wahlstrom, who serves as Membership & Graphics Coordinator at Fernwood.

Fernwood is a special place where nature blends with gardens and art to create an experience of wonder for all ages. Comprising some 105 acres on the St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Fernwood can be found at 13988 Range Line Road in Niles.

The nature center’s new Education Center, designed by noted Chicago architects Stanley Tigerman and Margaret McCurry, is at the core of an ambitious program to expand and enhance Fernwood’s educational and cultural offerings. It will replace the current 35-year-old facility, which is out-of-date and at capacity.

The plan doubles classroom space to meet growing demand for facilitated programs from schools, facility rentals, and special events. It will support new programming in horticulture, botany, and environmental sciences, and the Education Center itself, will serve as a teaching and learning tool in sustainable practices.

Perhaps more importantly, the Education Center will strengthen Fernwood’s position as a cultural center in our community.

The center will include:

Two multi-use classrooms/wings – Flora and Fauna – with bird-viewing areas
Library/conference space
Central, glass block core with exhibits and displays
Teacher preparation areas
Interpretive exhibits and displays inside the Education Center that will inform visitors about Fernwood’s unique ecology and topography before they explore the grounds

The popular Railway Garden is also another major attraction, and it recently re-opened for the new season. You can make plans to visit Fernwood any Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-to-6pm Eastern time, and Sundays from noon-to-6pm. The on site Café hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am–3pm, and Sunday noon–3pm. You can also call 269.695.6491 or click the link below for more information and to confirm the status of classes. Here’s the link:

http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org

Here’s a current list of things ready to burst onto the scene at Fernwood:

Framed Pinecone Flowers | Saturday, June 2 from 10am–12pm. Create your very own piece of wall art using a recycled frame, pinecones, and paint. It’s a perfect project for the whole family. Bring an 8”x10” picture frame from home. All other materials provided. $20 (Members $16)
Fernwood Photography Club | Sunday, June 3 from 2–4pm. Open to all ages and levels of experience. Meetings last about 90 minutes, starting with a sharing and discussion of recent images shot by club members, followed by a monthly topical program. For more information, contact Bob Denny at bobdenny.fernwood@gmail.com. Free with paid Fernwood admission.
Niles Handweavers Guild | Wednesday, June 6 from 10am–2pm. Hoof to Hanger Wool Mill Field Trip. Please contact Elizabeth Pilley at 269.697.4003 for more details.
Summer Yoga | Wednesday, June 6 from 12:15–1:30pm and 5:30–6:45pm. Bring your yoga practice into the gorgeous outdoors—blooming with colors, sounds, and smells. All levels welcome in this rejuvenating class that will incorporate both yang (energetic movement) and yin (restorative) poses to restore your vital self! $12 (Members $10)
Tallgrass Prairie Walk | Saturday, June 9 from 10–11:30am. Every week brings new flowers into bloom in the tallgrass prairie, with peak occurring in late July and early August. Come out and enjoy the show! $12 (Members $10). Children 10 and under are free.
Growing and Displaying Herbs | Sunday, June 10 from 1–2:30pm. Many herbs are native to arid climates, and growing them can be a way to address this year’s theme of water-wise gardening. Herbs span a wide range of plants including: culinary, medicinal, fragrance, beverage, and dye plants. $12 (Members $10)
Second Sunday Concert | Sunday, June 10 from 4–5pm. The Three Divas, Vocalists. WAUS Radio and Fernwood present another season of Second Sunday Concerts at Fernwood from May through September. Concerts take place on Fernwood’s Green. Admission to the garden is free after 3:30pm.
Summer Yoga | Wednesday, June 13 from 12:15–1:30pm and 5:30–6:45pm. Bring your yoga practice into the gorgeous outdoors—blooming with colors, sounds, and smells. All levels welcome in this rejuvenating class that will incorporate both yang (energetic movement) and yin (restorative) poses to restore your vital self! $12 (Members $10)
Jon Meyer Nature Day Camps

Fernwood’s forests, pond, river, and prairie serve as the classrooms for these popular day camps. Hikes along nature trails, fun games, educational activities, and crafts open children to the wonders of nature while encouraging appreciation of the plants and animals of Michiana. Please visit our website for more information on camp offerings and to register.

Roy and Ethelbel Knauer Art Camps

Fernwood’s Roy and Ethelbel Knauer Art Camps combine the arts with natural sciences and are designed to stimulate curiosity, appreciation, and knowledge of the natural world. Campers will use Fernwood’s gardens and natural areas to create big, bold, and crazy projects that include drawing, painting, tie dye, sculpture, and much more. Please visit our website for more information on camp offerings and to register.