Every year, tens of thousands of people visit Fernwood seeking to strengthen their connection to nature, learn about the great outdoors or simply to escape the rigors of daily life among the 105 acres of ferns, flowers, water and trees.

In order to ensure Fernwood will be here for future generations to enjoy, the Niles botanical garden and nature preserve has announced publicly its $3 million “Seed the Future” campaign.

Carol Line, executive director, said Fernwood is more than two-thirds of the way toward reaching its goal, having already received $2 million in commitments from nearly a dozen local foundations, individuals and businesses. Line said Fernwood began seeking commitments at the end of 2013.

“We have that very great, important response early,” Line said.

The campaign projects include a new education center, improvements to the garden’s master plan and visitor center, additional funding for cultural programs and more funding for Fernwood’s endowment.

Line said the campaign — Fernwood’s first since the late 1980s when the visitor center was built — is very important.

“The Seed the Future campaign projects and programming are crafted to help ensure Fernwood’s place as a natural wonder and culture center in our community — in our region,” she said. “It will help us secure and grow our position as a strong environmental, educational and experiential asset for all and for years to come.”

Below are details for each of the campaign projects:

 

Education Center ($1.85 million)

Proposed as a way to expand and enhance Fernwood’s educational and cultural offerings, the education center will replace the current 35-year-old facility, which is out of date and at capacity.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 programs from schools, facility rentals and special events.

The center will feature two multi-use rooms with bird-viewing areas, a library/conference space, teacher preparation areas and interpretive exhibits and displays.

 

Master Plan/Visitor Center improvements ($650,000)

Several improvements outlined in Fernwood’s 10- to 15-year master plan would come to life as part of the capital campaign projects.

• Expansion of the Railway Garden

• Creation of a Children’s Adventure Garden to include water features, climbing and hiding

• Improvement of paths and trails

• Implementation of methods to reduce maintenance

• Update cafe and outdoor decks

• Seasonal displays of late season aconite, spring Japanese primroses and magic lilies

 

Cultural Programming/Endowment ($500,000)

Campaign support will help ensure Fernwood continues to offer cultural events and programming, such as Fernwood Friday, artist visits and outdoor exhibits.

Fernwood leaders also plan to add $300,000 to its endowment to further secure the garden’s future.

 

How to help

Line said people can donate in amounts large or small and toward specific projects, if interested. Naming opportunities are also available.

For questions, or to donate, contact Fernwood at (269) 695-6491 or seedthefuture@fernwoodbotanical.org.

Major contributors already include:

• Plym Foundation

• Frederick S. Upton Foundation

• Heart of Cook

• Michigan Gateway Community Foundation

• Huizenga Family Foundation

• Hunter Foundation

• Leighton-Oare Foundation

• Jewish Federation

• Berrien Community Foundation

• Donor who wants to remain anonymous