NILES — Lakeland Health recently awarded $25,000 to Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in support of a walking and hiking trail improvement project. Funds were awarded from the Lakeland Health Community Wellness Endowment, established in 2014 to help sponsor local organizations that promote community health. To date the endowment has awarded more than $500,000.

“The goal of the Community Wellness Endowment is to support area organizations who work to improve access to preventative care and health outcomes of our community,” said Brandi Smith-Gordon, vice president of philanthropy and president of Lakeland Health Foundations. “This most recent grant awarded to Fernwood aligns with this mission and offers area residents of all ages a local and affordable way to stay active.”

Carol Line, the executive director of Fernwood Botanical Garden, commended the organization for the donation.

“On behalf of all at Fernwood, I extend our great thanks to Lakeland Health for this very generous grant that will allow us to improve our trails, expand and enhance our interpretation and signage, and strengthen our existing wellness program for the community,” Line said.

Initiatives supported by the Community Wellness Endowment must be sponsored by non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that serve populations integral to Lakeland Health service areas of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in southwest Michigan. Support must be focused on existing programs, new initiatives and/or capital needs. The next round of grants will be awarded in March, with applications due by Thursday, March 8. For more information, or to complete an application, visit lakelandhealthfoundations.org

Lakeland Health is a non-profit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland was ranked as a 15 Top U.S. Health System by Truven Health Analytics in 2017. The health system has over 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org