If you’ve wallked through Ludington Park recently, you may have noticed something new and beautiful taking shape ÔøΩ the Ludington Park Nature Trail. This vibrant addition is the result of a heartfelt community effort, and the Board of Directors of Enhance Escanaba would like to thank you, the citizens of Escanaba, for your overwhelming support in bringing it to life. The Ludington Park Nature Trail is in its final stages of completion and has been a labor of love from our nonprofit organization. Our goal, along with enhancing the beauty of our wonderful park, is to create interest in, enjoyment of, and appreciation for nature. The trail offers valuable educational opportunities to learn about history, botany, ecology, conservation, and horticulture and it s designed for people of all ages.

The arboretum-style planting features 20 areas with a combination of 250 trees, shrubs, and perennials, laid out along a trail that begins at the southern harbor and meanders through the entire length of the park. The design was chosen to complement the traditionally clean and manicured look of Ludington Park. An arboretum is a botanical collection composed of trees and woody shrubs cultivated for scientific, educational, and ornamental purposes. Species were selected based on growing conditions, maintenance requirements, and bloom times.

A large percentage of the plants are native, alongside a diverse collection of specialty varieties. To keep things interesting, something will be blooming in each planting area during the spring, summer, and fall. The trail includes apple and plum trees, as well as an area with three types of edible berries. The theme is education and, of course, beauty and enjoyment. Each area includes a boulder with a QR code identifying each plant and sharing interesting facts. In addition, 75 flowering, ornamental, and shade trees along the trail will soon be identified with tags and informational signage.

This project would not have been possible without a dedicated group of community volunteers. Twenty-five citizens partnered with members and planted all 20 areas in a single day quite an accomplishment! The following week, volunteers completed the areas by manicuring and spreading mulch. The community support has been nothing short of inspirational!

Skilled heavy equipment operators from Bradfield Excavating and the City of Escanaba played a major role in the work, and the boulders were set in place by the Brayak family. Gary Royer

and Joe Nebel provided valuable expertise, and Adam Fix, the City of Escanaba Parks Foreman, was absolutely invaluable. We worked with him on every detail, and he could not have been more supportive.

Special recognition goes to Aiden Snouwaert, a local Boy Scout, who we asked to design the trail signage and QR plaques. Aiden meticulously transferred all plant data into digital format foreasy access. His beautiful trailhead sign includes historical information about Ludington Park, the formation of Aronson

Island, and the return of Purple Martin thanks to the EMBEI (Escanaba Migratory Bird Enhancement Initiative) project. With this remarkable work, Aiden completed his final requirement to

become an Eagle Scout a rare and prestigious achievement! Our board of directors Mary Gail Blasier, Hadele Peacock, Jean Arvan, Sue Clifton, Joe Kaplan, and Don Curran have each contributed their time, talents, and heart to this effort. Their dedication is the backbone of Enhance EscanabaÔøΩs success. We also owe deep thanks to our generous supporters:

– America in Bloom for facilitating the grant

– Canadian National Railway for funding the project through their beautification grant program

– City of Escanaba, Delta County Conservation District, and Common Coast Research and Conservation for in-kind support

– Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County and Chenier’s Greenhouse or donations

– Premium Mulch and Bichler Gravel & Concrete for

special pricing and services

The Ludington Park Nature Trail is more than a path through greenery it s a shining example of what happens when a community comes together. It s pride in bloom. At Enhance Escanaba, our mission is rooted in our name: to create a more beautiful, engaging, and enjoyable community for everyone. This project is a step toward that goal, and we look forward to continuing the journey with you thru public and private enhancements. With heartfelt thanks to all who made it possible.

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Karen Moore is president of Enhance Escanaba and a member of the Escanaba City Council