Image Courtesy of Environmental Consulting & Technology (ECT)
Witherell Woods, a historically significant and irreplaceable forest nestled within Detroit’s Palmer Park, has undergone a recent restoration and enhancement effort. Environmental Consulting & Technology (ECT), a firm of environmental consultants founded in 1988 with a presence across the country, including five offices in Michigan, recently mobilized around 200 employees from 29 states to provide technical expertise and engage in hands-on volunteer work. In partnership with the City of Detroit, The People for Palmer Park, and The Greening of Detroit, an effort was made to preserve and revitalize this natural city gem.
Image Courtesy of Environmental Consulting & Technology (ECT)
Back in 2010, the 300-acre Palmer Park was almost sold due to past economic troubles. But instead of giving up on the park, stakeholders decided to join forces and make a plan for what it could look like 100 years from now.
This visionary plan has already led to remarkable transformations within the park, including the rehabilitation and ecological restoration of Lake Frances, the preservation of the historic log cabin and lighthouse, the establishment of a new dog park, the expansion of a bird meadow featuring native prairie plants, the creation of urban educational gardens and orchards, the preservation of historic Witherell Woods, the development of a fully accessible trail network, and the installation of updated wayfinding signage.
Plans are underway to relocate the former Michigan state bandshell to the park. Palmer Park holds significant historical value, as it was originally donated by US Senator Thomas Witherell Palmer in 1893 with the condition that the virgin forest be preserved.
Image Courtesy of Environmental Consulting & Technology (ECT)
The latest project in Palmer Park’s 100-year vision marks the next significant step in its ongoing revitalization efforts. Completing the Lake Frances habitat restoration project this summer laid the groundwork for this project. The park is also set to welcome thirty new trees as part of a collaborative initiative with The Greening of Detroit, enhancing its natural beauty and environmental impact.
Bobbi Westerby, ETC’s CEO and president, expressed that this effort is part of a larger three-day employee gathering focused on transformation and progress aligned with Detroit.
“We’re excited to host an unprecedented number of our people for this large-scale volunteer event in a city we are proud to support,” Westerby said.
“This urban park is central to the ecological, environmental, social and economic benefits to the area and we’re pleased to gift more than $100,000 in ecosystem volunteerism for sustained improvements on behalf of the City of Detroit and the People for Palmer Park.”
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