A new nature area has been established in Canton Township.
The Zibiwés Nature Area is now available to residents at the northwest corner of Ford Road and Ridge Road, formerly known as Patriot Park or Ridge Road Park. Canton Township has secured $1 million in federal funding for the project and will use another $1 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Members of the Canton Township Board of Trustees approved the new nature area during the May 23 meeting of the board.
The purpose of the nature area designation is to preserve and protect the open space, natural habitats, and greenspace of the 134 acres of undeveloped woodlands and wetlands located on the northwest section of the Canton community, officials said. The area is the habitat of many native plants and animals.Members of the township board collaborated with the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians Representatives Outreach Board on name recommendations, as well as the acquisition of cultural and heritage resources and information.
"Many thanks to Senator Debbie Stabenow for putting us in touch with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian Representatives Outreach Board," said Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak. "The group, after much research and study of the area, which included review of maps, Fellows Creek, foliage, and animals on the 134 acres, recommended the name of Zibiwés, which means creek. The name is very appropriate, as the south branch of Fellows Creek runs through the entire park space."
This commitment to protecting the natural environment within the Canton community for the enjoyment of all, as well as for future generations, remains a top priority for the Canton Board and area residents, according to a prepared statement. To this end, Canton officials also adopted an amendment to Chapter 50 of the Canton Code of Ordinances for Parks and Recreation to allow for the creation of a "Nature Area" which would enable only 10 percent of a new Nature Area to be designated for active recreation. For the newly established Zibiwés Nature Area, this would allow only a 13-acre portion of the property to be developed into an active park.
Future plans include the development of recreational amenities near the east entrance, as well as establishing a framework for a nature preserve and future arboretum, officials said.
Plans include the incorporation of accessible trails, parking, and a nature-themed playground into the Zibiwés Nature Area. These enhancements will be funded through $1 million in funding with the help of U. S. Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in the December 2022 omnibus spending package. Additionally, the board identified a matching $1 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act appropriation.
To assist with the development of natural amenities within the Zibiwés Nature Area, as well as to help identify potential green spaces for future preservation, Canton officials also established the Canton Nature Society. Canton residents who are interested in supporting the Nature Society may reach out via email to naturesociety@cantonmi.gov.
Land for the Zibiwés Nature Area was purchased in 2000 with grant funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. As part of the 2021 township planning process, a new vision for the future design of this property was articulated by the community, calling for a largely passive and natural park area, officials said in a prepared statement.
Zibiwés Nature Area currently comprises undeveloped land where visitors can take advantage of a half-mile crushed gravel trail, from dawn until dusk. For more information about the Zibiwés Nature Area or any Canton park, visit www.cantonfun.org or call (734) 394-5360.
