Rest Area US 23

Small gardens located on both sides of the building. The truck side is a small, semi-circle. The car side follows the sidewalk, in front of the building on both sides and raised beds between the sidewalk and parking lot. Mainly perennials with the addition of some annuals every year. There are cleanup/mulching dates, planting and maintenance as well. For beautification of this area, we are adding more native plants especially those that will attract pollinators. We have started an area for butterflies and hummingbirds. Many of those who visit the area do ask questions about the various plants and their purpose. Many of the visitors ask questions about the various plants and how they can incorporate them into their own gardens as well as questions about some of the problems they are having. We have signs identifying the various plants. We are in the rotation with the other rest areas to have the educational pollinators signs posted. We hope to get the area Monarch station designated this year (2018) along with I-75 south. We are working with MDOT to get a sign posted on the inside regarding plants. People of all ages stop at this rest area which is on North US-23 between North and Thompson roads. According to an annual report generated by MDOT, this rest area in 2016 averaged 1600 visitors daily. We are in the process of completing a butterfly garden on one side of the rest area and hope to get Monarch area designation this year.

Where: Fenton-between Silver Lake Road and Thompson Road

When: Contact Project Lead

Contact: Loretta Ellwood (ldellwood@aol.com)