If you’re still looking to get back to nature following the long quarantine, the crew at Berrien County’s Fernwood Botanical Garden might have the perfect solution for you beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16th.
Fernwood located at 13988 Range Line Road in Niles previously had reopened exclusively for members beginning on June 5th, but now the garden will be open for everyone to enjoy beginning at 10am tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16th.
A new online timed ticketing system was created to maintain maximum safety and social distancing. Everyone, including members, must schedule their visit to Fernwood using online ticketing before heading to the gardens, as no walk ups will be allowed at this time.
The majority of Fernwood’s staff worked off site from March 17th through June 2nd, in response to the coronavirus and subsequent stay-at-home orders that closed many businesses, including public gardens, across the country. The plan for reopening provides for a quality experience in nature with safe accessibility for all, as well as the safety of its staff and volunteers.
Staff has implemented several safety measures including advanced registration requirements with timed ticketing and adjusting operating hours to allow for staff to thoroughly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Currently, the Visitors Center is closed and check-in is taking place outdoors.
Fernwood’s reopening plan reflects the guidelines suggested for all public gardens that were published in May by the American Public Gardens Association. Fernwood visitation information and guidelines can be found online at this link: http://www.fernwoodbotanical.org
All dates and guidelines will continue to be evaluated and adjusted if needed while monitoring ongoing local health and safety concerns.
Carol Line is Executive Director at Fernwood. She says, “Fernwood staff and I have missed everyone, and it’s been wonderful to see our members returning to the gardens. Some new precautionary rules are in place for now, but the same Fernwood that you have loved over the years is here for you. We look forward to seeing you in the coming days. Our staff was required to be home and safe for a number of weeks, so if you notice a couple of weeds, that would explain it. Thank you for your understanding and patience as you return. Your safety and pleasure are our key concerns.”
Fernwood’s reopening is presented in partnership with Honor Credit Union. Karol Behrle, Honor’s Community Assistant Vice President, says, “As a Buchanan resident, I’m thrilled to stand beside the team at Fernwood as they once again welcome our communities to enjoy acres of nature at our hometown botanical garden,” and adds, “Whether you travel minutes or hours to get here, you’ll experience the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and others. Not only am I proud, I’m lucky to call Fernwood a business partner and friend.”
Fernwood’s hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm and Sundays, noon – 5pm. The garden is closed on Mondays.
Established in 1964, Fernwood is a unique property located in southwest Michigan on 105 acres of cultivated gardens and natural areas with woodlands, ravines, wetlands, and river frontage on the St. Joseph River. The property is minutes from Lake Michigan, a short distance north of the University of Notre Dame, and 90 minutes from Chicago. Fernwood follows its mission to enrich people’s lives by awakening and deepening their appreciation of nature and the possibilities of harmony between people, plants, gardens, and wildlife.
Fernwood is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the American Alliance of Museums, and Chicago Wilderness.
