Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center

Oakland County Parks, Bloomfield Hills Schools and MSU Extension are conducting community engagement to get feedback on a potential partnership to strengthen the role of Bowers School Farm and the Johnson Nature Center as vibrant community assets for learning, recreation and stewardship.

Community input is essential in shaping how these treasured spaces can best serve students, staff, and residents in a sustainable, fiscally responsible, and operationally efficient way for years to come. To gather feedback, Bloomfield Hills Schools is working with Oakland County Parks to offer public forums and a community survey. Let us know what is important to you by completing our online survey.

Bowers School Farm/Johnson Nature Center Online Survey

Building on Bloomfield Hills Schools’ decades-long tradition of innovative environmental and farm-based education and Oakland County Parks’ long history of recreation programming and community service, this partnership ensures that the values of hands-on learning, healthy living and community connection continue to grow, making Bowers School Farm southeast Michigan's flagship public park destination.

The plan takes a multi-faceted approach to address the growing demand for outdoor learning, intergenerational experiences and environmental stewardship.

Expanded Education Programs

Students of all ages will benefit from hands-on learning, including:

• Early childhood nature education
• K-5 annual farm visits with curriculum integration
• Middle school STEM and Ag-Tech projects
• High school veterinary, environmental science and green career pathways and Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate environmental science labs

Teachers and early childhood providers will also gain local resources and training that enrich classrooms across our community.

Robust Recreation Programming

Families and visitors can enjoy activities such as:

• Seasonal festivals and heritage events
• Nature walking trails, boardwalks and restoration days
• Wellness classes (yoga, fitness)
• Unique, year-round volunteer opportunities
• Evening/weekend family recreation
• Farm-to-table culinary workshops and dinner

Increased Focus on Habitat Restoration

Ecological restoration and upgraded trailways will:

• Enhance wildlife habitat
• Create safe, accessible spaces for neighbors to gather, explore and learn together
• Preserve the sensitive natural ecosystems in these spaces for generations to come

Capital and Operating Investments

Oakland County Parks' commitment includes:

• Trail/boardwalk upgrades
• Play-based learning areas
• Signage, amenities and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
• Habitat restoration and pond stewardship
• Farm enhancements
• Ongoing operations and maintenance funding

A Strong Public-Education Partnership

By keeping these beloved places publicly owned and community-centered, investments will improve accessibility, sustainability and hands-on opportunities for local residents while preserving their natural character.

Together, these efforts could build a model for inclusive hands-on outdoor learning and stewardship and ensure that future generations can connect with nature, science and community.

Additional Resources

• Bowers School Farm Project Overview
• Bowers School Farm Partnership Vision and Proposed Site Zones
• Johnson Nature Center Overview
• Johnson Nature Center Partnership Vision and Map
• Partnership FAQs