Funding the Johnson Nature Center
The Johnson Nature Center is a unique property within Bloomfield Township. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hiking on the trails, admiring native habitats, visiting orphaned wildlife, and curiously exploring our hands-on interpretive center. Operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools, the property is used as a hub for teaching and learning activities for students pre-K through age 26. Additionally, partner schools from neighboring districts engage in meaningful experiences that bring learning to life.
Historically, the Johnson Nature Center community activities were funded through the Bloomfield Hills Schools Recreation Millage Fund. In 1993, 0.25 mill was levied to purchase and maintain recreation facilities and to operate recreation programs. However, the millage was discontinued with the advent of Proposal A in 1994. This has caused many gaps in the funding for the Johnson Nature Center.
The current funding for the educational programs and basic upkeep of the Johnson Nature Center is made possible through the General Fund of Bloomfield Hills Schools. This is the chief operating fund of the entire school district and fulfills the mission of all the schools’ educational activities and direct expenses. Most of the district's general funds are spent on classroom learning expenses for K-12 schools.
Additionally, Bloomfield Hills Schools general fund does not fully cover capital improvements or lands stewardship initiatives like our sugaring building, our pond, the docks, and invasive remediation. These improvements are made possible through the fundraising efforts by the Friends of Johnson Nature Center.
Our dedicated staff has identified several areas of the Johnson Nature Center that need attention and funding in order to sustain the viability of the property. Our sugar maple forest stand (also known as a sugar bush) is aging, and plans for succession are overdue. We are in need of interpretive and wayfinding signs for our trails and property. Remediation of invasive species on the property is a must to continue sharing the representative native forest that so many visitors come to enjoy.
Johnson Nature Center is one of the only publically held green spaces in Bloomfield Township. It has been a hidden gem in Oakland County since 1977. Please consider making a financial contribution today so our children will be able to explore the outdoors with a creative and curious lens for many years to come. Together with the support of our generous community, we hope to continue to grow the reach of Johnson Nature Center as a gathering place for all. Thank you for your support of the Friends of Johnson Nature Center.