Master Landscape Plan: Healing & Restoring Ecological Balance at Marywood

by Stacy Spitler, Director of Communications

The Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters have a vision and master plan for healing and restoring balance of ecological communities on Marywood Campus in the Michigan Oaks neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Seeking land steward and gardening volunteers to join efforts.

 

“Listening to What the Earth is Telling Us”

Sister Kathi Sleziak, OP, emphasized, “It is crucial that we listen to what the Earth is telling us,” underscoring the Dominican Sisters’ vision for healing and restoring the ecological communities on the Marywood Campus.

Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids employees Mike Mora (Director of Facilities & Operations), Ian Todd (Land Manager), and Rebecca Marquardt (Landscape Architect), are members of the Team that supports the Mission of the Marywood Campus Land, which is to:

• • Provide learning opportunities.
  • Invite everyone to join us in working together in the gardens, prairie, and woods, regardless of age, background, or experience.
  • Foster an appreciation for Earth that deepens connection to our Creator.

 

Described as healing ecological communities, the vision for Marywood Campus focuses on eco communities like our Pond Bioswale.

Leading the Stewardship of Marywood Grounds

Christine Albertini, Dominican Associate and member of the Congregation’s Eco-Spirituality Priority, opened the gathering by introducing the trio of Rebecca, Mike, and Ian, who will lead stewardship activities for this unique urban green space in the Michigan Oaks neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI.

 

Christine Albertini, Dominican Associate and contributor to the Congregation’s Eco-Spirituality Priority, introduced the leaders of the land stewardship initiatives at Marywood in Grand Rapids.

Mike, Ian, and Rebecca gave a lively and detailed update on the landscape activities that are near completion, ongoing, scheduled for this summer and fall, and extending into 2027.

“The majority of what we are sharing is the ongoing land stewardship underway to protect and heal the beloved woods, prairie, and gardens that the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids have cared for more than 100 years,” said Rebecca. At the same time, we recognize that many of our past land management practices have done harm to the ecosystem.

 

Land Manager Ian Todd and Director of Facilities & Operations for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids describe projects that are nearing completion, underway, and planned.

Mike outlined several projects that are underway:

• • sidewalk installation along Fulton is nearing completion;
  • start-up of sidewalk installation along Lakeside Drive going north from the corner of Fulton, along Lakeside that meets up with the Romence Gardens’ sidewalk. (Note that the City of Grand Rapids collaborated with our team to identify important trees along Lakeside Drive and agreed to design the sidewalk to bypass each of these trees);
  • There are many new tree and shrub plantings throughout the Campus as well as restorative projects by contractors, employees, and volunteers.

Arbor Day Foundation Supported Experiment Begins This Week

An exciting project, supported by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Bartlett Tree Experts, and a grant from the Arbor Day Foundation, involves planting twenty new trees—two of each of 10 species—this Thursday morning, June 4. The experiment will compare the performance and growth of tree pairs planted using the traditional method versus a new air spade technique.

More News to Come

Ian and Rebecca shared specific details about land stewardship and gardening activities. There is much more to explore and learn, which cannot be covered in this article. Follow our future Community Ways, blog, and social media for updates and insights into this work.

 

Sister Carmelita Switzer, OP, thanked the team. “I’ve learned so much working in the gardens and from these information sessions.”

Invitation to Wander and Wonder

Rebecca and Ian encouraged everyone to watch for signs of ecological healing, such as black swallowtail butterflies and caterpillars among the Golden Alexander in the Bioswale, which is coming to life on the parking lot island at Marywood House. “Remember, most insects are not pests, and we are creating habitats that attract these important, “good” insects. The dog-bone-shaped Bioswale is a compact, enhanced demonstration of the transformation we are encouraging in the Bioswale around our pond,” said Rebecca.

“We welcome all to visit, participate in, and support this work,” said Christine. We are excited to introduce and explore all the ways people can become “Friends” of Mary’s Woods, Prairie, and Gardens as volunteer stewards, ambassadors, supporters, students, and enjoyers.”

“Thank you to all who joined us and for your curiosity and interest. We are all quite excited and feel exceptionally grateful to work alongside this special community of Dominican Sisters and Associates toward the goals and action plan you have set forth to nurture this land,” said Rebecca.

 

Ian Todd and Rebecca Marquardt also shared specific details about more land stewardship and gardening activities taking place. There is so much to explore and learn about the science of restoring ecological balance, the beauty in the details, Three Sisters Garden, Pond Bioswale, and more. Watch for future stories on our blog and social media pages.

 

Consider Becoming a Land Steward Volunteer

We are seeking volunteers interested in building and fostering health habitats and beautiful native gardens. See upcoming June Land Stewardship and Gardening work days below.

JUNE Land Stewardship and Gardening Workdays

We are seeking volunteers interested in building and fostering health habitats and beautiful native gardens.

• Wednesday, June 3 | 9:00 – 11:30 am Location: North Courtyard Gardens

• Wednesday, June 10 | 9:00 – 11:30 am Location: Mary’s Hope Garden

• Thursday, June 18 | 9:00 – 11:30 am Location: Prairie

• Wednesday, June 24 | 9:00 – 11:30 am Location: Pond BioswaleContact landstewardship@grdominicans.org