The foundation makes a positive impact in the community in large and small ways. It strives to expand education in a variety of settings, from scholarships and camps to the fields and barn at Maybury Farm.
The farm has been operated by the foundation for 14 years on a land lease from the State of Michigan. During the transfer of management, a huge fire destroyed the barns and many farm animals. In a groundswell of support, the community came together to replace the barns that had burnt to the ground and brought in new animals. To preserve the history of the site, the foundation and its supporters sought older barns and discovered them in Novi's Island Lake subdivision, which was being built on former farmland. (Read the full history here.)
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Photo provided by Northville Community Foundation.
This iconic photo shows a barn
overhanging the edges of a huge flat-bed trailer. The hulking
structure on wheels took up the entire width of the road from Novi to
the farm for the four-mile move in 2005.
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Over the years, Maybury Farm has evolved into a hands-on, learning experience. It draws 20,000 visitors annually. Jessica Striegle, executive director of the Northville Community Foundation, said the farm is an ideal setting to educate the community about the connection between food and fiber systems, and between agriculture and animals.
"Anything you would find on a working farm, you will find at Maybury Farm," Striegle said. "We have around 60 animals now. A new flock of chickens will be laying eggs. Silver Springs Elementary (school) raised over $300 during a fundraiser on St. Patrick's Day. With that money, we were able to redesign the inside of chicken coop and buy chickens."
The farm is run by Cindy Kern, with help from Jordan Umfleet, an Eastern Michigan University intern, and seasonal employees and volunteers.
"The kids really enjoy it," said Striegle. "There's a section of the garden that scouting troops tend to, as part of the program 'How does the garden grow?' There's also a farm camp - June through August, where campers can feed the animals and go on nature hikes."
The Northville Community Foundation celebrates 20 years in July 2017. It will promote the milestone anniversary during the Independence Day parade that it has hosted for 19 of those 20 years. Other plans are in the works.
One of the foundation's anniversary presents will be a strategic plan for the farm being developed by the board. "We want to make improvements to the farm. We are working on ways to grow and improve," Striegle said.
"The foundation's mission is to enhance and enrich life in the community," she added. "We (the board and staff) are always asking, 'How can we make the farm part of that?'"
Striegle says the farm is taking note of trends, such as people growing their own gardens and urban farming. To sync with the trend, the farm began a "U pick" garden in 2016 that features heirloom plants. This year, it will double in size. It will continue its popular program of selecting a "just laid" egg - with more coming from the new hens.
As the board mulls future needs, kids and adults come in droves to programs that range from reading hours and farm tours, to the fall maze and other seasonal events. Visitors relish getting a taste of the farming life - an experience that is bound to get even better with a new strategic plan.
The parade and farm are among its most visible services. At the parade, you will see bands, historic vehicles, clowns and other dazzling delights. In special segments of the parade, you may see neighborhood kids ride their bikes or watch your friends walk their dogs. The foundation is accepting entries for floats, marchers and other entertaining elements through June 16.
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Photo provided by Northville Community Foundation.
The Northville Community
Foundation's Independence Day Parade is a highlight of the year for
participants and spectators alike.
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As a grant-making organization, the foundation contributes funds in diverse categories - from the arts and historic projects to youth and seniors. Plus, they give scholarships to deserving college-bound students. Their website has a wealth of information on grants and how it connects programs to the community. Grant applications are being accepted now through July 31, with grants awarded in November.
"We aren't focused on just one cause," said Striegle. "We help a variety of needs in the community - in the present and also for the long term."
