Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center White Lake, Michigan

Services Provided

Master Planning
Park Design
Sustainable Design
Educational Exhibits

People Involved

Richard Espe
Tim Schmalenberger

 

Awards

2008 National ASLA Honor Award
2008 Engineering Society of Detroit’s Construction and Design Award
2008 OCASLA Award of Honor for Environmental/Sustainable Design

A celebration of nature and a gateway to understanding through education

The 70-acre Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center is dedicated to the exploration and celebration of the natural environment, educating users on the importance of biodiversity, native habitats, and environmental protection. Situated at the headwaters to the Huron River, the interpretation of the area’s hydrology is articulated through the rehabilitation and creation of wetland, prairie, and forest ecosystems. These ecosystems establish an ecological vocabulary, revealing the influences and processes that shaped the Midwestern landscape. The center’s infrastructure elements are sited to optimize the visitor’s interaction with the natural world, while preserving and protecting its sensitive ecological areas and endangered species.

MKSK led the design from master plan through detailed design to construction documentation and observation. In collaboration with the educational committee, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, and research scientists, MKSK established criteria to integrate the ecosystems restoration into actual school programs. The master plan addresses teacher training sessions, research, activities and exhibits for groups of elementary through college-age students. Sustainable practices were utilized throughout the site and building development efforts. In particular, a geothermal system is used to heat and cool the building, and during summer months this geothermally-heated water is piped and used at an adjacent Metropark “spray zone.” The spray zone water is then collected and used for irrigation at the Indian Springs Golf Course - in essence, using the water three times before returning it to its original aquifer. In addition, bioswales are utilized within the parking area to collect and clean the stormwater runoff prior to releasing it into the site’s various wetland systems.

The Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center is a landmark of learning and discovery where appreciation for the interdependency of living organisms is renewed with each visit. The unique educational outreach opportunities contemplated in the master plan continue as the influence of the center on the environment and on its visitors continues to grow.