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TOMLINSON BARN EDUCATION CENTER
Project Background & History
Project Background & History
2018 through 2023 History and accomplishments.
This Historical Barn built in 1924, has big plans to provide a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to natural resource education.
The primary focus is on the youth of the community; However, we have education for all.
Topics include soil, water, air health, local resource concerns, conservation practices and implementation, sound environmental stewardship, urban gardening and agriculture practices.
The district had leased the barn from the county, approximately from 1983 to 2012 using it primarily for tree sales and partnered with Pheasants Forever selling pheasant chicks for pheasant re-habitation efforts in the county.
After the district ran out of funds to operate in 2012, The barn, owned by the county was and left unused through 2018 when the county commissioners voted to demolish the barn in August of 2018.
Concerned citizens contacted the district about saving the Historical Landmark, so with prompting from the community we went on a campaign to "Save the Barn" We received $35,000.00 in private donations making it possible to negotiate the purchase from the county, falling short of the asking price, We received a generous donation of $25,000.00 from Dave and Patty Kepler, and In July of 2019 the commissioners voted 6-1 to sell us the barn and 5 acres.
The Midland Conservation District purchased the property and created a plan to use the barn as an education center.
With the remaining funds from the purchase donations, in May of 2020 we added a new roof and just as they started the roof the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation came through with a generous $20,000.00 donation that helped complete the roof dormers and do some excavation to help remove water from the adjacent property that was flowing into the barns west end causing structural damage.
In November of 2020, the District received funding from the Midland Area Community Foundation to help complete our goal to transform this special space into the "Midland Conservation District Tomlinson Barn Education Center."
We had electric and water hooked up, the inside was cleaned, new steel siding, windows and doors added, and the support beams in the west end that were damaged by the water have been replaced. The "milk house" has been insulated and finished with heat to protect the water hook up.
We removed most of the debris, started to create some pollinator gardens and plant identification areas.
In July 2021 we had experts from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network out to check the structure,
they gave us a great report stating the barn was in good structural shape with no immediate issues.
That report makes us feel good about saving this Historical Landmark.
In August 2022 we had 3.5 acres cleared for the creation of trails and started planting wildflowers and trees and work on creating interpretive trails in the wooded area.
2023 started a great year with a successful tree sale.
Over 17,000 trees were sold for enhancing reforestation and conservation efforts.
12 raised planter boxes for growing vegetables were built for a Boy Scout Eagle project from a Coleman Troup.
We scheduled 5 free workshops, hosted 3 small groups, 2 partner meetings and gained a lot of community support.
This Historical Barn built in 1924, has big plans to provide a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to natural resource education.
The primary focus is on the youth of the community; However, we have education for all.
Topics include soil, water, air health, local resource concerns, conservation practices and implementation, sound environmental stewardship, urban gardening and agriculture practices.
The district had leased the barn from the county, approximately from 1983 to 2012 using it primarily for tree sales and partnered with Pheasants Forever selling pheasant chicks for pheasant re-habitation efforts in the county.
After the district ran out of funds to operate in 2012, The barn, owned by the county was and left unused through 2018 when the county commissioners voted to demolish the barn in August of 2018.
Concerned citizens contacted the district about saving the Historical Landmark, so with prompting from the community we went on a campaign to "Save the Barn" We received $35,000.00 in private donations making it possible to negotiate the purchase from the county, falling short of the asking price, We received a generous donation of $25,000.00 from Dave and Patty Kepler, and In July of 2019 the commissioners voted 6-1 to sell us the barn and 5 acres.
The Midland Conservation District purchased the property and created a plan to use the barn as an education center.
With the remaining funds from the purchase donations, in May of 2020 we added a new roof and just as they started the roof the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation came through with a generous $20,000.00 donation that helped complete the roof dormers and do some excavation to help remove water from the adjacent property that was flowing into the barns west end causing structural damage.
In November of 2020, the District received funding from the Midland Area Community Foundation to help complete our goal to transform this special space into the "Midland Conservation District Tomlinson Barn Education Center."
We had electric and water hooked up, the inside was cleaned, new steel siding, windows and doors added, and the support beams in the west end that were damaged by the water have been replaced. The "milk house" has been insulated and finished with heat to protect the water hook up.
We removed most of the debris, started to create some pollinator gardens and plant identification areas.
In July 2021 we had experts from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network out to check the structure,
they gave us a great report stating the barn was in good structural shape with no immediate issues.
That report makes us feel good about saving this Historical Landmark.
In August 2022 we had 3.5 acres cleared for the creation of trails and started planting wildflowers and trees and work on creating interpretive trails in the wooded area.
2023 started a great year with a successful tree sale.
Over 17,000 trees were sold for enhancing reforestation and conservation efforts.
12 raised planter boxes for growing vegetables were built for a Boy Scout Eagle project from a Coleman Troup.
We scheduled 5 free workshops, hosted 3 small groups, 2 partner meetings and gained a lot of community support.
Where are We Going
Goals Completed to Date Include:
- Electric Hook June 2020
- New Roof May 2020
- Excavating to remove debris and stop water from flooding the barn June 2020
- City water access April 2021
- New Steel Siding, windows and doors completed July 2021
- Forestry Mowing - 3.5 acres cleared for interpretive trails- August 2022
- Excavation to help water flow from adjacent field to drainage ditch and removal of remaining debris August 2022.
- Garden Space, we have 12 raised gardens to grow vegetables.
- 2023-20x10 Greenhouse purchased, seed starting cart made for starting garden and native seeds.
- Family Fun Days and workshops annually May 1 through October 31.
- Annual Reforestation Fundraising Tree Sale added 15815 trees to the local environment.
- Native Plant and vegetable plants added for fund raising.
- Open for workshops and events by appointment.
- Interpretive trails through the forest for plant identification.
- A small restroom facility, we have a handicap accessible porta john and a hand washing station.
- Signage for plant identification.
- Seed Library.
- Composting demonstration area.
- Rainwater collection system and irrigation.
- Outdoor covered classroom area.
- Education presentations in local schools.
- A farm market (free to local home producers wanting to sell their product according to the Michigan Cottage Law). Provide/create a list of local farm stands, producers for local produce farm products offered in Midland County.
Tomlinson Barn Education Center
Benefits to the Community
Benefits to the Community
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How You Can Help
We couldn't do this without support from the community and our partners.
Any donation amount helps us maintain our programs and grow our outreach efforts to the community.
No salaries are paid with donations. Barn financial reports are available on request.
Checks can be payable to the Midland Conservation District and mailed to 954 E. Isabella Rd, Midland MI 48640,
(Please note in the note section. Barn Fund, Farm Tour Fund or General Donation.)
Online donations are accepted through the online store.
All monetary gifts are tax deductible.
Donations to the barn fund over $100 will receive a 'Friends of the Barn' plaque posted inside the barn.
Any questions about donations, Please contact District Administrator Karen Thurlow
Email: [email protected] or by Phone at 989.486.2325.
Thank you for your support and participating in our efforts to serve our community and conserve Midland County's natural resources for present and future generations!
What are some of our needs?
(Items can be purchased by donor and dropped off or picked up by appointment)
Board Members, Associate Board Members, Event committees.
Barn chores, maintain garden areas, plant plants and seeds, pick up sticks in yard, help maintain trails. Weed trimming, mowing, raking, and the list goes on. Email us to get on our volunteer list.
Any donation amount helps us maintain our programs and grow our outreach efforts to the community.
No salaries are paid with donations. Barn financial reports are available on request.
Checks can be payable to the Midland Conservation District and mailed to 954 E. Isabella Rd, Midland MI 48640,
(Please note in the note section. Barn Fund, Farm Tour Fund or General Donation.)
Online donations are accepted through the online store.
All monetary gifts are tax deductible.
Donations to the barn fund over $100 will receive a 'Friends of the Barn' plaque posted inside the barn.
Any questions about donations, Please contact District Administrator Karen Thurlow
Email: [email protected] or by Phone at 989.486.2325.
Thank you for your support and participating in our efforts to serve our community and conserve Midland County's natural resources for present and future generations!
What are some of our needs?
(Items can be purchased by donor and dropped off or picked up by appointment)
- Supplies for educational programs and workshops. (Including crafts and snacks)
- Sponsors for Learn to Fish Family Day, We are accepting organizations to set up a booth, supply an activity or game for the annual event held on the second Weekend in June, the DNR Free Fishing Weekend.
- Sponsors needed The Annual 4th Grade Farm Tour-AG Day, held on the 3rd Tuesday of September to supply bussing grants, educational supplies and snacks.
- Educational Tunnels improvements.
- Implements are needed to maintain the property.
- Gardening supplies such as hoes, shovels, rakes, pots, bags of organic potting soil, seeds, plastic tubs.
- A walk behind self-propelled Brush hog for maintaining trails. (Like a DR Mower)
- Picnic tables for outdoor seating.
- Boardwalks for low areas in trails.
- Antique farm stuff for display.
- Your time: we are also seeking volunteers to help us complete and carry out our vision.
Board Members, Associate Board Members, Event committees.
Barn chores, maintain garden areas, plant plants and seeds, pick up sticks in yard, help maintain trails. Weed trimming, mowing, raking, and the list goes on. Email us to get on our volunteer list.
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