Over 1,000 trees to be planted for environmental efforts at BlueOval Battery Park

MARSHALL, Mich. — More than 1,000 trees and hundreds of shrubs are being planted around the future home of Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park as part of environmental protection and conservation efforts, according to the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, or MAEDA.

The project is part of the development of the 2,000-acre Marshall Area Jobs Opportunities and Recreation Campus, or MAJOR.

• Previous coverage: Ford donates $25k to Marshall for tree planting to achieve Tree City USA recognition
  

White Spruce, White Pine, and Dawn Redwood are among six other species of the 1,067 trees to be planted in addition to hundreds of shrubs, according to MAEDA CEO James Durian.

More than 400 acres of the MAJOR Campus will be dedicated to green spaces such as parks, 218 acres of conservation easement, trails, storm water management infrastructure, retention ponds, and environmental protection efforts.

"We are pleased to see the first phase of this beautification and greenspace effort take shape on the MAJOR Campus,” Durian said. “This ongoing work demonstrates our dedication to protecting the environment, preserving green space and creating new recreational and educational opportunities for the entire community to enjoy."

• Read more: Ford hopes to recruit Marshall students in skilled trades at EV Battery Park

Additionally, 36 acres of the campus will include the area of Bear Creek where there is a historic barn, three houses, and multiple other structures, officials said.

MAJOR Campus is outlined by Michigan Avenue (M-96) to the north, the Kalamazoo River to the south, 12 Mile Road to the west, and Bear Creek to the east.

"From planting trees to investing in new storm water infrastructure, we are committed to protecting our lakes, rivers and streams,” Durian said. “These new plantings will benefit and beautify our community now and long into the future."

To view a map of the MAJOR Campus, go here.