Stop and Read the Signs

When I wasn’t assigning tasks or helping people kayak down the Grand River during my summer management intern position, I was researching the history of the park and compiling that information for interpretative signs. This park has special place in my heart and when older staff members told me any fact about the property I would latch onto it and share it with anyone who would listen. What better way to share those stories than signs anyone can appreciate, even after my summers there are over.

From telling lost stories to creating interactive scavenger hunts and designing illustrative maps of the area, this project aims to enhance the visitor experience with immersive educational content. I created 3 signs, one for each major section of the 560 acre park, that highlight the history and wildlife of the area with photos, illustrations, and historical ephemera from the archive.

Historical and Environmental Research

Due to the year 2020 and some restrictions on park and community outreach, I couldn't spend time talking to visitors and understanding their needs specifically. So with visitors interest in mind, I dove into some extensive research to learn the fascinating history and understand the natural beauty of Burchfield County Park.

Archival Research

Delving into the Ingham County archives to unearth historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to the park's past as farmland and its acquisition by the county.

Interviews

I met with park managers from the 2nd and 3rd generation of park staff to hear the stories they have passed around, including history they were fortunate enough to take part in.

Wildlife Observation

Studying the local flora and fauna, using both online resources and field observations, to highlight the biodiversity of the park.

Creating Internal Artifacts

After weeks digging through archives and taking notes of land transfers, and frankly learning too much about land deeds from the 1950s, I was able to map out much of the property lines and piece together some history.

If you think maps are cool, I made this map showing the park property in green stripes, and the individual farms layered over top. This helps identify which areas are from which family. When you walk through the park you can tell when one area turns into another property by looking for old tree lines or fence posts.

This map isn't particularly important for the end results, but really helped me imagine the space I was working in to create interesting stories to tell the park goers passing by the signs. And it warmed my heart to further understand and visualize this part of my favorite place.