Ott Preserve Grant Funding Park Improvements

In December of 1999, Calhoun County Road Commission was awarded a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund development grant for approximately $285,000 for improvements to the Ott Biological Preserve, a Calhoun County Park.

The Harvey N. Ott Biological Preserve is a 300-acre greenspace and is Calhoun Counties largest Public Park.  This greenspace dates back to 1911 and was used extensively throughout the years by biology and geology classes and researchers from Battle Creek College (now closed) and Albion College.  The greenspace was purchased by Calhoun County in 1977 with a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund Grant to become a nature preserve.

The Ott Preserve has been known as a hidden jewel within Calhoun County and has existed for many years silently amongst the community.  In the past few years there has been more interest in the use of the preserve from the community and for the community to fully gain access and use of this large park improvements need to be constructed.

Improvements included in the grant are for upgraded parking facilities that would allow for handicap accessibility, school bus drop off and parking area for educational field trips, and  an additional access point to the park from the north.  In addition, permanent soil erosion and control measures are to be placed because over the years there has been soil erosion damage of the lowlands resulting from Off Road Vehicles (ORV’s).  Fencing is proposed to help reduce the infiltration of these vehicles and the damage they produce.

Also, a floating boardwalk as well as a pedestrian bridge is to be constructed to provide an extension of the existing floating boardwalk and would traverse a small stream that runs from Brigham Lake to Hall Lake.  This boardwalk would allow visitors of the park access through some of the lowlands to the northern part of the park as well as connect to the proposed county linear trailway that will eventually adjoin to the Battle Creek Linear Path and the Marshall Riverwalk.

An informational kiosk as well as trailway directional signage and information/botanical signage will be placed to increase visitor knowledge and educate them of the existing natural resources/park facilities.

Passive recreational opportunities available at the park include: hiking, bird watching, flower tours, photography, as well as, educational experiences and opportunities.

 For questions regarding parks please contact info@calhouncrc.net, Parks and Recreation Director, for Calhoun County Road Commission.