On Saturday, April 22—Earth Day—volunteer members of the Gichigami Bonsai Guild will collect trees located on the former hospital property adjacent to Northern Michigan University's campus and replant them at their homes so the trees can continue to thrive as redevelopment of the site proceeds.
When approached by the guild with the idea, the NMU Foundation was happy to collaborate on an opportunity to repurpose assets on the property. Media are welcome to obtain photos/video of the collection effort and interview Marc Weinrick from the Gichigami Bonsai Guild and Dave Nyberg from the NMU Foundation from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the corner of College Avenue and Hebard Court.
Gichigami Bonsai Guild was created in 2021 by Weinrick, Jeremy Pickens and Walker Derby. Its first name represents the traditional Ojibwe spelling of Lake Superior. Bonsai is the practice of keeping trees in pots, but there are many aspects that comprise the practice: horticulture, aesthetics, seasonal development, the nature of various tree species and techniques appropriate to them. This artists' collective is open to members from across the Upper Peninsula and holds monthly meetings in Marquette. The guild also holds gatherings to work on trees, discuss the artistry techniques, and explore the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula.
In September 2021, the NMU Foundation (NMUF) acquired the former hospital site from UP Health System–Marquette. It later selected a master developer and negotiated a partnership to facilitate one of the largest community development opportunities in the Upper Peninsula. Demolition is scheduled to begin in the near future.
The media contact for coordinating interviews is Kylie Bunting, director of NMU Alumni and Foundation communications, at 906-362-2193.