Raise the Garden
OUTDOOR LIVING CAPITAL CAMPAIGN.
Raise the Garden
The Vision
The vision includes reshaped garden beds, new plantings of flowers, ornamental shrubs and small trees, expanded patios and walkways, and additional outdoor seating. Raised garden beds—designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind—will offer residents the opportunity to grow vegetables and flowers. The interior courtyard, visible from many resident rooms, will also be refreshed with similar natural elements to bring the outdoors in year-round.
These envisioned improvements were developed in collaboration with Drost Landscape and the Harbor Springs Garden Club, whose expertise has helped shape a plan rooted in beauty, accessibility and long-term sustainability.
“We have a beautiful property here at Bay Bluffs,” says Administrator Lisa Ashley, MSW, LNHA. “We want to make it enjoyable and enriching for residents and their visitors. But like any outdoor space, creating and maintaining it takes time, effort and resources.”
Giving Opportunities
Your support can bring this vision to life. Donations—big and small—directly fund nature-rich, accessible spaces that promote comfort, connection and well-being.
Naming Opportunities
$50,000 Courtyard Plantings — 1 opportunity
$20,000 Water Feature in Courtyard — 1 opportunity
$2,500 Raised Garden Bed — 6 opportunities
$5,000 Bench — 8 opportunities
Other Giving Opportunities
$500 Tree
$250 Flowering Bush
$100 Assorted Perennials
Undesignated Donations — ALL APPRECIATED
Proposed Landscape Architecture Design
The Health Benefits Are Clear
Nature-based experiences can have a powerful impact—especially for older adults and individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Chicago Botanic Garden, time in green spaces is associated with improved social interaction, spiritual connection, happiness and a sense of purpose. Outdoor access:
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- Encourages movement
- Boosts mood
- Decreases agitation
- Reduces feelings of isolation
- Offers socialization opportunities
- Provides safe outdoor activity space
“Our focus is always on the health, safety and happiness of our residents,” Ashley explains. “We know that enhancing our outdoor environments will benefit them throughout all four seasons—and will positively impact our staff as well.”
Funding the Project: A Request for Support
As of 4/18/26, generous donors have contributed nearly 90% of the campaign’s goal. “This is amazing and means we only have $15,000 to go,” exclaims Ashley.
Community donations are now being sought to help bring this peaceful outdoor living project to life—support that will directly enhance the daily experience of Bay Bluffs residents, their families, and caregivers.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Bay Bluffs Foundation serves as a trusted conduit for community generosity. Every dollar raised supports initiatives that fall outside of traditional healthcare reimbursements or Emmet County’s capital millage—projects that make life better for those who call Bay Bluffs home.
Raise the Garden Gallery
Proposed Landscape Architecture Design
Current Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Raise the Garden” campaign?
The “Raise the Garden” campaign is a fundraising initiative led by Bay Bluffs Foundation to transform the outdoor areas at Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility into peaceful, accessible and enriching spaces for residents, staff and visitors.
What changes are being planned?
The project includes:
- Reshaped and raised garden beds (wheelchair accessible)
- New plantings of flowers, shrubs and small trees
- Expanded patios and walkways
- Additional outdoor seating areas
- A refreshed courtyard visible from resident rooms
Why is this project important?
Outdoor access has proven physical and emotional benefits, especially for older adults and those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Nature-based environments promote movement, reduce stress and isolation and enhance overall well-being.
In summary:
- Encourages movement
- Boosts mood
- Reduces feelings of isolation
- Provides safe outdoor activity space
- Decreases agitation
- Offers socialization opportunities
What is the project timeline?
- June 2025: Capital campaign launch
- Summer 2025: Community fundraising continues
- Fall 2025: Courtyard improvements begin
- Spring 2026: Landscaping and outdoor installations take shape
Who is involved in the planning and design?
Bay Bluffs is working in collaboration with Drost Landscape and the Harbor Springs Garden Club to ensure the design is both beautiful and sustainable. And, Bay Bluffs staff members with an interest in gardening are generously donating their time to improvements.
How much does the project cost?
The total campaign goal is $150,000. As of 7/1/25, over $62,000 has been raised, including $20,000 commitments each from the Bay Bluffs Foundation and Friends of Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, putting the project one-third of the way toward its goal.
Why is fundraising needed for a county-owned facility?
While Bay Bluffs is owned by Emmet County, day-to-day operating expenses and enhancements like the “Raise the Garden” project are not covered by county funds. The county capital millage supports essential infrastructure—such as major facility renovations, heating systems and other large-scale improvements.
Projects that directly improve residents’ quality of life—like garden enhancements, outdoor seating, and therapeutic spaces—rely on community generosity through the Bay Bluffs Foundation. That’s where fundraising makes the biggest impact.
How can I donate?
You can make a donation online at supportbaybluffs.org, by check or by contacting Bay Bluffs directly at 231-526-4400. All donations are tax-deductible and directly impact the outdoor living initiative.
Where does my donation go?
Every dollar supports enhancements that improve the daily experience of Bay Bluffs residents and staff. The Foundation funds projects not covered by traditional healthcare reimbursements or Emmet County’s capital millage.
Is Bay Bluffs Foundation a nonprofit?
Yes. Bay Bluffs Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since 2006, it has supported capital needs, services and programs that enhance quality of life for Bay Bluffs residents.
Can I dedicate a gift in honor or memory of someone?
Absolutely. Tribute gifts are welcome and can be recognized in a meaningful way. Please indicate your dedication when making an online gift (supportbaybluffs.org) or call Administrator Lisa Ashley at 231-526-4400.
Why isn’t the County supporting this effort?
Emmet County provides capital support for the physical facility through the 2021 voter-approved capital millage. While exterior improvements are technically considered capital, they were not included in the original facility plan that the millage was based on. If aspects of the building exterior affect landscaping plans, County staff will be involved in discussions to address those improvements.
Why can’t Bay Bluffs pay for these improvements out of the operating budget?
The Bay Bluffs operating budget cannot absorb the cost of the necessary outdoor improvements to ensure resident safety. This includes removal of the old pond, which poses safety concerns, as well as the full redevelopment of that area. Staff members and volunteers have done as much as they can. The Foundation is stepping in to raise funds for the restoration of the pond courtyard and backyard, creating safer and more accessible outdoor spaces for all.
Can other interested parties be included in the improvement project?
Absolutely! Bay Bluffs began working with Drost Landscape over a year ago to develop the outdoor improvement plan. Staff members have also collaborated with the Harbor Springs Garden Club on enhancements. If other community groups or businesses are interested in participating—through demolition, removal of existing landscaping, or in-kind donations for the rebuild—everyone is welcome to be involved.
Why is this project being funded by the Bay Bluffs Foundation?
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about the campaign or how to contribute, please visit the Bay Bluffs Foundation at supportbaybluffs.org or call 231-526-4400