The Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens is a 100+ acre urban preserve and native plant demonstration garden on the campus of Calvin University in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Created in 2018 to showcase the beauty and diversity of native plants, this botanical garden is a living field guide containing more than 200 species of plants found in Michigan. To enable the sharing of information, staff and volunteers at the preserve worked with Pannier to produce wayfinding signs.
“In the world of interpretive signage Pannier is seen as the leader in the industry. I have seen signs produced by Pannier all over the United States and they withstand the elements. I also was pleasantly surprised that Pannier quoted me the best price for the products of all the quotes I received.” —Jeanette Henderson, Former Program Manager
Wayfinding signs and maps have long been a Pannier specialty. We understand that bright, clear, detailed maps with crisp graphics are a necessity for effective wayfinding. Preserve staff installed five Single Post Frameless exhibits at the trail entrances and two large Cantilevered exhibits installed at the main entrances. All of the panels are made of Pannier’s Fiberglass Embedded material.
“This was my first time managing an outdoor interpretive signage project. The Pannier team was very helpful in answering all of my many questions and sharing their expertise. The guidelines on their website contain a wealth of information and are very helpful for first-timers.” —Jeanette Henderson, Former Program Manager
The wayfinding signs at Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens share information with visitors about the preserve’s mission, provide wayfinding information, and share etiquette for visiting. The garden signs introduce visitors to the garden and encourage them to embrace gardening with native plants. Preserve staff also plan to attach brochure holders to the accessory panels on the Cantilevered exhibit bases, which will hold laminated guides for visitors to pick up, use, and return.
“We have had very limited signage on our site prior to this project, and it has been fascinating to see how visitors now engage with these beautiful and informative wayfinding signs.” —Jeanette Henderson, Former Program Manager
For more information on Pannier Graphics’ outdoor interpretive signs, panels, exhibit bases, and frames, browse our website or fill out a contact form. We look forward to an opportunity to help you with your next signage project.
