Elizabeth C. Martin - Bay City Garden Club

"It is with deep gratitude and appreciation the Bay City Garden Club thanks the Kantzler Foundation for its generous support over many years. In 1975, the Bay City Garden Club visualized an arboretum along the Saginaw River as a gift to the city of Bay City for environmental, educational and ornamental purposes. The initial Kantzler donation in 1977 helped fund the arboretum's master design plan and to later install sidewalks and extensive landscape plantings. Further donations from the Kantzler Foundation helped create the Kantzler Memorial Arboretum and it was proudly dedicated to the community in 1981. A substantial Kantzler grant in 2011 helped complete the southwest section, and the 2014 dedication of the Kantzler Memorial Arboretum's Interpretive Center was made possible by another remarkable Kantzler grant. This Kantzler legacy is appreciated by Bay City residents and visitors now and will be there for future generations.

The Kantzler Memorial Arboretum is a beautiful contribution to all ages in our community, giving us a place to explore nature and spend time outside, helping create a necessary balance in our lives. This 21 acre jewel along the west bank of Bay City's Saginaw River has improved the quality of life in Bay County and the Arboretum will benefit the public for many years to come."