Begun in 1977 with a $7,000 grant to fund the preliminary design, engineering and survey work for a riverfront arboretum, the City of Bay City, the City and Bay city Garden Club have created a wonderful natural space along the Saginaw River. 

Subsequent grants to both organizations totaling over $230,000, have allowed the expansion of the area, enhanced the natural landscape and added an Interpretive Center which honors the life and benevolent legacy of Leopold Kantzler.