The members and guest volunteers of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) worked feverishly on Saturday and Sunday, November first and second, to stabilize and "winterize" the Edsel Ford Barn inside of the Recreation Area. The volunteers worked in the cool Fall weather and Sunday rain these last two days to clear the huge mass of debris that fell around the historic barn during the severe storms in June of this year.

An outdoor extended-reach forklift was used to perform the heavy lifting of debris from the south side of the barn, and to clear a safe path around the remaining "cube" section of the structure. Volunteers sorted debris into designated areas for recycling.

Volunteers cleared the southern side of the remaining structure in order to provide easy access to the barn for installation of tarpaulins in preparation for the oncoming winter. Members of the FOHRA wore hard hats, safety glasses, and safety shoes to minimize the possibility of job-site injuries.

Above: The Edsel Ford Barn at the beginning of the weekend winterization effort.

Below: The historic Edsel Ford Barn at the end of the day today.

The Friends of Highland Recreation area would like to sincerely thank the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the opportunity to assist in the preservation efforts put forth towards this important natural historic resource. Special thanks are also sincerely extended to the Michigan Barn Preservation Network without whom our efforts would never have been realized this weekend.

More to come as the progress continues! Please come out and enjoy the special resources that the Highland Recreation Area has to offer. And make sure to consider joining the FOHRA in our effort to preserve and protect the things that the Highland Recreation Area has to offer. See our website at www.friendsofhighlandrec.org.

I think I've been in a bit of a state of shock since the Edsel Ford Barn was damaged so badly by the severe storm front that tore through southern Michigan back in June. The tragedy has affected all of the members of the FOHRA in different ways I'm sure. The Haven Hill complex inside of the Highland State Recreation Area was forever changed by the event.

The before and after photographs kind of sum up the severity of the storm and it's damage to the structure. High winds broad-sided the aged barn, and the entire livestock area collapsed.

The FOHRA members and the DNR our persevering however... the group has been pursuing several possible salvage and renovation options. Decisions regarding the future of this historic structure are expected soon.

Meanwhile... the FOHRA is directing additional energy to the remaining structures in the Haven Hill complex. Stay tuned.