Our Motto
The motto of the State of Michigan, right on our State Flag, reads Si Quaeris Paeninsulam amoenam, circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around). In a not-so-subtle allusion, The Michigan Parkways Project has established the following motto as the most appropriate and representative for our efforts. Paeninusulae nostrae fiant horti pulchrae (let our peninsulas be beautiful gardens).
The White Pine
The White Pine is not only a stately and beautiful tree, it is our State Tree since an act of our legislature gave it that honor in 1955. Could there be any other tree that so symbolizes our state? There is no competition!
Not only a fast growing tree resistant to most disease and insect damage, the white pine served at the heart of Michigan’s early timber economy, supplying the lumber that built so much of the Midwest for decades from the 19th into the 20th centuries. What’s not to admire about the graceful, subtle curves of its upturned branches, the deep green of its needles, and the pleasant shade it supplies to forests, lawns, parks and city streets?
You could even summarize The Michigan Parkways Project in one simple idea: “plant more white pines!” Certainly there is more to our endeavor than just this one excellent species, but the white pine epitomizes the beauty of our state in such a way that it will always be central to The Michigan Parkways project. That’s why you see it in our logo.
A Brief History
Michigan has a distinguished history of successful projects to beautify our state’s roadways. We have always made such improvements a priority, not only for tourism purposes, but for the sake of beauty itself. And we got to the game early!
In 1909 our Legislature voted to authorize townships to plant trees along public highways. Michigan was one of the first states to hire landscape architects specifically for reforestation and beautification along roadways. We had the first roadside parks, and we have long aspired to incorporate high aesthetic standards in highway construction and renewals. A good example of this in recent years can be seen in the many new roundabouts that incorporate carefully designed, beautiful plantings of native species. Not only do these roundabouts improve safety, save lives and diminish property damage, they’re a pleasure to look upon and offer new opportunities for natural beauty in everyday utilitarian spaces
The Michigan Department of Transportation, founded originally in 1905 as the State Highway Agency, has always placed an emphasis on aesthetic standards. In the modern era, such exemplary programs as Pure Michigan Byways and the Adopt-a Highway show that our M-DOT continues this focus. We are very proud of M-DOT. It can’t do everything, but it does outstanding work not only building roads, but maintaining them and their
Look around you and you will find particularly scenic roads filled with beautiful vistas of native plants and forests.
Pure Michigan Byways delights the eyes of Michiganders, and helps visitors find and experience our state’s most remarkable roadways.
In the private sphere, such groups as Scenic Michigan pursue admirable efforts to improve our state’s roadways and public spaces. Although Scenic Michigan looks like it might be an official State organ, it is private.
Most people are familiar with Adopt-a-Highway or have participated. A huge success over the years, it has done outstanding good for Michigan, keeping hundreds of miles of road clean and beautiful while engaging citizens in a priceless public service.