MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Harris Nature Center is receiving a $5,000 grant to help with building their Nature Exploration Area.

The nature center received initial support from the Haslett-Okemos Rotary club, with their $10,000 donation. The $5,000 from Flagstar Bank's Michigan Makeovers contest means the project is now fully funded. The Haslett Kiwanis Club as well as residents have contributed financially to the project.

Flagstar narrowed down all the contenders to three contestants, of which the public got to vote on who won.

Kit Rich, Harris Nature Center Coordinator says that social media played a big role in them winning the money.

The money specifically will help create what the nature center is calling a Gathering Circle, or an area where groups can meet to watch presentations or enjoy nature.

"The idea is that we can use this space to gather children, or mixed groups with adults too, so we can teach lessons," said Rich. "We can use it for all kinds of things where people would want to gather for a presentation."

The Nature Exploration Area will feature many opportunities for kids and adults alike to walk--of the trails-- to explore nature.

The area will also have a fossil dig, and there is currently a turtle sculpture on the site for kids to climb on.

Rich hopes that by summer, more projects will be underway.