E X C E P T I O N A L

&

U N U S U A L


BALOGH

NATURAL

BEAUTY

ROADS



"In a grass roots effort to protect the outstanding and unique natural features of several roads, area residents joined together to investigate methods by which these features could be preserved."

A Natural Beauty Road Proposal For Western Wayne County 1993

JOY  \  NAPIER  \  RIDGE
IN
WAYNE COUNTY MICHIGAN
Map of Joy, Napier, ridge, and gyde road in plymouth township Michigan
Character of RoadTo qualify as a natural beauty road, a road must have outstanding natural features along its borders, including native trees and other native vegetation such as shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, and ferns, and open areas with scenic or natural vistas, which, singly or in combination, set this road apart from other roads as being something unique and distinct. 
Function of the RoadNormally, the existing road should function as a local access road, i.e. one which serves the adjacent property owners, and/or as a road serving those wishing to travel for the purpose of enjoying its natural beauty features.
SpeedNatural beauty roads are intended to be low speed roads for purposes of enjoyment. It is recommended that hard surface roads be posted for a speed of not more than 35 MPH: gravel and dirt roads, 25 MPH.
LengthNormally a minimum on one-half mile will be considered for designation as a natural beauty road with exceptions below this length depending upon unusual features. Stretches will be continuous except where broken by a non-qualifying portion.
BALOGH
SOUNDS LIKE
BAY LOG

Tivadar & Dorothy Balogh of Plymouth Township Michigan were modernists during the mid-century and advocates of natural ecology. 

In an act of conservation, they documented over 200 different species of wildlife, shrubs, flowers & trees that occur locally.

A committee joined together in 1993 to secure the first Natural Beauty Road designation in Wayne County. Members of the committee included Fred & Lois Andres, Dan & Phillis Cable, Mike & Anna Olin, and Eric Krupp. 

Because of their research Joy, Napier, & Ridge roads were successfully designated as Natural Beauty Roads in 1994. 

After nearly 30 years, residents and visitors to the area love the feeling that these natural beauty roads bring. The Balogh's impact is felt by humans and nature alike through the quality of this thriving natural environment.

Tivadar Balogh at his architecture studio in Plymouth, Michigan
Dorothy Balogh at Frank Lloyd Wright's Talesin West

To honor Dot & Tiv, Plymouth Canton area residents adopted the roads in 2023 and host seasonal meetups to walk and enjoy the beautiful tree canopy while picking up. 

For updates and events, please sign up for our seasonal email: