Jonathan Bulkley - A Visionary for Urban Sustainability

Written by Greg L. Hughes

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Professor Jonathan W. Bulkley left an indelible mark on Ann Arbor's environmental and urban-planning landscape. Professor Bulkley was a faculty member at the University of Michigan from 1968 until 2011 with a joint appointment in the School of Natural Resources and in the College of Engineering with the Department of Civil Engineering. He retired from the University as the Peter M. Wege Endowed Professor Emeritus of Sustainable Systems. As a dedicated member of the Treeline Conservancy Board from 2007 until his passing in July 2019, Professor Bulkley's multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to sustainability helped shape the future of his city.

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A Legacy of Leadership

Professor Bulkley's vision for a more connected and sustainable Ann Arbor found its clearest expression in his work with the Treeline Urban Trail project. In 2011, as president of what was then known as the Allen Creek Greenway Conservancy, he achieved a crucial milestone when the Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution supporting the Greenway. This recognition validated the project's potential as a vital non-motorized connection within the community, particularly to the Huron River. 

In 2013, the Mayor's Greenway Roundtable was established and chaired by Professor Bulkley, who then served as one of the Conservancy's directors . Members included the Mayor, City Staff, the University, and the Conservancy. The Roundtable existed for several years and served to solidify the importance of a trail in the Allen Creek Valley.

His leadership continued to bear fruit in 2014 when he led a team of University of Michigan students whose work proved instrumental in advancing the project. They created a document entitled "Green the Way: Moving Forward on the Allen Creek Trail”. This project was awarded the “Outstanding Student Project Report” by the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2016.

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Holistic Urban Development

In his distinguished 43-year career at the University, Professor Bulkley became known for practicing an interdisciplinary approach, working and teaching with colleagues in Natural Resources and Civil Engineering as well as Public Health, Environmental Law and the Business School. His remarkable ability to weave together insights from multiple disciplines informed Professor Bulkley’s interdisciplinary perspective that enabled him to address urban challenges comprehensively. His work consistently emphasized considering both environmental impact and human needs:

Environmental Sustainability

Professor Bulkley understood that urban trails were more than just pathways — they were green corridors that could help mitigate climate change, manage stormwater, and preserve urban biodiversity. His advocacy for the Treeline project always centered on its potential to enhance Ann Arbor's environmental resilience.

Safety and Accessibility

A cornerstone of Bulkley's vision was creating safe spaces for all forms of non-motorized transportation. He championed design principles that would protect pedestrians and cyclists while ensuring universal accessibility for individuals with disabilities. His commitment to inclusive design reflected a deep understanding that urban spaces must serve all community members equally.

Community Connection

Beyond its practical functions, Professor Bulkley saw the Treeline as a way to strengthen community bonds. By creating shared spaces that connected different neighborhoods to the Huron River, he helped lay the groundwork for a more integrated and vibrant Ann Arbor.

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Continuing the Vision- The Jonathan Bulkley Memorial Fund

The Treeline Conservancy Board continues to honor Professor Bulkley and his accomplishments through the Jonathan Bulkley Fund that supports the continued development of the Treeline Urban Trail.  

As we move forward with the projects he helped initiate, we remain inspired by his vision of a more sustainable, accessible, and connected Ann Arbor. The best tribute we can offer is to continue working toward the goals he championed so passionately throughout his life.

Professor Jonathan W. Bulkley's contributions to the Treeline Conservancy and the city of Ann Arbor will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

If you would like to recognize Professor Bulkley’s contributions to Ann Arbor, you can make your tax deductible donation to the Treeline and designate it to the Jonathan Bulkley Memorial fund: https://www.thetreeline.org/donate

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