Robert Charles Leighton

Robert Charles Leighton. , Bob Leighton graduated from Michigan State University with a landscape architecture degree. Three years later he received his master's degree from the University of Michigan. His career spanned 32 years working throughout the US. He started his own firm in Ann Arbor in 1987. , , Bob was one of the premier land planners and wetland consultants in the State. He designed hundreds of acres of land in Northville Township that are now high quality places to shop, live and recreate. He had a strong passion for the environment and strived to integrate this passion into his designs. , , His last two achievements in the Township were Ridgewood and Arcadia Park. The Johnson Creek runs through these areas and is one of three remaining trout streams in Southeastern Michigan. He designed regional deep water detention ponds to ensure the production of the creek. These ponds accept water from upstream properties where it is stored and then released from the pond bottom to ensure the water matches the purity and temperature of the creek. The wetlands surrounding the creek had been disrupted from prior human activities. He designed a restoration plan to bring this important natural system back to its previous condition. , , As a result of his work within the Township, the Township Board of Trustees named this trail in honor of him.