Visit and Learn

Ecosystem Preserve / Visit and Learn

Welcome to the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens! All are welcome to explore God's creation with us.

Basic information

Location

We're located at 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5649 (view on Google Maps)

Cars may park in the cul-de-sac parking lot at the main entrance to the preserve as well as the designated Ecosystem Preserve spaces immediately north of our parking lot.

Walking Trail Hours

Walking trails are open to the public everyday from 7 a.m. until dusk.

Bunker Interpretive Center Hours

Monday–Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Closed weekends and holidays (Labor Day, Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas break, New Year's Eve and Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, and Independence Day)

Restrooms in the BIC vestibule are available everyday from 7 a.m. until dusk.

Contact

Contact us at (616) 526-7600 or preserve@calvin.edu; or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Etiquette

While exploring the preserve, please be mindful of our public use policies:

• Guests must stay on trails and out of water bodies.
• Trails are for hikers only. No running, biking, cross-country skiing or motorized vehicles.
• Dogs are not welcome-leashed, carried, or otherwise.
• The removal, disturbance or introduction of any plant, animal, or mineral is prohibited.
• Avoid interfering with research projects and educational programs.
• Smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, and littering in the preserve are prohibited.

Things to Do and See

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  Programs and Activities

  • A wide variety of educational programs for all ages happens all throughout the year.
• 

  Calvin Biodiversity Project

  • An interactive, comprehensive database of the flora and fauna at Calvin University that allows users to virtually tour the many gardens, landscapes, and trails, the variety of large and small ecosystems on our campus.
• 

  Walking Trails

  • Over a mile of trails are available for wandering, taking in the beauty of each season, and discovering flora and fauna typical of West Michigan.
• 

  Native Gardens

  • The Venema Plaza and Gardens together are West Michigan’s largest public native gardens.
• 

  Natural Communities

  • These natural communities illuminate what's unique and interesting about specific corners of the Preserve, and will deepen your experience here.
• 

  Bunker Interpretive Center

  • The Bunker Interpretive Center is home to many of the Preserve's special programs throughout the year.

Helpful Resources

These resources will help you make the most of your time in the Preserve.

• Map of the Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens
• Walking trail guide
• Detail map of the Native Gardens
• Guide to what's blooming in the Native Gardens
• Inventory of species in the Ecosystem Preserve and Nature Gardens