Volunteer
Become a volunteer! Play a vital role in maintaining and safeguarding the Preserve’s beauty. Share your time and enthusiasm with us, and we’ll equip you with the tools and plan, whether you’re working in the greenhouse or stewarding the Preserve with us.
Our volunteers will find a welcoming, supportive, and appreciative environment here.
There are many ways you can be a part of the exciting things happening at the Preserve:
- Maintain/create trails
- Plant native species around the Preserve
- Collect seeds for propagation in our greenhouses
- Transplant seeds and weed plants at the greenhouse
- Assist with invasive species control
- Specific volunteer needs and opportunities are listed below.
Build your team with us!
Community and corporate groups are welcome to coordinate a private workday with us during the week or weekend. Volunteer activities may include seed collection, invasive species removal, transplanting native plants, trail work, native garden maintenance, and other special projects. We prefer a minimum of at least 8 volunteers to schedule a private workday. Preferred times are 9 am to noon and/ or 1 to 4 pm. Contact Jamie Skillen for more information and to arrange a workday.
Upcoming volunteer opportunities
Below are some specific volunteer opportunities at the Preserve. Read about each opportunity and then click the appropriate signup button to let us know you'll be participating.
Spring 2025 stewardship workdays
Volunteer workdays have concluded for 2024. Check back in March for volunteer times starting in April 2025.
We are looking for volunteers to help us care for Calvin's Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens by controlling invasive plants, weeding gardens, maintaining hiking trails, etc. Meet us at the Gardener's Cottage on Venema Plaza (across from the Bunker Interpretive Center). A staff member will greet you, get you checked-in and will provide you with all necessary tools. Please come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable, closed toe shoes that can get dirty. We hope you can join us!
Questions? Contact matthew.dykstra@calvin.edu
Spring 2025 greenhouse workdays
Greenhouse volunteer opportunities have concluded for 2024. Check back after the new year for volunteer times starting in February 2025.
We are excited to work with you to grow our native plants for our plant sale! Join us at the greenhouse at 3770 Lake Dr Grand Rapids MI 49546. It looks like a residential home, but the driveway leads to our greenhouse in the back. Feel free to park in the house parking lot, edge of the front lawn, or along the driveway. There is some parking toward the greenhouse.
Hand sanitizer, bathrooms, and sinks will be available on-site. Bring a water bottle. We will be working in the greenhouses, which are partially heated, so dress for potential cold/warmth.
Questions? Contact benjamin.steenwyk@calvin.edu