The Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens thrives because of people like you.
Whether you choose to volunteer your time or make a financial gift, your support helps protect vital habitats, educate thousands of visitors, and sustain programs that inspire a love for nature. Every hour and every dollar makes a difference!
Donate
Your support matters!
We rely on generous donors to sustain education programs and land stewardship. Your gift helps thousands of children, students, and adults experience our programs, gardens, and trails each year while protecting a vital habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. Gifts of all sizes work together to make a big impact.
Or, write a check payable to Calvin University with "Ecosystem Preserve" in the memo line, and mail to:
Development Office
Calvin University
3201 Burton St SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546
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 a plan.
Greenhouse workdays
Help us grow native plants for our plant sale!
- Mondays, Thursdays, 1:15-4:15 PM
- Wednesdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
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.
This is open to ages 18+ if a parent or guardian isn't present. Families with young children are welcome to attend together.
Questions? Contact benjamin.steenwyk@calvin.edu.
Stewardship workdays
Help care for Calvin's Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens.
- Mondays, 4-6 PM
- Tuesdays, 9-11 AM
- Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 PM
- First Saturdays, 9 AM-12 PM | September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6
We are looking for volunteers to 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!
This opportunity is for ages 18+ without parent. Ages 10+ are welcome alongside a parent or guardian.
Questions? Contact matthew.dykstra@calvin.edu.
Private workdays for community and corporate groups
Build your team with us!
Coordinate a private workday for your group of 8 or more volunteers. Volunteer activities may include seed collection, invasive species removal, transplanting native plants, trail work, native garden maintenance, and other special projects.
These can be scheduled on a weekday or weekend, preferably from 9 a.m.–noon and/or 1–4 p.m.
Email matthew.dykstra@calvin.edu for more information and to arrange a workday.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Keep up with what’s happening at the Preserve!
When you sign up for our email newsletter, you’ll receive periodic updates about new Preserve programs, upcoming events, and more.