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The Flat Iron Lake Nature Preserve is in Kent County's Oakfield Township, approximately 30 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. The nature preserve was the idea of Fritz and Carol Rottman, who owned much of the property surrounding Flat Iron Lake and wished to see the land preserved for green space and scientific study.
The project was completed in Fall 2009 with the donation of the final pieces of property, and the creation of an endowment to support the preserve’s long-term maintenance.
This 68 acre preserve includes these features:
- 25 acre kettle lake,
- 13 acre deciduous forest with vernal pools,
- 18 acre created prairie,
- Lake house used for Calvin University classes, as a research facility, and retreat center.
The Flat Iron Lake Preserve is under the direction of Dr. James Skillen, Director of the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens.
Interested in learning more? Find out what it's like to live next to the prairie by reading Carol Rottman's blog and book All Creation Sings.