Education Programs

Give your community group, classroom, or organization a one-of-a-kind experience with the Kalamazoo Nature Center! Check out the programs below to learn more about KNC's educational offerings, from our award-winning Nature's Way Preschool to immersive biology courses for high school students at Heronwood Field Station. Please note, many programs are currently on hold or have a modified curriculum. Contact JRice@NatureCenter.org with any questions.

New! KNC Pop Up Nature Programs

Invite KNC to pop-up at your outdoor location! We have taken some of our tried-and-true programs, added a few new ones, and made them portable. We’re taking them on the road, directly to you! KNC will come to schoolyards, parks, green spaces near your apartment, or even a large backyard. Programs include nature activities and a movement element, investigation, or craft. You provide the space, participants and one adult to supervise. Learn more here.

DeLano Farm program

School Programs

KNC is the perfect way for your school or group to gain a brand new appreciation for their place in the natural world. We have a number of specially-designed programs for your organization, or we'll work with you to create a custom program at KNC or your location!

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Teacher with Annie's Big Nature Lesson group

Annie's BIG Nature Lesson

Annie's BIG Nature Lesson is an environmental education program that brings children, parents, and teachers into the natural world for learning. This five consecutive day study trip is conducted at community nature centers and invites participants to immerse themselves in exploration of different habitats, learn with experts on site, observe and write for an hour each day, and make a positive difference through stewardship projects.

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Nature's Way Preschool picnic at creek

Nature's Way Preschool

Our award-winning nature preschool, located on Oakland Drive in Kalamazoo, offers experiences typically found in child-centered programs with thirty acres of natural areas serving as an extension of the classroom. Registration opens February 1 for the following year.

> VISIT PRESCHOOL

Education program at KNC

Homeschool

Families with children ages 4-17 are invited to join our naturalists to explore native Michigan habitats, study and recognize seasonal changes in plants and animals, and learn data collection methods from KNC’s own researchers! Every month our educators will lead a new project based adventure, taking students on different trails to study the phenology within diverse habitats. Program runs September - April

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Community Programs

Schedule your group for a visit to the Kalamazoo Nature Center! Come to the Kalamazoo Nature Center for a day of fun, learning, and exploration, or bring KNC to you. We have special programs set up for all ages and interests, or we can create an individual program for your group.

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Heronwood Field Station

Heronwood, a 5000 square foot ecological field station located on over 60 acres, is the home to several projects and programs for students and adults. The station features fully equipped laboratories and a GIS station and is available for private corporate rentals.

> VISIT HERONWOOD

Fair Food Matters

The Fair Food Matters Program provides food and garden based education to educate, connect, and empower youth experiencing systematic oppression, through food and garden-based hands-on learning experiences.

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Library Programs

KNC”s educators travel throughout the region to area libraries, bringing an up close look into the lives and habits of Michigan animals. Appropriate for classrooms, community groups and auditorium assemblies, many of the programs include touchable artifacts and a visit from one or more KNC animal ambassadors.

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