About Us

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a nonprofit organization located in Kalamazoo, Michigan whose mission is to connect people with nature through education, conservation, and research. KNC envisions a resilient community where all people have strong interconnections with the natural world.

KNC was founded October 31, 1960 when a group of community leaders came together to purchase the land to establish an outdoor environmental education center. Today, KNC is recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country and has expanded to include 1,100 acres of wooded, rolling countryside five miles north of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Mission

The Kalamazoo Nature Center mission is to connect people with nature through education, conservation, and research.

Vision

KNC envisions a resilient community where all people have strong interconnections with the natural world.

Land Acknowledgment

KNC honors and pays respect to the land on which we stand and its traditional stewards, the Anishinaabek, the Council of the Three Fires which include Odawa, Ojibwe, and Bodewadmi, also known as Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi tribes. As the current stewards of this land, KNC is committed to healing and building relationships between people and land in our work.

Sustainability

At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, we work to inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for the natural world. That’s why we embarked on the Trail to Sustainability to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. Hike along with us on our journey to a greener future.

Accessibility

We are committed to making nature welcoming and accessible for all visitors. Whether you’re exploring our trails, enjoying our exhibits, or participating in programs, we offer a variety of amenities and accessibility features to support a comfortable and engaging experience.

Annual Reports

Previous Years:

2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-2021

Curiosity

We approach our work, our relationships, and the natural world with wonder, openness, and a desire to learn. Curiosity inspires discovery, guides evidence-based decision making, and invites us to imagine what could be. By asking questions, exploring possibilities, and remaining open to new perspectives, we continually deepen our understanding and expand our impact.

Joy

We believe joy is essential to learning, connection, and well-being. We create experiences that are engaging, playful, and meaningful, and we cultivate a workplace where people can bring energy, humor, and enthusiasm to their work.

Connection

We build meaningful relationships—with each other, our community, and the natural world. With a welcoming spirit we foster belonging, work collaboratively, and remove barriers so that everyone can find their place in nature. We recognize that people are a part of nature, not separate from it. Connection carries responsibility: to care for one another, contribute to the well-being of our communities and ecosystems, and leave both people and places better than we found them.

Resilience

We understand that healthy ecosystems, strong communities, and sustainable organizations require long-term care and investment. Through conservation, financial responsibility, and meaningful relationships, we build the capacity to adapt, overcome challenges, and grow stronger through change. We make decisions that sustain both people and nature today while preparing for the future

Heather Graves, MS MLS (President & CEO)
Wendy Schlett (Chair)
Jim Stark (Past Chair)
Kalie Vogt (Chair Elect)
Caitlin Carey (Secretary)
Matt Hollander (Member at Large)
Phillip Heasley (Treasurer)
Dr. Kelly Clarke
Chris Fusciardi

Tony Gerard
Justin Gish
Dr. Carla Koretsky
Clarence Lloyd
John Meyer
Reality Rojas
Afifa Thaj

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Follow us!

Subscribe to Nature News for updates, features, and what’s coming up at KNC
delivered to your inbox a few times a month. Never miss a wild moment!

About Us

Mission

Vision

Land Acknowledgment

Sustainability

Accessibility

Annual Reports

Curiosity

Joy

Connection

Resilience

Follow us!

Follow us!

VISIT

PROGRAMS

TRAILS

SUPPORT

Explore More at the Kalamazoo Nature Center