Ways to Give at KNC

Your online gift helps support the mission of the Kalamazoo Nature Center by providing funding for the many programs and services offered every month. From summer camp to preschool, public programs, research, and conservation, our goal is to inspire everyone to experience nature everyday. You can help.

KNC is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) formed in 1960. We are supported by membership and admission fees, monetary and in-kind donations, program and service fees, foundation grants, and endowment earnings.

KNC Donors: Log in to your account for donation details, make outstanding payments, update contact information, gather digital receipt information, and more.

Support a Program

Annual Fund

Your online gift helps support the mission of the Kalamazoo Nature Center by providing funding for the many programs and services offered every month. Unrestricted gifts to KNC support the organization’s greatest needs at any given point in time. Donate to the Annual Fund here >

Beech Maple Trail in early fall
Oppossum at KNC

Adopt an Animal

Symbolically adopting an Animal Ambassador is an exciting way to support KNC’s Animal Ambassador Program and learn more about these amazing animals. Animal adoptions make a great gift!

Adopt an Ambassador Animal >

Broad-winged hawk

New Mews

Help move KNC’s Birds of Prey into their new safe, comfortable quarters! The first of our new enclosures are near completion and can be seen along the Arboretum trail, and you can help to get them set for the birds to move in.

Donate to New Mews >

Warblers at KVBO

Avian Research

From spring bird banding to winter feeder surveys, KNC’s avian research programs provide important data and community science opportunities year-round.

Kalamazoo Valley Bird Observatory >

Winter Feeder Survey >

Adopt a Hummingbird >

Monarch with tag

Michigan Butterfly Network

The Michigan Butterfly Network seeks to assess the changing population status of our state’s butterfly species, evaluate the quality of Michigan ecosystems, and engage the Michigan public in significant citizen science research. Your tax-deductible donation provides critical support for us to continue our mission.

Donate to the Michigan Butterfly Network >

Adopt a Butterfly >

Sugarbush restoration

Become a Friend of the Forest

KNC’s sugarbush is an area of beech-maple forest along the rolling glacial topography of our Fern Valley Trail, and is a great candidate for climate-forward restoration. By planting diverse trees and shrubs, we can restore biodiversity, improve habitat, sequester carbon, & protect this place for the next generation.

Become a Friend of the Forest here >

Headwaters Trail

Facilities and Trails

Adopt a Trail  KNC’s Adopt-A-Trail Program provides a way for individuals and businesses to sponsor maintenance on KNC’s extensive trail system. Adopt a Trail here >

KNC Hiking Spree  This yearly program is a great way to explore KNC and check out trails you may not have hiked – or hike a favorite again. Learn More >

Campership

“In spring, at the end of the day,” said novelist Margaret Atwood, “you should smell like dirt.” At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, we think that also applies to summer. Especially for children. That’s why we believe in the joyful, life-changing connection to nature that kids make at KNC summer camp. Give to KNC’s Campership Fund >

Kid looking under bridge

Financial Assistance Fund

Financial need is one of the many barriers that prevent a child’s participation in KNC programs, such as Camp and other youth-focused activities. With your support, we can provide programming to individuals and groups demonstrating financial need.

Give to KNC’s Financial Assistance Fund >

White tailed fawn

Early Childhood Education Fund

You can support learning in the natural world! Early childhood education programs at KNC, including Nature’s Way Preschool (NWP), provide critical building blocks for young learners.

ECE Fund >

Fair Food Matters

Fair Food Matters

While food equity and sustainability remain our primary focus, the challenges of COVID-19 have allowed FFM and KNC to extend our reach and impact in the local community.  You can help!

Fair Food Matters Fund >

Legacy Giving: Cooper’s Glen Legacy

We invite you to support KNC’s future through a planned gift that honors your connection to this place and the many experiences that, again and again, nurture our connection to the natural world. Learn more about becoming a Cooper’s Glen Legacy Member >

Heronwood Field Station

Tribute Gifts

Tribute gifts provide a wonderful way to honor a person or organization, commemorate a special event, or create a lasting memorial to loved ones.

Learn more about Tribute gifts >

Become a Friend of the Forest >

KNC Arboretum
Heron Sculpture

Become a Member

Membership at KNC gives you access to KNC with free admission for one year. In addition, your membership supports the award-winning education, research, and conservation programs.

Membership >

Land Management

Get Involved

Butterfly monitoring, guest services, biological research, educational opportunities – KNC has a wide array of opportunities for volunteers, internships, and career employment throughout the year!

Volunteer >

Community Science >

Employment >

Gift of Nature

Give the Gift of Nature

Support KNC and give a gift that lasts all year. Whether shopping at Trailhead Gifts & Books in the KNC Visitor Center or giving a gift membership, there is a wide range of ideas for all ages and interests.

Gifts of Nature >

Kids Raccoon Run

Sponsor an Event

A sponsorship places your business in front of our 6,200+ membership base and the greater Kalamazoo community.

Sponsorship Opportunities >