Forest Mosaic

Now open in KNC’s Exhibits Hall

The Kalamazoo Nature Center’s exhibit, Forest Mosaic: How Forests Transform and Sustain, is currently open, offering visitors an in-depth exploration of the vital role forests play in our world. This exhibit allows guests to discover the complex web of interactions among plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that make up the forests of Southwest Michigan.

Interactive displays engage visitors in various ways, including a touch-sensitive map that helps them locate different forest biomes along the KNC trails. Old-school view-masters offer an intimate look at ecological succession and forest changes over time, while manipulatives give younger visitors the chance to explore the relationships that form forest ecosystems.

As they explore, visitors learn firsthand how forests recycle nutrients, regulate water, and influence climate. They also gain insight into the impact of human actions, such as the spread of invasive species and conservation efforts across Southwest Michigan. The exhibit highlights the inspiring work of KNC’s Conservation Stewardship team and their sugarbush project to emphasize key concepts in forest conservation.

Forest Mosaic is engaging an estimated 18,000 visitors, including students from Kalamazoo County schools who visit on field trips. The exhibit also plays a role in large public events like Maple Sugar Fest and offers workshops for area teachers to help them integrate exhibit content into their classrooms. By visiting Forest Mosaic, guests deepen their understanding of forest ecosystems and consider their role in supporting forest health and sustainability.

On view now in the Glen Vista Gallery:

Kalamazoo Woodturners & Woodworkers

Arts at KNC

Buy Local Art & Gift FairSaturday, December 6, 2025 9 am – 4 pm  Free admission to the Fair and trails all day!

KNC’s Buy Local Art & Gift Fair is a celebration of local artists featuring unique booths from top local artisans. The quality and variety of work, friendly artists, and festive atmosphere have made this an annual tradition you don’t want to miss! KNC Members also get invited to the popular Jingle Mingle the evening prior to the art fair.

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Art Drawn From Nature:
Kirk Newman Art School at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

KNC is collaborating with the Kalamazoo Institute of the Arts to offer classes at KNC this summer. Explore the beauty of the trails, blossoms, trees, animals, and scenery through a range of nature-inspired art courses led by the talented instructors at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA). Please note, registration for these programs is through the KIA. KNC and KIA Members receive a discount!

Learn more about the classes at KNC below.

Earth-Cast Mobiles
Saturday, June 7, 10 am – 4 pm
Fee: $100/KNC or KIA Members, $120/Non-Members
Meet: KNC Visitor Center

Learn to make both relief and two-part molds from a variety of natural materials to cast organic forms and textures in lead-free pewter and plaster. Explore the trails, then sketch and construct your mobile with guided instruction and design inspiration. This is a leave-no-trace approved workshop. Instructor: Taylor Scamehorn

Watercolor and More in the Outdoors
Mondays, June 16-30, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Fee: $140/KNC or KIA Members, $160/Non-Members
Meet: KNC Visitor Center

Students will work en plein-air (outdoors!) in watercolor and a variety of drawing media. We’ll create loose and expressive studies at a variety of local sites, learning to focus our composition and yet freely interpret our subjects. Instructor: Susan Badger

India Ink Plein Air Landscapes
Saturday, June 28, 9 am – 4 pm
Fee: $140/KNC or KIA Members, $160/Non-Members
Meet: KNC Visitor Center

Learn techniques to capture light, texture and atmosphere using India ink with sharpened stick pens and other natural found materials. With KNC as both muse and studio, spend a day creating unique and striking black and white landscapes. All materials are provided. Instructor: Taylor Scamehorn