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Conservation Stewardship Programs
The Conservation Stewardship Department works with members of the community to enhance their property for wildlife habitat. We encourage environmental awareness and stewardship as well as provide the education, resources, and assistance necessary to improve ecological systems in Southwest Michigan. Our biologists consult with a wide range of business, homeowners, and government agencies through the Community Wildlife Program and Great Lakes Ecological Management team.
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Research is for the birds and the butterflies, and frogs, and trees...
The Research Program of the Conservation Stewardship Department is responsible for long-term avian monitoring, short-term bioinventories and studies, ecological consulting, and scientific publications. Major projects currently include the Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas, migration monitoring using bird banding, Monitoring Avian Production and Survivorship (MAPS), Michigan Winter Feeder Survey, and a study of avian demographics at Fort Custer Training Center.
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Natural Resource Management
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Professional Land Management that meets your needs...
Great Lakes Ecological Management team is a service of the Kalamazoo Nature Center that works with private and public landowners to develop and implement land management plans using sound environmental strategies. From small invasive species removal projects to large scale comprehensive habitat evaluation and restoration, we work directly with you to meet carefully defined land management objectives in one or all of our key service areas.
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Why choose native plants for your landscape?
  
Native plants are adapted to Michigan climate and soils; they are drought and flood tolerant.
They require less maintenance. Once the plants are established and the roots are developed, they require little watering. They also thrive in Michigan soils with little need for fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides.
Their deep root systems improve water quality. Roots can reach 4-10 feet in depth and absorb a significant amount of water. Their roots filter out ground water contaminants and the water is much cleaner before it reaches rivers, streams or lakes.
Native plants prevent erosion. The roots hold the soil together and prevent erosion during strong winds or rains.
Native plants attract wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and other animals have established relationships with plants native to Michigan and rely on them for food and shelter.
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Conservation Stewardship Newsletter
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NEW!
Click Here for the Fall 2009 Conservation Stewardship Newsletter
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Community Wildlife Program
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Habitat Enhancement Program
Homeowners: We can assist in reducing the area of your conventional lawn, replacing it with attractive native plants through the use of prairies, wetland buffers, rain gardens, or spring woodland wildflower gardens.
Corporate campuses: Create prairie, wetland,or woodland areas to provide wildlife habitat, manage storm water runoff, enhance water quality, and reduce mowed lawn. Employees will have the opportunity to participate in on- and off-site environmental education and stewardship.
Golf courses: Become a breeding ground for bluebirds, tree swallows, and chickadees. Reduce the amount of turfgrass and develop natural “no-mow” landscapes that will reduce energy and costs and will protect water quality. Our habitat enhancement/ environmental monitoring program can be tailored to your needs.
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For more information or to schedule a site visit, call (269) 381-1574 ext. 18 or click here to email the Community Wildlife Director.
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| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
| 7000 N Westnedge Ave | Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
| Phone (269) 381-1574 | Fax (269) 381-2557 |
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