Volunteer Become a volunteer! Play a vital role in maintaining and safeguarding the Preserve鈥檚 beauty. Share your time and enthusiasm with us, and we鈥檒l equip you with the tools and plan, whether you鈥檙e working in the greenhouse or stewarding the Preserve with us.Our volunteers will find a welcoming, supportive, and appreciative environment here.There are many ways you can be a part of the exciting things happening at the Preserve:Maintain/create trailsPlant native species around the PreserveCollect seeds for propagation in our greenhousesTransplant seeds and weed plants at the greenhouseAssist with invasive species controlSpecific volunteer needs and opportunities are listed below.Build your team with us!Community and corporate groups are welcome to coordinate a private workday with us during the week or weekend. Volunteer activities may include seed collection, invasive species removal, transplanting native plants, trail work, native garden maintenance, and other special projects. We prefer a minimum of at least 8 volunteers to schedule a private workday. Preferred times are 9 am to noon and/ or 1 to 4 pm. Contact Jamie Skillen for more information and to arrange a workday.Upcoming volunteer opportunitiesBelow are some specific volunteer opportunities at the Preserve. Read about each opportunity and then click the appropriate signup button to let us know you'll be participating.Fall 2024 stewardship workdaysWe are looking for volunteers to help us care for Calvin's Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens by controlling invasive plants, weeding gardens, maintaining hiking trails, etc. Meet us at the Gardener's Cottage on Venema Plaza (across from the Bunker Interpretive Center). A staff member will greet you, get you checked-in and will provide you with all necessary tools. Please come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable, closed toe shoes that can get dirty. We hope you can join us!Tuesdays | 9 AM - 12 PM and 1-4 PM聽1st Saturdays: September 7, 聽October 5, November 2 | 9 AM - 12 PM聽Questions? Contact matthew.dykstra@calvin.eduFall 2024 greenhouse workdaysGreenhouse volunteer opportunities have closed for 2024. Check back after the new year for volunteer times starting in February 2025.We are excited to work with you to grow our native plants for our plant sale! Join us at the greenhouse at 3770 Lake Dr Grand Rapids MI 49546. It looks like a residential home, but the driveway leads to our greenhouse in the back. Feel free to park in the house parking lot, edge of the front lawn, or along the driveway. There is some parking toward the greenhouse.Hand sanitizer, bathrooms, and sinks will be available on-site. Bring a water bottle. We will be working in the greenhouses, which are partially heated, so dress for potential cold/warmth.Questions? Contact benjamin.steenwyk@calvin.edu Ecosystem Preserve This Week at the Preserve Visit and Learn Walking Trails Native Gardens Natural Communities Stations of the Cross Native Plant Sale Programs Art Workshops Wellness in the Woods K-12 Educator Partnerships Saplings Summer Day Camps Weekend Wonder Volunteer Support Us About Us Research Land Management Faculty and Staff Calvin Faculty and Students Student Employment and Internships