Community Science
Who can participate? Short answer: anyone and everyone! Community science is not defined by age, gender, racial identity, citizenship status, education, or physical ability. The beauty of Community Science is that it requires little to no previous experience in the subjects you are interested in. We will train you! Whether you like staying inside or outside, there is a project that was designed with you in mind.
How do I get involved? Fill out a volunteer registration with your skills, interests, and weekly availability so we can match you with a project that is the best fit for you. If you do not see a project that matches up with your interests, please contact Jen Meilinger at jmeilinger@naturecenter.org and we will find a project that you will love!
Contact Us
MiBN – Butterfly Monitoring
Butterflies are key indicators of the health of ecosystems. 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 public in significant citizen science research. We are always looking for new volunteers to join the team documenting our local butterflies!
River Sampling
Twice a year, the River Guardians sample the Kalamazoo River for aquatic macroinvertebrates. By following the MiCorps protocol, the River Guardians are able to determine the water quality. This is possible because some macroinvertebrates are more sensitive to pollutants than others and by looking at individual occurrences it tells a story about the health of the watershed.
Winter Feeder Survey
Help KNC study Michigan birds this winter! Do you have a birdfeeder visible from a window in your home or at your office? If so, you are perfectly equipped to participate in our Annual Winter Feeder Survey. From November through April, we ask our Michigan community to submit monthly information about the birds observed at their birdfeeders while following a simple protocol. The data gathered helps researchers better understand, protect, and conserve bird species that utilize Michigan habitats.
Christmas Bird Counts
Grab your binoculars for the Annual Christmas Bird Count organized by the National Audubon Society. As the nation’s longest-running community science bird project, this data is essential for assessing the health of bird populations and guiding management decisions across North America. Join KNC in an organized excursion or observe on your own.
Volunteer
At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether they’re lending a hand with a special event, helping care for the land, or supporting educational programs, our volunteers make a real difference. We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities—some are one-time, some are ongoing, and some are perfect for individuals or groups.
Workshops & Events
Learn about the ancient tradition of wreath making. Paint a gourd birdhouse to bring home for a feathered friend. Head to the forest to gather materials for a hand-crafted meal using foraged delicacies.
At KNC, we invite people of all ages to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover your creative voice, no matter your experience level. Check out the calendar for a variety of upcoming programs!