Equity
KNC honors and pays respect to the land on which we stand and its traditional stewards, the Anishinaabek, the Council of the Three Fires which include Odawa, Ojibwe, and Bodewadmi, also known as Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi tribes. As the current stewards of this land, KNC is committed to healing and building relationships between people and land in our work.
Note: KNC’s Land Acknowledgement statement serves as a public commitment to building meaningful relationships with those who have been historically marginalized. As part of the ongoing work and dialogue with our indigenous partners, the statement will develop and change as our understanding evolves.
Inclusion: We believe nature is for everyone and seek to provide a welcoming, accessible, and safe space for all.
Equity: We work to reduce the financial, social, cultural and personal barriers that limit or prevent access to our programs, facilities, and membership.
Accessibility: We strive to make KNC’s properties and buildings as accessible as possible for people of all abilities, with a special commitment to providing wheelchair access on designated trails as the terrain allows.
Conservation and Stewardship: We apply evidence-based standards and practices to manage and restore the diverse native landscapes and wild creatures that make KNC their home. We also use these practices on public and private natural areas that we care for as part of KNC’s Ecological Services work.
Values in Action: KNC’s commitment to Access and Equity dovetails with the overarching values in our Strategic Plan. We will continue to integrate both as we hold ourselves accountable to our guests and anyone who seeks to find their place in nature.
- KNC works to ensure that its board of directors, staff, volunteers, visitors, participants, and members reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
- KNC promotes an inclusive culture that offers equitable access to our facilities, programs, jobs, and other opportunities. We actively invite, engage, and collaborate with people from all walks of life as we create a welcoming environment that provides psychological and physical safety for all.
- KNC strives to incorporate into our programs the many historical and cultural stories that have influenced and continue to shape our connection to the natural world. KNC will celebrate and recognize the unique contributions of the people we serve and provide opportunities for shared growth, learning and understanding.
As a Nature Center with over 1,500 acres,14 miles of trails, and diverse working relationships across Kalamazoo and beyond, KNC incorporates principles and practices of equity across a breadth of geographic locations and human interactions on a daily basis.
Building and Grounds
- All-terrain Grit wheelchairs (adult and child-sized) are available for free use on designated KNC trails
- An electric motor-powered Trek Chair is available for free use on designated trails
- Power-assist doors available at main entrances to Visitor Center
- Free electric car charger available in Lower Parking Lot accessible parking space
- A gender-neutral bathroom and sensory-friendly/nursing room is available in the Visitor Center.
Operations and Outreach
- KNC’s Conservation and Stewardship crew works closely with Tribal governments to maintain and restore natural areas on Tribal lands
- KNC’s Guest Services team collaborates with Tribal members to design and create Visitor Center exhibits that accurately portray the sustainable use and heritage of our natural resources
- KNC’s programming includes a Neurodiversity Naturalists Camp (Ages: 5-8 & 9-12) & Neurodiversity Adventure Camp (Ages: 11-15).
Membership and Communications
- KNC offers financial assistance membership to those with incomes at or below the Federal Poverty Level
- Campership Funds help cover the costs of summer camp tuition for children whose families qualify based on financial need
- KNC’s website offers a suite of adaptations for users with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities and conditions such as ADHD