GO TAKE A HIKE: Enjoy our great diversity of habitats and a variety of trails for family hikers, runners, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. We also offer community events, field trips and retreat center rental.
Welcome to the Howard Christensen Nature Center!! Located in Northern Kent County and nestled upon 135 acres of natural ecosystems, HCNC has become refuge to a multitude of plants and wildlife. The property boasts plant species imported in the 1940’s and found only a few places in Michigan, a tannic kettle lake home to our resident Snapping Turtle, Jaws, and miles of swamp and ponds that were once part of a sophisticated manmade lagoon system. Donated by Frank and Rita Christensen in memory of their late son, Howard, HCNC was developed as an environmental education center for the students of the Kent Intermediate School District. Through three changes of management, HCNC’s core mission and vision are still deeply rooted in environmental education and field trips, now servicing schools from more than six intermediate school districts.
Mission: To inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, to increase awareness of environmental concerns, and encourage individuals to maintain Earth’s ecology.