Welcome to the Howard Christensen Nature Center! We are located in Northern Kent County and nestled upon 135 acres of natural ecosystems, HCNC has become a refuge to a multitude of plants and wildlife. The Nature Center boasts a great diversity of habitats, a variety of trails to entice hikers and campers, and is home to a variety of community-based programs. Each year our facilities serve thousands of visitors with our children and adult programs, and our miles of walkable trails.

Our mission is to inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, to increase awareness of environmental concerns, and encourage individuals to maintain Earth’s ecology.

Donate today to help us preserve 135 acres of Michigan forest, maintain our trail systems, and provide important community programming. We never turn anyone based on their ability to pay. Your continued support enables us to provide free access to our facility for those who can’t afford it.

Chrishaven LakeVisiting us is good for you!

Did you know Chrishaven Lake is slowly becoming a bog? About 20,000 years ago, the state of Michigan was covered in ice sheets, and about 3,000 years ago the ice retreated north. The retreating glacier left a chunk behind forming Chrishaven Lake at Howard Christensen Nature Center. The lake has been evolving ever since. Help us chart the progress of our beloved lake with this Citizen Science Project.

Simply stop by our Chronolog station on the south dock. Take a landscape photo, as directed by the Chronolog sign, and email it to upload@chronolog.io with the subject line HCN-101 and we will be able to chart the lake’s progress through a time lapse video.

 

Community Events  Membership Program  Facility Rental

Visit Us!
16190 Red Pine Dr. Kent City, MI 49330
(616) 675-3158
info@howardchristensen.org

Admission Fee
Non-Members: $3/person
Members: FREE

Interpretive Center Hours
Mon-Thurs: Closed
Fri: 12pm – 4pm / Sat-Sun: 11am – 4pm
Hiking all days during daylight hours

redline_100

Visit Us!
16190 Red Pine Dr. Kent City, MI 49330
(616) 675-3158
info@howardchristensen.org

Admission Fee
Non-Members: $3/person
Members: FREE

Interpretive Center Hours
Mon-Thurs: Closed
Fri - Sun: 11am - 4pm

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