Update on Howard Christensen Nature Center Site
Updated September 18, 2026
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is dedicated to the conservation of West Michigan’s ecologically critical land. With each and every one of our properties, our priorities remain the same: to protect and care for the ecosystems while providing safe places for the community to explore and connect with nature.
The Howard Christensen Nature Center is no different.
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and holds responsibility for this cherished community resource as we plan for a nature preserve that continues to serve and benefit the community. We have worked diligently to understand and honor the original intentions for the land and the memories made since its establishment.
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan was initially chosen by Kent ISD as a partner for this transition due to our organization’s longstanding commitment to preservation and creating spaces for the community to thrive.
Under the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s ownership, Howard Christensen Nature Center will be permanently protected. Its trails will be free to access and remain open for public exploration and education, and its habitats will be cared for in perpetuity. We are bound by the deed restriction on the property, the real estate purchase agreement, our own bylaws and policies, and our accreditation requirements to uphold this promise.
Throughout this process, we have engaged with Kent ISD, Lily’s Frog Pad, members of the Christensen family, and other stakeholders to ensure the best future for the property and the community. The Land Conservancy carefully read, analyzed, and considered every proposal presented to us to ensure that our decisions were informed by community needs, our mission, and a sustainable future for the property. These decisions were also rooted in the strengths and skill set of the Land Conservancy and our ability to guarantee long-term care for the land. All final decisions were made at appropriately held meetings.
After much consideration, we determined that safely sustaining the existing structures on the property over time is not aligned with our mission and is not financially responsible for our organization. Buildings carry long-term obligations: maintenance, capital repairs, and operational costs that would draw resources away from the land stewardship and habitat protection that are central to our mission. As we make decisions that must remain viable not just for today, but for decades to come, we cannot responsibly commit to preserving the structures on the site.
We recognize the buildings on the property have played an important role in Howard Christensen Nature Center’s history and use and hold cherished memories for many in our community. This is not a decision we make lightly.
Through careful and thoughtful planning, we have developed these plans for the property in consultation with members of the Christensen family. Family members have expressed their support for the Land Conservancy’s ownership and vision for the property as we work to ensure a sustainable future for the land.
As with all our preservation work across 13,097 acres in West Michigan, we are steadfastly committed to the permanent protection and thoughtful management of the ecological communities that make Howard Christensen Nature Center special.
Howard Christensen Nature Center will continue to be a place where the community can visit to explore, learn about plants and wildlife, and connect with nature, as it has been now for over 50 years. The transfer of the land to the Land Conservancy’s ownership ensures this will be the case for generations to come.
Previous updates on this project can be found here.