Kasey Hartz Natural Area

Description of the Natural Area
The diversity of the wooded tract immediately north of the Muskegon Community College campus provides an ideal setting for an educational Natural Area.

A broad creek bed habitat is formed by Four Mile Creek as it makes its way to the Muskegon River. Variations in environmental factors on the slopes adjacent to the creek bed provide contrasting settings for studies of life forms and species. The upland aspect of the area supports an association of white pine, black and white oak. A nature trail has been developed in the southern part of the natural area. Most of the northern portion of the site remains undisturbed.

History of the Natural Area
The idea of establishing a natural area on the new college campus was conceived by Kasey Hartz shortly after the property was purchased in 1963. Ecology and biology classes used the area for several years prior to the completion of the buildings. In the spring of 1967, the Ecology class began the development of the nature trail. During the spring of 1968, a field trip was conducted for interested members of the community, the Board of Trustees and College Administrators.

The Natural Area was officially established on April 20, 1970 by the Board of Trustees. On May 4, 1974, the trail system, along with 10 acres of college property, was dedicated as the Kasey Hartz Natural Area.

Thanks to the efforts of Senator Arthurhultz, a grant was received by the College from the State of Michigan in 1991 to upgrade the Natural Area. The grant was used to pave the first 600 feet of the nature trail; provide a barrier-free access to the paved portion of the trail; replace the entrance sign; complete the addition of wood chips to the trail system and replace the benches at the trail entrance.

Purpose of the Natural Area

To conserve a portion of the College campus that is representative of the natural communities and beauty of west Michigan.
To provide a nature trail for the enjoyment of students, faculty and the community where individuals can develop an appreciation of the harmony that can exist between humans and the land.
To provide an area where children can learn to develop a sense of appreciation and respect for the living world.
To develop in those who use the area an understanding of interrelationships that exist in natural communities.
To provide an outdoor laboratory where students can acquire a knowledge of ecological principles and develop scientific curiosity.
To provide an outdoor laboratory for the enrichment of courses within the College, such as art, biology, geology and geography.
To provide an area for the enjoyment of hiking, bird watching and photography.

Values of the Natural Area
This small area of virtually undeveloped land adjacent to the campus of Muskegon Community College, and only a short drive from the city, provides cultural, recreational, and educational values to many people. Here, one can learn “firsthand” the interrelationships between the physical and biological aspects of the environment and better understand our relationship to the whole.

It is a place for aesthetic enjoyment and appreciation of natural systems. In the words of Aldo Leopold, “There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.”

Use of the Natural Area
This Natural Area and associated nature trail are suitable for use by college, high school and elementary classes, scout and church groups, Head Start groups and other interested people.

Management of the Natural Area
The Life Science Department at Muskegon Community College serves as an advisory committee in the management of the Natural Area. The department is responsible for scheduling reservations and providing guided tours. Workshops are offered by the department to train students interested in serving as Natural Area Guides.

Guided Tours-Groups for 10-25 persons
Reservations for guides can be made by calling the Life Science Department at 777-0273 or email at naturetrailreservations@muskegoncc.edu. Reservations need to be at least two weeks in advance. Spring tours are available starting mid April through June, and Fall tours September thru October depending on the weather. Please be prepared for tour cancellation if there is rain.

Groups Not Requiring a Guide
Please call the Life Science Department at 777-0273 or email at naturetrailreservations@muskegoncc.edu so that schedule conflicts with other groups can be avoided. Families and individuals are encouraged to tour the Nature Trail anytime during daylight hours.