Ross Township near Augusta in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Welcome to the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
What is a sanctuary? And why do birds need one? A sanctuary is a protected place for animals to feed, nest, and live. Many birds find a sanctuary in backyards and local parks. Finches flock to feeders. Cardinals in bright red feathers chirp from tall oak trees. Hawks soar over green fields, while graceful swans and cygnets swim in a local lake.
But what happens beyond the backyard?
Where do your favorite birds go when their native habitats — their homes — disappear?
Our birds may seem plentiful, but their future is more uncertain than ever. In Michigan, as elsewhere, millions of farms, roads, buildings, and factories have replaced once abundant native forests, prairies, and ponds. Wild places that sheltered birds for generations no longer exist. This precious wild habitat disappears every day.
Making a Difference...
In 1927, W.K. Kellogg, the cereal company owner, set aside this former farmland as a haven for Canada Geese. A year later, Mr. Kellogg donated the land to Michigan State University, which created the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. Over time, these conservation efforts by Mr. Kellogg and others saved the Canada Goose from extinction.
Today, the Sanctuary offers refuge for birds and wildlife. As part of the Kellogg Biological Station, the Sanctuary works with researchers from MSU and other institutions to study the ecology of all living systems, including birds, fish, and water quality.
One Person at a Time
Each of us can help protect birds and their habitats. How many improvements to bird habitat can you take home from your visit today?
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 42° 23.667′ N, 85° 23.117′ W. Marker is near Augusta, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in Ross Township. Marker can be reached from East C Avenue, 0.3 miles west of North 40th Street. This marker is located behind the bookstore/auditorium building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12685 East C Avenue, Augusta MI 49012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. W.K. Kellogg House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Thomas’ Mills (approx. 3.2 miles away); Richland Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away); Community Library (approx. 3.8 miles away); Dr. Richard Kik (approx. 3.8 miles away); First Religious Service in Kalamazoo County (approx. 3.8 miles away); The First Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.8 miles away); Builders Medad, Casey, Chauncey and Darwin McKay (approx. 4˝ miles away).
Also see . . . History of the Sanctuary. Michigan State University website entry (Submitted on May 16, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 16, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.