Cooper Township near Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

80s Growing Strong

Photographed by Joel Seewald, March 4, 2026

1. 80s Growing Strong Marker

Inscription.
A diversity of education and research programs develop, strengthening the Kalamazoo Nature Center's ability to inform the public about the importance of nature.

Early childhood education becomes a focus with the establishment of Nature's Way Preschool.
Community presence increases as we extend our programming and connections beyond our North Westnedge property and into the greater Kalamazoo community.
KNC welcomes its second leader as Dr. Willard M. Rose, Ph.D., accepts the role of Executive Director.

1980
• 1st edition Wild Animal Care and Rehabilitation Manual is published (1980-2004)

1981
• Tillers Small Farm Program starts (1981 - 1989), continues independently as Tillers International

1982
• Energymobile visits school and community groups
• Nature's Way Preschool opens at Allen Outpost (1982-present)

1983
• Bird of Prey program begins (1983-present)
• 1st Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas fieldwork begins (1983-1988)

1984
• ABC News highlights our maple sugaring program on "Good Morning America"

1985
• Dalton Tool Barn and Replica Log Cabin are built on the original Delano Homestead site
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"Nature Center Week" honor from the City of Kalamazoo

1986
• 1st "Nature's Way" article published in the Kalamazoo Gazette (1986-2009)

1987
• Renovated Ecology Lab reopens

1988
• Dr. H. Lewis Batts retires; Dr. Willard M. Rose, Ph.D., is named Executive Director

1989
• 9 acres of the Oshtemo Township property are donated to become the eastern trailhead of the Kal-Haven Trail State Park
• Total land base is 3,358 acres

Left photo caption: Allen Outpost - later renamed Nature's Way Preschool

Erected by Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1980.

Location. 42° 21.621′ N, 85° 34.993′ W. Marker is near Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in Cooper Township. It can be reached from Westnedge Ave north of E Ave. Marker is on the bridge leading to the entrance of the visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7000 N Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, March 4, 2026

2. 80s Growing Strong Marker

Photo taken from the entrance of the visitor center. This marker is the third one from the left (halfway down the bridge).

is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: 90s Branching Out (here, next to this marker); 70s Spreading Our Roots (a few steps from this marker); 60s Planting Seeds (a few steps from this marker); 00s Cultivating a Green Future (a few steps from this marker); DeLano Homestead (approx. ¾ mile away); Cooper Congregational Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Kindleberger Park (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Kalamazoo Region (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo Nature Center sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, March 4, 2026

3. Kalamazoo Nature Center sign

Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 24, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.