Calvin University
EN-12: Continuing Education

1. Preserving Gods Creation - Fall 2018 Session 1: Biodiversity in the Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve. Delight in wonders great and small, intricacies seldom seen, while being armed with knowledge of threats to God’s beautiful Creation. Dr. David Dornbos, professor of biology at Calvin College. Session 2: Developing and Managing an Urban Nature Preserve. Dr. Randy VanDragt, professor of biology, emeritus, at Calvin College. Session 3: Restoring health to the land and water of Plaster Creek running through Grand Rapids Plaster Creek Stewards. Dr. David Warners, professor of biology at Calvin College. Session 4: Where Have All the Flowers Gone? Rediscovering Emma Cole’s 19th-Century Grand Rapids Flora. Dr. Garrett Crow, visiting scholar, Calvin College Biology department. Subject: environment 2. Turning Country Yards into Prairies - Spring 2019 Why restoring prairie habitat is so important to today’s urban/rural areas across West Michigan. A presentation of how a land owner might create natural habitat using sustainability methods by simply reducing the amount of time and expense of not mowing large yards excepting the perimeters around a dwelling; to suspend sowing turf grasses in favor of native grass mixes; to stop utilizing yard fertilizers contributing to phosphorous build-up in groundwater, lakes, ponds, and streams; by removing non-native invasive plantings which crowd out natural prairies, savannahs, waterways, and woodlands; and how to add functional color for show and beauty while providing for insects, bees, and butterflies which attract birds and other wildlife. We stand with Aldo Leopold in teaching a new Land Ethic to urban and rural environs in an era of natural reclamation, restoration, and improved positive footprints. Session 1: Rebecca Marquardt: landscape architect and owner of Revery, a landscape architecture studio that specializes in regenerative design solutions that honor regional character and foster habitat for wildlife using primarily native plants. Session 2: Esther Durnwald: Owner of Michigan Wildflower Farm, a supplier of Great Lakes Region native seeds and specializing in native planting services including consulting, site preparation, installation and management Session 3: Brian Majka: GEI Consultants, a consulting engineering and environmental firm. Brian’s 17 years’ experience as a professional restoration ecologist includes extensive experience in design and implantation of wetland construction and prairie planting. Session 4: Dave Warners: Calvin biology professor; he leads the Plaster Creek Stewards and started a native landscaping and habitat establishment initiative, Native Landscapes, which focuses on promoting native biodiversity within urban areas.

Data comes from the CALL Academic Guide for Fall 2018, and from the CALL Program Manager. (JW 11.30.2018)