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)