 Calvin University Puddingstone (photo by Kent Ratajeski) |
compiled from various sources
Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosts a 44-acre Ecosystem Preseve. Along with an adjacent research area (not open to the public), the preserve offers both recreational and educational opportunities. There are 1.7 miles of trails, available only for hiking with no pets. Open 7 am till dusk.
The preserve is inhabited by 260 species of plants, including several trees approaching 250 years old and the smallest plant in the world, called watermeal. Many animals, including 18 species of amphibians and reptiles, 179 bird species, and 27 species of mammals have been identified in the preserve.
Now the university has added a large rock garden near the entrance at East Beltline Avenue. The garden features a variety of Michigan rocks. The centerpiece is a 16,000-pound puddingstone. Puddingstone is more usually found in the Upper Peninsula, but it all was brought here from Ontario by the glaciers.
Kent Ratajeski posted a picture of the rock on Facebook, and people immediately began to travel to see the massive stone. Ratajeski serves as director of the Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum at Calvin University, and is also an educator.
Various classes will take advantage of having larger specimens to study than can be handled in a classroom. Additionally, this rock garden will focus on rocks rather than serving as a matrix for rare plants. Climbers are welcome, and kids are loving the "playground."
The garden was made possible by a donation from Thelma Venema, a lifelong lover of geology and rocks.
See a brochure of the trail system
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