Please consider adding a donation to Harris Nature Center Foundation. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides funding for special projects that enhance the quality of nature appreciation and education at Harris Nature Center, a 48-acre park operated by Meridian Township.
The park offers environmental activities and outdoor recreation opportunities that focus on protecting, promoting and interpreting the Red Cedar River. Many features were funded by the foundation.
In 2024 we:
- Provided 12 bus scholarships in support of 597 students from 27 schools participating in nature education programs.
- Upgraded two features in the Nature Exploration Area — the Fossil Dig and Log Jam.
- Installed a weather-themed interactive play panel.
In 2025 we want to:
- Build a new Nature Exploration Area feature – the Hawk’s Nest – a one-of-a-kind play structure built specifically for Harris Nature Center.
- Provide more school bus scholarships to include more students in nature education programs
About 25% of the $180,000 cost for the Hawk’s Nest is committed, with a fundraising deadline of Sept. 30, 2025. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to achieving these goals. A donation of just $100 is one school bus scholarship for 50 students to visit the nature center.
Your support means so much to the children and adults who visit the park. Because of caring individuals like you, we can continue to enhance Harris Nature Center in connecting people to the wonder of the natural world and wild creatures that also consider this area home.
If you prefer to donate by check: Make it payable to Harris Nature Center Foundation, and mail it to Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd., Okemos, MI 48864.
For more about the Harris Nature Center Foundation and how to get involved, follow us on Facebook or contact Harris Nature Center at 517.349.3866 or hnc@meridian.mi.us.
