Lillian Anderson Arboretum

Kalamazoo College's Lillian Anderson Arboretum comprises 140 acres of marsh, meadow, pine plantation and second-growth deciduous forest in Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan.

Several families worked the land between the early-19th and mid-20th centuries. Lillian Anderson, a "K" graduate, donated approximately 100 acres of her family's farm to the College in 1982. In 2000, thanks to the generous financial assistance of Dr. and Mrs. H. Lewis Batts, the College added 31 acres of land along the eastern boundary of the original Anderson property. The Arboretum was established in 1998 as a resource for the Kalamazoo College community, Kalamazoo-area residents, and visitors to the area.

The mission of the Lillian Anderson Arboretum can be summarized as follows:

  • Conservation. Kalamazoo College is committed to conserving the natural qualities of the Arboretum. All policy decisions are subordinate to this goal.

  • Experiential Learning. The College recognizes the myriad learning opportunities afforded by the Arboretum, and encourages their realization. These opportunities range from studies of the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, to historical and anthropological studies of land use, to creative expression through photography, painting and writing.

  • Community Building. Fostering community development is a fundamental College goal. Activities which promote this goal include organized hikes and naturalist programs, service outings for trail maintenance and eventually construction of a retreat center. It is desirable that all activities at the Arboretum complement those at the central campus, rather than draw resources away from them.

  • Recreation. The College wishes to develop low-impact recreational opportunities that do not disrupt the natural qualities of the Arboretum. Appropriate activities include hiking, bird watching, cross country running and cross country skiing in the winter.

  • Contemplation. The natural settings of the Arboretum provide exceptional opportunities for solitude and contemplation. We value the rejuvenating and enlightening impact that such solitude can have on the human spirit and seek to preserve these opportunities.