Nature preserve earns old-growth forest designation

May 13

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Kent County Parks Department

Lepard Nature Preserve in Caledonia has been officially recognized as an Old-Growth Forest. The designation honors forests with exceptional ecological value and ensures they remain permanently protected and open to the public.

“This recognition reflects both the ecological importance of Lepard Nature Preserve and our commitment to protecting natural spaces for future generations,” said Ben Swayze, Director, Kent County Parks Department. “We’re proud to safeguard its rare forest and honor the family who entrusted it to our care.”

With this designation, Lepard Nature Preserve joins a growing network of protected forests across the nation, including 26 other Old-Growth Forests, such as Dolan Nature Sanctuary in Kent County and Aman and Duncan Parks in nearby Ottawa County.

“In the eastern United States, less than one percent of forests still exhibit old-growth characteristics,” said Leona Addie, Great Lakes Regional Manager, Old-Growth Forest Network. “Lepard Nature Preserve shows us that even forests that were once cleared can, over time and with care, begin to recover those complex features—supporting wildlife, storing carbon, and protecting water resources along the way.”

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