For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum/Genesee Cnty Parks & Rec Cmsn

Nature gives us so much, sometimes it’s good to give back. Since 1970, that’s been the spirit behind For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum. With 383 acres of carefully preserved Michigan flora and fauna and one of the state’s finest collections of rare trees, For-Mar is where Michigan goes to learn about — and from — the best of the world around us. For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, because some things are worth preserving. Turns out, they’re just around the corner. At your Genesee County Parks.

Forbes and Martha Merkley Visitor Center

Program Opportunities

• For-Mar provides Public and Private programming opportunities. All of your Public Programming opportunities can be found at our online calendar of events, http://geneseecountyparks.org/calendar/. Private programming at For-Mar includes Field Trips, Scouting Outings, Birthdays, For-Mar on the Roads programs, Adaptive Recreation programming and more! Our programs usually range from $4–$10 per person and pre-registration may be required. For program reservations, call 810.736.7100, ext. 6.

Nature Nook Gift Shop

• The Gift Shop at For-Mar is open during regular Nature Center hours, and sells items such as T-shirts, plant and animal guidebooks, children’s activity books, educational toys, and souvenirs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Adopt-a-Garden: Various gardens at For-Mar as well as various other County Parks are available for adoption. Spring and fall clean-ups are essential along with bi-weekly visits for routine maintenance. training will be provided. Call 810-789-8567 for information.
Other opportunities: Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to, Bluebird counts, invasive plant removal, Visitor’s Center greeter, etc. Call 810-789-8567 or 810-789-8568 for information.
Internships: Unpaid internships are available. Contact the Head Naturalist or Horticulturist for information.