Grand Rapids Volunteers Restore 'Beyond Hope' Wetland

When experts declared Lamberton Lake Fen beyond restoration in the late 1980s, volunteers in Grand Rapids decided to prove them wrong.

On a cold Saturday morning in January, volunteers arrived at this rare alkaline wetland armed with saws and determination. They came to remove invasive buckthorn trees choking out native plants at one of the most urban preserves managed by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.

The transformation over 15 years has been remarkable. Portions of the fen now flourish with 125 native species that rebounded once invasive plants were cleared away.

"Volunteers are a force multiplier. We couldn't do this restoration work without them," said Lucas Dykstra, stewardship director of the Land Conservancy. The organization manages 20 preserves across six counties, but relies heavily on community members to maintain and restore these natural spaces.

Fens are special ecosystems. These calcified alkaline wetlands are rare natural features, and Lamberton Lake Fen sits tucked away near Plainfield and I-96 in northeast Grand Rapids.

Conservation Director Justin Heslinga trained the January volunteers on identifying glossy and common buckthorn before they headed into an unrestored section. Over the course of the morning, they cleared invasive species from a notable portion of the preserve.

The Ripple Effect

Austin from Alger Heights came out wanting to help his community in whatever way he could. Jenny from Creston understands that natural habitats like this fen require active participation and commitment to preserve.

Many volunteers return month after month, developing favorite preserves they visit for every workday. Outreach coordinator Kendra Larsen leads most of these gatherings and has watched the community of nature stewards grow.

Volunteers documented their progress over the years with photographs showing the dramatic recovery. What was once written off as damaged beyond repair now serves as proof that patience and community effort can heal ecosystems.

The Land Conservancy hosts Second Saturday Workdays monthly, with the next session returning to Lamberton Lake Fen on February 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. The organization celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of protecting natural spaces in West Michigan.