The Muskegon Environmental Research & Education Society (MERES) was formed as an outgrowth of the Muskegon Conservation Club. When the club acquired land that was to become the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve in 1997, it was a community dump. With the help of generous contributors and many hours of volunteer labor, this dump was gradually converted to a beautiful natural setting.

MERES is a 501-C-3 tax exempt organization and operates without any direct government assistance. We are totally dependent on donations, grants, and the dedication of volunteers who have worked many hours to provide this natural sanctuary in the heart of an urban community.

Before

After

Board of directors

Steve Thompson, President

Tom Willi, Vice President

Jodie Galosy, Secretary

Norman Hoag, Treasurer

Shelly Williams, Director

Brian Johnson, Director

Tony Jarvis, Director

Lynn Comried, Director

Jnai Closz, Director

JT Brown, Director

Andrea Kantola, Director

Gale Nobes, Director

DONORS

We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their significant contributions.

Organizations:

  • The Community Foundation for Muskegon County

  • The Arconic Foundation

  • Herman Miller Foundation

  • The Ray & Alma Foundation

  • The Muskegon Conservation Club

  • Dana Corporation

  • Muskegon Area Conservation District

  • The Great Lakes Fishery Trust

  • Meijer

  • Nichols Paper

  • Great Lakes Dock and Materials

Individuals:

  • Jim and Alex Tobleck

  • Paul Grabinski

  • Mike Hayes

  • Arn Boesaart

  • Fred Wilder

  • Dave Walley

  • Ron Brown