Facilities and Grounds

Kresge Environmental Center is situated in Mayfield Township of Lapeer County, about six miles north east of the city of Lapeer, Michigan. The main buildings are located a quarter of a mile off Fish Lake Road in the middle of KEC's 240 acres. In addition, there are 7,000 acres of state land contiguous to or nearby the center property. The center is ideal for many types of activities from religious retreats, workshops and conferences to cross country skiing and scouting trips.

Geology

Geologically the area is an interlobate or kettle-moraine region. Such areas typically exhibit a great variety of continental glacial features within relatively small areas. Therefore it is possible to find both wet and dry kettles, recessional moraines, till plains, outwash plains, kames and an esker on or very near the site.

Habitats

Because of the diverse topography and the location of the center near the border of southern and northern Michigan climatic zones, an unusual variety of interesting biota is available for study. Many large and small lakes of various water types, several streams and the Flint River are within easy reach for aquatic studies. Both a tamarack bog on the site and a spruce bog nearby offer interesting study possibilities. Terrestrial communities are equally diverse and range from old field through oak-hickory forest. A number of temporary ponds are to be found both in the open and in wooded areas. Typical cedar swamps with ground hemlock and a diverse orchid population are located nearby. Even a few of the original (pre-lumbering) pines and hemlocks can be found scattered on the site. Such a rich area cannot be detailed adequately here, but those who wish to study and observe the diversity of the life to be found in Michigan will not be disappointed.

Facilities

The Dormitory

The Dormitory is set in a beautiful deciduous forest. It is carpeted, winterized, constructed of wood with high open beams throughout the sleeping areas and heated by forced-air, natural gas. Physically, the dorms are divided into two major wings: men's and women's. The two wings are separated by a comfortable lounge area which includes a brick fireplace. Each wing has two large sleeping areas and an upper level loft. The loft can be used as a staff sleeping area or a meeting room. Each large sleeping area is further divided by partitions into four open rooms. Each room contains two bunks and sleeps four people. All bedding and toiletries must be provided by the user group. Both men's and women's sides, of course, have their own showers and rest rooms. Capacity: 60 adults or up to 80 children. Minimum of 20 people required.

The Dining Hall

The Dining Hall is a large, modern, multi-purpose building with a movable partition. The large center space is suitable for many different types of activities. It is made of wood and brick with an attractive wood beam ceiling, and is set in a Jack Pine forest overlooking Fish Lake. Here large, delicious meals are served cafeteria style and there is always plenty for seconds. Special menus and sit-down dinners can be arranged at extra cost.

The School House

This smaller building serves as additional meeting or lab space, located a short distance from Mussing Pond and across the street from a local grocery store.