Flat Iron Lake Preserve History
Flat Iron Lake Nature Preserve is a newly-formed nature preserve in Kent County’s Oakfield Township, approximately 30 miles north of Grand Rapids. The nature preserve was the idea of Fritz and Carol Rottman who owned much of the property surrounding Flat Iron Lake, and wished to see the land preserved for green space and scientific study. The project has been underway for the three to four years and was completed in Fall 2009 with the donation of the final pieces of property, and the creation of an endowment to support the preserve’s long-term maintenance.
This 65 acre preserve includes these features:
- 25-acre kettle lake
- deciduous forest with vernal pools
- 20-acre created prairie
- Lake House used by biology classes and summer research students as a research facility. The house is also used a retreat center.
The Flat Iron Lake Preserve is under the direction of Dr. Randy Van Dragt, Director of the Ecosystem Preserve.
The preserve is not open to the general public but tour for groups can be arranged with advance notice.
