The Vincent and Helen Bunker Interpretive Center at Calvin College will host a plethora of interesting programs this fall, winter and spring as part of its "First Saturdays" programming.

Since the Bunker Center opened on September 10, 2004, the LEED-certified facility has drawn numerous visitors to Calvin's ecosystem preserve, which consists of 90 acres of temperate deciduous forest, wetlands and old fields.

The Bunker Center's Cheryl Hoogewind says the upcoming program of Saturday events should be equally attractive to West Michigan nature lovers.

The programs kick off on Saturday, October 7 from 10 am to 11 am with "Outdoor Experiences for the Young and Young At Heart." Hoogewind will meet guests at the Bunker Interpretive Center to talk about the importance of bringing children outside for learning together as a family.

On November 4 from 10 am to noon the topic will be "Wildlife in Your Environment" with Tom Nederveld, a wildlife biologist and wildlife management consultant. He will explain how families can attract wildlife to their backyard, talk about how plants and animals make the transition from fall to winter and lead a trail walk.

Following those two programs will be a wide variety of other First Saturday events, everything from snow-shoeing the Calvin cross country course to how to attract butterflies to landscaping with native plants and animals in mind.

The Bunker Interpretive Center is named for Helen Bunker, who gave the original lead gift to build the interpretive center, and her late husband Vincent. Also contributing to the building of the Bunker Center were Thelma Venema, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the Frey Foundation and the DTE Energy Foundation.

All First Saturdays events are free and open to the public. Advanced registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information call 616-526-7601 or send email to preserve@calvin.edu