Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kalamazoo Environmental Network?

The Kalamazoo Environmental Network (KEN) is a community connector for environmental organizations, events, resources, and opportunities in the greater Kalamazoo area.

Our goal is simple: make it easier for people to find environmental work already happening in our community—and find ways to participate.

Is KEN an environmental organization?

KEN is a network rather than a traditional environmental organization. We don't want to duplicate the excellent work already being done by local organizations.

Instead, KEN helps people discover that work, connect across organizations and issues, and find opportunities to learn, participate, volunteer, and take action.

Who can participate in KEN?

Everyone! KEN is for community members, environmental organizations, neighborhood groups, educators, students, businesses, local governments, and anyone interested in the health and sustainability of our community.

You don't need to belong to an environmental organization or have any particular expertise to participate.

What kinds of environmental issues does KEN cover?

We take a broad view of the environment. Topics may include conservation and biodiversity, climate and energy, water, land use, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, environmental justice, food systems, environmental education, and other issues affecting the long-term health and resilience of our community.

How can I find environmental events in the Kalamazoo area?

KEN highlights selected upcoming environmental events on our website and helps connect people with additional community calendars and resources where they can find more.

Because KEN is volunteer-powered, we aren't able to list every environmental event happening in the area.

How do I submit an event?

Use our Submit an Event form to tell us about an environmental event in the greater Kalamazoo area.

Submitting an event does not guarantee that it will be featured on the KEN website, but it helps us learn about what's happening throughout the community and share opportunities when we can.

What is a KEN Action Item?

From time to time, KEN highlights opportunities for community members to participate in decisions affecting our local environment.

These might include public meetings, comment periods, community planning processes, surveys, public hearings, or other opportunities for meaningful civic participation.

KEN's role is to help people know when and how they can participate.

Can my organization be included in the KEN directory?

If your organization, group, or initiative is doing environmental or sustainability-related work in the greater Kalamazoo area, we'd like to know about you.

Use our [Directory/Contact/Submit Organization] form to send us your information.

Does KEN endorse the organizations, events, or resources it shares?

Being listed or shared by KEN does not necessarily constitute an endorsement. KEN provides connections to environmental activities and resources across our community so people can learn more and make their own informed decisions about participating.

Is there a cost to participate?

No. There is no cost to use KEN's website, submit an event, explore the directory, or connect with the network.

How can I get involved?

Start wherever your interests take you.

Attend an event. Learn about a local issue. Volunteer with an organization. Respond to an action item. Share an event. Introduce us to a group we should know about.

KEN exists to make finding your way into local environmental work a little easier.