Home - DeVries Nature Conservancy

Welcome to DeVries Nature Conservancy!

Nestled on the banks of the Shiawassee River just five minutes from downtown Owosso, the fresh air and calming spaces of DeVries Nature Conservancy bring nature close to home. Open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year, our grounds are a great place to experience the four seasons, whether by foot, snowshoe, cross-country ski, kayak, or canoe!

Explore our website to find information about us, our upcoming events and activities, fun things to do while visiting our grounds, ways to get involved and much more. If you can't find what you're looking for, let us know. Our staff is happy to help.

DeVries Nature Conservancy is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Please Note: we are not affiliated with The Nature Conservancy.

Enjoy our 136 acres every day from dawn to dusk. Please follow posted rules. Download our trail map here!

Our Nature Playscape is open every day from dawn to dusk. If you use digging materials from the shed, please put them back when you're done.

Our Nature Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 am - 4 pm. Our Nature Center houses many live animals to view!

Your favorite fall tradition is back! Celebrate all things autumn at the DeVries Fall Festival, happening Saturday, October 19 from noon to 4pm. Free entry!

We'll have horse-drawn wagon rides, donuts and apple cider, popcorn, ice cream, games, pumpkin painting, and a petting zoo by DGP Livestock. Plus Yeller Dogs food truck and a themed photo station by JMarie Photography!

VENDOR MARKET: Yes, we're having a craft market again! Applications are available below or by emailing us at info@devriesnc.org.

Vendor Application

Thank you to our sponsors to date: Young Owosso, Applebee Oil & Propane, Main Beverage Company, Stifel | Schluckebier Hood Wealth Management Group, Memorial Healthcare, Nelson-House, Davis Cartage, Sloan's Septic Tank Service, Gilbert's Do It Best Hardware, Sobak's Home Medical, and Success Group Mortgage & Servicing! Thanks also to Angel's Hands for providing parking management.

It's our first ever REINDEER 5k at DeVries!

We have an awesome 5k run/walk course on groomed trails that is perfect for everyone. Dressing festive is encouraged and "rein-dogs" are welcome!

Registration is open now! For all the details, please visit our page at RunSignUp

Found a baby animal and not sure what to do?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it best: "Keep Wildlife Wild!"

We know that it is hard to do, but the best thing you can do to help these baby animals is to leave them alone. These animals most likely do not need our help and are best left in their habitats.

To learn more about what to do if you find a baby animal, check out the DNR's website.

If you believe the animal is actually injured, you can find a list of licensed rehabilitators here. DeVries is NOT a licensed rehabilitator!

Contact us today!

2635 N. M-52
P.O. Box 608
Owosso, MI 48867

Nature Center: (989)723-3365

info@devriesnc.org