David Koetje is a professor of biology at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A convergence between his professional concerns about sustainability and his practical experiences with gardening led him to propose and develop refugia gardening as a way to promote biodiversity and enhance hopefulness in the face of the climate crisis. Click here to learn more about his professional work. Please use the “Contact Us” button to reach out to him with a question, idea, or invitation to speak to your group.
A strong interest in permaculture and sustainable agriculture drew Robin Kollar to this project as an undergraduate biology major at Calvin University. She contributed to an extensive literature review, provided input on key ideas, and helped construct this website.
We also want to learn about your gardening practices, motivations, and connections. You can do this by taking a 10-15 minute anonymous survey that contributes to our research to better understand how and why people engage in gardening amidst the challenges of today’s world.
Refugia Gardening 