ALMA, Mich. — Alumni, current student researchers and prospective students recently gathered at the Alma College Bog, where they explored ongoing research projects and shared experiences at one of the College’s longtime field research sites.

The event brought together students participating in Alma’s CORE Summer Research Program, prospective students enrolled in the Alma College Research Network (ACORN) and alumni who once conducted research at the bog themselves. Faculty members and student researchers shared ongoing projects while alumni returned to a place that helped shape their academic and professional paths.

For Ben Peterson, Assistant Development Director, the event represented a unique opportunity to connect different generations of Alma students through a shared experience.

What struck me was seeing future students, current students and alumni all together in one place, Peterson said. Many of the alumni had conducted research at the bog themselves, and now they were watching current students continue that work while prospective students prepared to begin their own journey. It was a powerful illustration of the continuity of Alma College’s scientific community.

Located just outside Vestaburg, the Alma College Bog has served as an outdoor classroom and research site for generations of students. The property supports research in ecology, ornithology, environmental science and other disciplines, providing students with opportunities to conduct hands-on fieldwork while contributing to ongoing scientific research.

Among the alumni who returned was Garnet Johnson ’03, director of operations at Triterra, an environmental consulting and engineering firm. Johnson, whose career in environmental science began at Alma, said revisiting the bog reinforced the value of undergraduate research.

Coming back to the Bog was a great experience, Johnson said. It was fun to see students out in the field doing real research and asking meaningful questions about the natural world. As someone who works in science, it’s always encouraging to see students getting hands-on experiences early. It reminded me of why places like the Bog are such an important part of an Alma education.

During the event, faculty members Katie Stumpf, Brian Doyle and John Rowe introduced participants to ongoing research taking place at the bog. Summer researchers shared their work alongside ACORN students who may one day conduct research there themselves.

Peterson said creating opportunities like this reflects the College’s commitment to building lasting relationships among students and alumni.

We want students to understand from the very beginning that Alma is about relationships, Peterson said. It’s about building connections with faculty, classmates, alumni and future colleagues. From the Advancement perspective, we want alumni to know they remain part of Alma’s academic community. We’re not just asking them for support — we want them connected with the students, connected with the College and connected with each other.

The event also served as a preview of Alma College’s Summer Research Symposium on July 31, where CORE Summer Research students will present the results of projects completed throughout the summer. The Symposium will be open to the public starting at 9:30 am on July 31 at the Wright-Leppien Opera House

For Peterson, one of the most meaningful aspects of the event was seeing people at different stages of their Alma journeys connected by a place that has been part of the College’s scientific tradition for generations.

The bog has been significant to each of these groups at different points in their lives, he said. Whether they’re just beginning that journey, in the middle of it or looking back years later, they’re all connected. That’s what makes experiences like this so special.