Keep the Conservatory, Gazebo Garden, Hosta Hillside, and the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers at their best and assist Hidden Lake Gardens in growing and displaying plants of horticultural interest and excellence.
Occasional, Weekly, Ongoing, Recurring
21+, 55+, Adults, Child with Adult
Individuals, Groups (2-10), Groups (10+), Corporate Teams, Families
Engage with visitors during various events and assist Hidden Lake Gardens with event and program coordination, activities, traffic and parking, and other tasks as needed.
One-time, Occasional, Weekly, Ongoing
21+, 55+, Adults, Child with Adult
Individuals, Groups (2-10), Groups (10+), Corporate Teams, Families
The Hidden Lake Gardens volunteers are a dedicated group of people who help to maintain and improve Hidden Lake Gardens for the benefit and education of the public. Every year, more than 200 people volunteer and dedicate thousands of hours to the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, Bonsai Courtyard, Conservatory and Visitors Center Ambassador, Hosta Hillside, the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers along with our Special Events and Programs.
About us
Hidden Lake Gardens was donated to Michigan State University (then Michigan State College) in 1945 by Harry A. Fee, an Adrian businessman. He had always dreamed of owning a lake, and, upon his retirement in 1926, he purchased Hidden Lake along with 200 acres of land surrounding it. He repaired and refurbished the old farmhouse, built a greenhouse, and began farming. He soon realized that the land was not suitable for conventional farming or raising livestock, and so he began to grow nursery stock. Not wanting to compete with local nurseries during the depression, he planted the stock on his own land in an effort to create a “series of pictures,” a philosophy that we continue to strive for today. Mr. Fee described Hidden Lake Gardens as a “dream as you go development”. He built a road in from Hwy. 50 and landscaped it with a shrub and perennial border. The lake was cleaned out, and a small pond and rock garden were constructed.
