| Kalamazoo is a cool city for many
reasons, but the one reason that many find it a cool
city is shown in the pictures to the left.
The Kalamazoo-Portage area is
home to many nature preserves and parks. The 50 acre Kleinstuck
Preserve pictured to the left is a little hidden treasure that
is extremely valuable to those who have walked the trails.
With over 20 preserves and
parks in the area, Kleinstuck Preserve is special since it is
nestled inside a quaint neighborhood just off of Oakland
to the east of Western's campus.
The Preserve, donated to the
State Board of Education in 1922 by Caroline Kleinstuck, is
gently upheld with support from Western Michigan University.
The Preserve, centered by a
marsh, was designated to be used for "educational and
scientific purposes". However, those fortunate to have
ventured the paths around the marsh and through the woods would
have you believe it should have been dedicated for
"beautiful and serene views."
For now, enjoy the remaining
photos and set some time aside to visit one of the hidden gems
in the city that help make the Kalamazoo area cool.
Update May 2008 - Over the winter months, a group of
area volunteers, the
Stewards of Kleinstuck, have embarked on an
initiative to ensure that local native growth exists
within the preserve. Take a look at their
planning and work so far.
View Larger Map |
