Stewards of Kleinstuck invite community to celebrate with them

Kathy Jennings | Thursday, September 25, 2014

Virginia Bluebells

On a frog walk

Trillium

Snow on winter

The Stewards of Kleinstuck typically come together to take care of the property that is one of the largest remaining natural areas in the City of Kalamazoo or educate others about its importance.

But this time of year they come together to celebrate the preserve.

There will be a relaxed outdoor gathering at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 on the playground of Kazoo School, 1401 Cherry St., which is near the Kleinstuck property.

Those who attend the free event will be able to take walks around the preserve and partake of cider and muffins. Music will also be part of the experience.

Erin Fuller, a member of Stewards of Kleinstuck, says that the annual event draws those who visit the preserve, whether it be for walking or running. Sometimes those who want to know more about what is being done to take care of the preserve turn out for the celebration which is in its eighth year.

The Kleinstuck Preserve is a 48-acre preserve owned by Western Michigan University, found between the Oakland, Winchell and Westnedge Hill neighborhoods. The preserve contains a marsh, pedestrian paths, and dozens of native trees, plants and wildlife. It has the largest bald Cypress tree in the state among other natural features.

The Stewards of Kleinstuck are dedicated to restoring the biological diversity of the preserve. It conducts regular work days throughout the year. Fuller says the group is particularly excited about the work it has done to get rid of invasive species that previously were choking a sedge meadow.

The work days can draw anywhere from 5 to 25 people. Volunteer Kalamazoo often coordinates with the Stewards when special work details are being undertaken. Students from neighboring Kazoo School, St. Augustine's and from Western Michigan University also have helped when work needs to be done.

Frog Hikes, snowshoe walks and wildflower tours are popular events through the year.

It may be a bit early to see much fall colors along the path, but there are other attractions.

"The fall wildflowers are starting to bloom," Miller says. "We have worked really hard to clean out the sedge meadow and get rid of invasive species. On a sunny day this time of year the sun shines through the seed heads and it is lovely."

Source: Erin Miller, Stewards of Kleinstuck