Historical Resources

The Management Framework has spelled out that "The Asylum Lake Preserve should support and enhance the academic programs of WMU by providing a site for field studies, research and community outreach. Such activities should be conducted in a manner that is consistent with and furthers the above described Conservation Purposes." One of that Western Michigan University has achieved this goal is through making public several historical resources that document the history of the preserve.

Resources

1830 Asylum Lake area land survey notes

Notes taken from an Oshtemo Township survey description in 1830.

Archeological assessment

This report presents the results of documentary research concerning land-use practice and a pedestrian survey in the project area ot assess its archeological sensitivity. By Rory J. Backer and Dr. Michael S. Nassaney.

Asylum Lake in the news

A comprehensive collection of news articles from the Kalamazoo Gazette and WMU News regarding Asylum Lake Preserve.

Asylum Lake Preserve timeline

A detailed timeline that documents the events that shaped the preserve's history. Written by Mark Hoffman, 2008.

Historical report

A report on the historic use of the property commonly known as the Kalamazoo State Hospital Colony Farm, the Michigan State University Agricultural Experiment Orchard and the Lee Baker Farm. By Larry B. Massie, 1991.

Kalamazoo pre-settlement vegetation map

A map of the Kalamazoo area, demonstrating the types of ecosystems before human interference.

Kalamazoo State Hospital

Some background on the Kalamazoo State Hospital.