History

History

Kleinstuck Preserve timeline

  • Mrs. Kleinstueck
    1885    —Carl Kleinstuck purchased the farm, Braggs Nursery (later known as Kleinstuck Preserve). The pond, which was more extensive then, was known as Braggs Lake. Kleinstuck used the property to mine peat and investigate the use of peat for fuel.
  • 1922—This 48-acre property was deeded to the Michigan Board of Education by Caroline Kleinstuck in memory of her husband, Carl Kleinstuck, an outdoor enthusiast. She designated that the property be used for research and education purposes.
  • 1922-1951—Dr. Leslie Kenoyer, chairman of the biology department at Western Normal School (WMU before university status) was appointed supervisor to the preserve.
  • 1927—On Arbor Day, 12,000 pines were planted on the barren slopes of the northeast side of the property by the entire student body of Western State Normal School. President Waldo planted the first tree.
  • 1929—The Board of Education granted the city of Kalamazoo the right to construct an enclosed sewer line that nearly circles the entire preserve.
  • Pauline Kleinstuck, daughter of Caroline Kleinstuck
    1932—Blades Carlton was employed by Western Normal School as the first caretaker of the property. He maintained trails, fencing, opened fire lanes, built game cover and constructed a tool house.
  • 1939-1969—Kleinstuck Preserve was designated as a Michigan State Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • 1940—The Kleinstuck Preserve Committee was formed, consisting of professors from Western Normal School and Kalamazoo College as well as local citizens.
  • 1940-1948—Plans were submitted to the committee and improvements to the property were made. These included Western Michigan College biology students working with Dr. Ray Deur to build a dam to retain water levels. Girl Scouts used the property for their day camps.
  • 1950—Western Michigan College students cleaned up the property and planted 150 shrubs to reduce erosion and create wildlife habitats.
  • Northwest of Kleinstuck
    1951-1967    —Anne Fuller of the biology department at Western Michigan College took over as chairman of Kleinstuck Preserve. During this time she organized cleanup and planting events, produced a soil and water conservation plan, lobbied for management funds and dealt with property issues.
  • 1961—A circular area of the marsh was dredged by students. Robert Humphrey of the Soil Conservation Service funded the project, stating that the changed configuration would bring more water and consequently wildlife to the preserve.
  • 1963—Act 48 of the Public Acts of 1963 turned the property over to Western Michigan University specifically.
  • Students planting pines at Kleinstuck
    1965    —The YMCA was given 5.5 acres of land for a new facility adjoining Kleinstuck. This increased the recreational use of the preserve.
  • 1967—Ray Deur was appointed chairman of the Kleinstuck Preserve.
  • 1973—E and J Aquatics, a Michigan water consulting firm, conducted a survey on the marsh. Physical, biological and chemical data was recorded. They concluded that the pond is following a natural succession process (Timothy Ervin, Aquatic Survey Report—Kleinstuck Preserve, 1973).
  • 2007—A neighborhood group, the Stewards of Kleinstuck, was formed with the goal of involving the community in improving the health of the habitat at Kleinstuck. WMU helps facilitate this group and offers support of its activities. The group organizes field trips as well as educational and volunteer activities at the property.

Literature

The following literature is provided courtesy of Western Michigan University Library of Archives and Regional History.

Newspaper articles