Kalamazoo, Michigan

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We talked in class on Tuesday about how many people don't want to change their habits to lessen the amount that they consume. The real issue is that they need things to do that will replace their old habits.

Here is a list of activities and events that are happening around Kalamazoo this summer that can help us lessen our impact on the earth:

Michigan Recreation Passport ($10)
This replaces the state park sticker to get you into all 98 state parks and 1,000 boat launches in Michigan. The Michigan's Recreation Passport is one way you can show support for outdoor recreation and help preserve green spaces for future generations. When you buy your recreation passport, your money goes to preserve and protect local parks, trails and historic and cultural sites in state parks. You can get your Recreation Passport when you renew your license plate online, by mail, at Self Service Stations, at a Secretary of State Office or when getting a new plate. 
Here's a link to get you started: http://www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport

Woods Lake Park- Public Beach (2900 Oakland)
Woods Lake Park is located on Oakland Drive north of Parkview and is open to the public. There is no lifeguard on duty and no admission charge. To respect the park, Wood lake Park does not allow alcoholic beverages, dogs on the public beach and glass containers. The mission of Woods Lake Association is to preserve the ecology of Woods Lake and protect the beauty of surrounding areas.

Trails 
Kalamazoo County Ramble (22.3 miles)
Located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek
Great for biking and walking.
I got a ride in Kalamazoo: Kal-Haven Trail State Park (29.8 miles)
North on 10th street in Kalamazoo
This former railroad is not a lime-stone surface that links South Haven with Kalamazoo.
West Lake Wetland Walk and Bog Walk (3.5 miles)
West Lake Nature Preserve is 110 acres and is located in the middle of the city of Portage, just minutes from I-94. The park is a upland hardwood forest bordered on three sides by either extensive bog or West Lake.







Battle Creek Linear Park (22 miles)
This former railroad track has been turned into 22 miles of beautiful trails that hug the banks of the kalamazoo and battle creek rivers. There are dozens of signs that educate about surrounding animals and plant life, as well as the area's history and culture.

Kalamazoo Nature Center (7000 N. Westnedge Ave.)
We all know about the Nature Center because of Will and Sarah from our camping trip but there are a few interesting events that are going on there soon. Here's a link for a few adult programs that we can get involved in: http://naturecenter.org/Home/AboutKNC/AdultProgramsatKNC.aspx
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm
$6 for adults
$5 for seniors
$4 for kids
$25 membership fee to get in free
Earth Day Celebration (Saturday April 16th 9am- 5pm)
FREE ADMISSION TO THE NATURE CENTER!!
There will be nature lead walks throughout the day starting at the Kalamazoo Nature Center booth on the hour, every hour from 10am to 2 pm.
Kalamazoo Nature Center Trails (8 miles) 


Stewards of Kleinstuck Work Day
Sunday April 10, 2011 ( 3pm- 5pm) at Kazoo school
Volunteer work day to work on kleinstuck management plan
This even happens every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Hope to see you there!

Kalamazoo Institute of Art (Free)
314 S. Park St.
Hours: Mon- Closed,
Tues, Wed, Sat- 10am-5pm
Thurs, Fri- 10am-8pm
Sun- noon-5pm
Come view the exhibits or join an art class! http://www.kiarts.org/
Current Exhibits:
The Wyeths: America's Artists (Until April 17, 2011)
Familiar Surroundings (Until April 10, 2011)
Ukiyo-e Redux: Contemporary Japanese Prints (Until April 23, 2011)
Upcoming Exhibits:
Portrait and Presence: (April 16- August 20)
Young Artist of Kalamazoo County: (April 30- May 15)
2011 West Michigan Area Show: (May 7- June 26)
2011 High School Area Show: (May 21- June 19)
KIA Art Fair (June 3-4 2011)
60th Anniversary

Air Zoo (6151 Portage Road, Portage) FREE!
The Air Zoo is a type of amusement park that brings flying to life. It's like no other place.
http://www.airzoo.org/
Mon-Sat: 9am- 5pm
Sunday: noon-5pm

Pink Floyd or U2 Laser Show $3 (KalamazooValley Museum) 
Every Friday at 8:30 
The digistar 4 laser projector fills the planetarium dome with computer made images that go along with the music.
Last 50 minutes 
Art hop (May 6, 5pm- 8pm) Free (Kalamazoo Valley Museum)


City of Kalamazoo Farmer's Market 
Fresh Produce, Plants, Flowers, Baked Goods, Fresh Meats and Hand Made Crafts
1204 Bank Street, between Lake Street and Stockbridge Ave.
Opening Date: May 7, 2011
Closing Date: November 19, 2011
Hours: 7am- 2pm
May and November: Saturday only
June- October: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
For any more info visit: www.kalamazoocity.org

If your interested in taking any type of classes here in Kalamazoo, visit the website for the City of Kalamazoo, you may be able to find things that may interest you: http://www.kalamazoocity.org/portal/kzoolife.php?page=calendar&view=week