Stewards of Kleinstuck

Mission Statement The Stewards of Kleinstuck unite neighbors, ecologists and WMU land managers to create a healthier, more diverse and beautiful ecosystem in the Kleinstuck Preserve, for the benefit of our community and wildlife. Vision Statement To engage the talents of community members of all ages to restore the Kleinstuck Preserve to its original, natural state, setting organizational, partnership and programming examples that help promote environmental health in other green spaces in the Kalamazoo area and beyond. Values Statement We believe that: The wildlife, native plants, earth and water of the Kleinstuck Preserve have as much claim to health on this planet as human beings do. Human health ? mental, physical, and emotional ? is improved by the appropriate balance and health of the natural world they live in. Cooperation with property owners, institutions, like-purposed non-profits, and other human organizations is essential to maximizing both the success and enjoyment of our mission. Education through programming (including everything from nature walks to work days), printed material, a well-maintained website, and conversation with community members is integral to engaging a broad base of participation in our efforts, and thus integral to the Preserve?s improved health. The complex, and ultimately unfathomable world that we call The Kleinstuck Preserve is always more important than any element of the Stewards of Kleinstuck organization. Goals 1. Communicate with and provide programming for the public in order to share the nature and needs of the Kleinstuck Preserve. 2. Encourage study and research in the Kleinstuck Preserve, integrating researchers, their studies, and the information they gather into our activities, and beyond that into the development of SoK as a model of cooperation and ecological stewardship. 3. Fulfill our original land management plan and augment the Kleinstuck property with humanmade features to enrich human understanding and enjoyment of the wild inhabitants without interfering with them. 4. Thoughtfully manage existing resources and acquire additional funding for plans. 5. Seek and attract a variety of people to participate with all aspects of the SoK Strategic Plan. 6. Develop and regularly refresh a long-term Strategic Plan for the Stewards of Kleinstuck, including time frames for goals and projects.