Kalamazoo Times

KALAMAZOO, Mich—A woodland burn at Western Michigan University's Asylum Lake Preserve, initially planned for April 8, has been delayed due to weather conditions. Efforts are underway for the university to manage the nature preserve focusing on research, education, recreation, and ecological health.

The prescribed burn is scheduled to cover sections F3 and F8 of the preserve and will begin at about 3 p.m., lasting three hours. Visitors will be alerted by signage to avoid these areas.

Preparations include the closure of the Parkview Avenue parking lot from 2:30 p.m., reopening later in the evening. The exercise requires specific weather conditions: temperatures below 60°F, humidity above 40%, and wind speeds between 5 to 15 mph. Short notice was given for the exact date of the burn.

This activity is part of ongoing land management at the 274-acre preserve, owned by WMU and overseen by the Asylum Lake Policy and Management Council. Past controlled burns took place in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024.

For further information about Asylum Lake Preserve and more updates from WMU, explore their online platforms.