Connecting Communities: Kalamazoo Earth Day Dee Chauvin

Kleinstuck Preserve is a large preserve that is centrally located in Kalamazoo with an incredibly diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. In 2019, a parcel adjacent to the preserve went on the market. The volunteer board members held a community meeting to see if residents of Kalamazoo found value in making this addition to Kleinstuck. Can these volunteers raise $700,000 in time to purchase the forest before a developer picks up the beautiful property? Our guests share an incredible story of community organizing, about a place that is cherished by all who visit. Learn more about the important ecosystem of Kleinstuck as well.

Chubby Goat Acres

Why did the chicken cross the road? It was definitely to get to Chubby Goat Acres! Chubby Goat Acres is a farm animal sanctuary in southwestern Michigan. The founder, Chris Kreutz, believes that farm animals should be able to live long, happy lives, and are not to be valued by the services they provide to humans. Sounds different? Listen in to the episode to learn more about the ideas behind the sanctuary and how you can help their mission.



Guests on this episode:

Chris Kreutz, Founder and Executive Director, Chubby Goat Acres

Jeanne Carter, Barn Manager, Chubby Goat Acres

Iris Potter, Volunteer, Chubby Goat Acres

He's back! Stephen Dupuie, director of the Edison Neighborhood Association will update us on what has been going on with the urban gardening program, the community toolbox, and what new resident-led initiatives to look forward to in 2024!

Be sure to listen, then join Edison neighborhood on April 20, 2024 for Earth Day Celebration and garden bed prep day!

For more information, visit www.kalamazooearthday.com

They are ready to celebrate! From Pints and Plants meet ups, to garden tours they are making so many birthday plans where you can hang out with these folks this year. There is a reason why this group is so popular. Get a taste of the fun, humor, and generosity of the Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones in this conversation with members of their Executive Community, Noel Ocen, Jessica Hagen, Mike Weis, and Quyen Edwards.



YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@kalamazooareawildones3344

Website: https://kalamazoo.wildones.org

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/KalamazooAreaWildOnes

Dropseed Native Gardens FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089809113823

Hosts:  Joe Byars and David Benac

Building Blocks is a neighborhood revitalization organization that uses resident energy, ideas and people-power to improve neighborhoods in Kalamazoo. From beautification to house safety projects, Building Blocks provides organizers and funding to these neighborhoods and the neighborhoods get back more than just the physical improvements, they have an improved environment where they are closer in relationship with their neighbors. Join David and Joe in conversation with Building Blocks Executive Director, Katie McPherson, and staffer Emily Brittain, to learn more about this community building organization.

Bbkazoo.org

Remi Harrington and Katie Pearson are both urban farmers in Kalamazoo. In this episode they discuss the meaning and importance of food sovereignty and food justice. Learn more about the challenges that small farmers are faced with, and how those challenges are compounded when those farmers face racism, or sexism. The future of food can be bright! - Especially with farmers like Remi and Katie paving the way.

Hosts: Patrick Hershberger and Bionca Stewart