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. | ![]() |
Western Michigan University owns and manages Kleinstuck Preserve. 2008 Annual Report | Nature News:
Summer Sounds (sample, see end for link) If you listen as twilight descends, you may notice that the chirping from the lawn begins to blend with trilling from above in the trees. These are the tree crickets, and they like to sign in the dark. They tend to be long, slender, and green. Some species are browner while others are quite pale, such as the Snowy Tree Cricket. Folks really in the know can identify many different species of crickets simply their calls (I’m sticking to birds for the time being). The speed and rhythm of their calling is dictated by the air temperature. This is most evident when the Katydids start singing in a couple weeks. In my mind, the Katydids mark the crest of summer’s hill. Still to this day, the calls of “Katie-did-did” remind me of coming home from summer trips and having school looming in the near future – mixed feelings for sure. The first Katydids should be calling soon, rubbing their wings together to make their distinctive call. They have the body and head of a medium-sized green grasshopper and large bright green leaf-like wings. During warm nights they will call with a quick rhythm: “Katie-did-did-Katie-did-did-Katie-did-did”. On those end of summer cool nights, they slow down to: “Katie…did…did”. And on those really chilly nights it becomes simply: “Kate…….Kate…….Kate”. Nate Fuller
| SoK News: Next Work Days: Sunday February 14th @ 3 PM Sunday February 28th @ 3 PM Sunday March 14th @ 3 PM Sunday March 28th @ 3 PM Sunday April 11th @ 3 PM We will meet up for work days at Kazoo School playground.(on Cherry Street) Bring tough gloves, and sharp loppers and/or saws (we will have some extras if you don't have any tools). Please remember to only do what you can, even an hour of your time can help us make a huge difference. Steering Committee: Back Row: Jack Scholl, Bob Jorth, Erin Fuller, Patrice Mason, Paul Macnellis, Cari DeLong, Nate Fuller Front Row: Yanis Grants, Heather Ratliff, Liga Dindonis, Jacquelyn Taylor
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