EFFORTS TO PRESERVE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT POSITION AT WMU

March 2020 WMU NATURAL AREAS MANAGER AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Asylum Lake Preserve Management Council (ALPMC) is in the process of developing a 5-year management plan. ALPA is committed to providing input and feedback to the process and has suggested work in the areas of storm-water management, salination, aquatic studies, treatment of storm-water from BTR2, informational and educational signage. ALPA members have volunteered for subcommittees working on these issues. 

In a related issue, ALPA advocated for filling the position of WMU Natural Areas Manager, which had been vacant since summer 2019. The position has been filled as of March 2020. The new manager is Tom Sauber, who has worked for WMU for forty years. Western Michigan University's Natural Areas Program partners with students and faculty, local ecological organizations, area schools and volunteer groups to promote environmental stewardship, provide research and education opportunities, and create healthier natural areas on WMU properties. We feel this position is vital to the maintenance and vitality of the Preserve and essential for community involvement.

July 2024 WMU appointed Tom Sauber as Manager of Landscafpe Projects