First in the `Zoo

Placed by: azobox
September 2002
Easy walking


The "First in the `Zoo" letterbox is located in Kleinstuck Preserve,
a 50 acre oasis in the heart of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Most city maps will show it although it may not be specifically
named. Check out the website: http://www.wmich.edu/environmental-
studies/drew/kleinst.htm
There are several entrances to the preserve, but to find the "First
in the `Zoo" letterbox use the following:

Enter behind the YMCA on Stearns & Maple Street off Oakland Drive.
The south (far) end of the parking lot leads you to the outdoor
tennis courts and the boardwalk. Follow the boardwalk to the path
that leads into Kleinstuck.
Very soon you'll see a manhole cover you're on the right path.
Follow the path to the right; you'll see a welcome sign.
When you come upon a short steel stump, go right up the hill.
A lonely, beheaded pine greets you here.
Look 320 degrees for a trail and follow it.
Then turn left and go.
A short diversion to the right reveals a small cement retaining wall
and a path to the marsh.
Walk to the clearing look and listen. Could be dogs, could be frogs.
Could be quiet.
This marsh is the center of the 50 acre haven of forest and meadow
located in the city of Kalamazoo.
Return to the main trail it circles the marsh to the right.
Follow this trail past a green bark tree on your right a red top on
your left. and onward.
Continue past the wide gravel path and keep to the right.
This next part is the longest segment of the trail. Be patient.
You're about half way. You're circling the marsh on a clockwise path.
Finally you'll begin an easterly swing and you'll meet the *champion
on the right side of the trail.
125 steps (plus or minus) past the champ, you'll find a place to rest
on your right.
You can take a break and enjoy another view of the marsh.
Back on the main trail, you'll begin to turn to the SE
Look for a little spur to the left and go.
(If you see a long, rather straight eastbound stretch of the main
circle trail, you've gone too far.)
18 steps and you're face-to-face with a large tree at the small path.
Look westerly at 280 degrees. At 17 steps into the woods is a double-
trunk tree with a branch leaning between the uprights.
At the base of this tree is the "First in the `Zoo".
To return, either re-trace your steps in reverse
OR
Continue on the main circle trail until you find the cement retaining
wall and your first view of the marsh.
Then turn around and take 20 steps back on the main trail to the
first path to your right.
You're on your way out.
(Thanks to WMU Environmental Studies website for the lovely
descriptions of the marsh area. *The champion is described at the
website.)