Edison: A neighborhood where creativity inspires community
A shared appreciation for creativity brings neighbors together in Edison.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s name is so distinctive strangers around the world have been known to break into song at hearing the name. With such a recognizable moniker you’d think Kalamazoo wouldn’t need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city’s refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and the Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown K’zoo the nation’s first pedestrian mall in 1959 continues to work today. Innovators have developed thriving life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. They build on the expertise of Kalamazoo’s universities. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College all are centers of research, development and technology. They surround a downtown vibrating with condos, apartments and homegrown, top-notch restaurants. The universities are woven into the city’s social fabric and contribute to a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and a vibrant local theater community are a few of the offerings. Locals also love their festivals that fill the air with music and the scents of ethnic foods wafting over the Arcadia Festival grounds and the Kalamazoo River. Outdoor activities from biking on the Kal-Haven trail to disc golf and standard golf on a nationally-acclaimed course in Milham Park are the start of the city’s leisure side. Sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for a scholarship that pays 100 percent of their tuition at any public university or community college.
Video: The time the dogs tracked turtles at the Portman Preserve
How many box turtles are there in the Portman Preserve? Specially trained Spaniels help with the calculations.
Turtle dogs: How South Carolina bird dogs help count Michigan turtles
Boykin Spaniels can find the turtles that elude people searching in the undergrowth.
Reed Park: Connecting community through neighborhood parks
There are many ways to bring a community together. Planning improvements to a city park like Reed Street Park is one of the more fun ways to make it happen.
Sounds of the neighborhood: Listen closely and you will hear the unexpected
Every neighborhood has its own distinct sounds and sounds it shares with every other neighborhood. All it takes is a willingness to listen to sort out which is which.
From boom to bust to boom: Washington Square makes an upturn
After frustrating delays, challenging economic times, and constant misperceptions, Washington Square is on the way back.
Opening doors to opportunity: WMU’s Seita Scholars to celebrate 10 years with nearly 150 grads
The Seita Scholar Program, for those aging out of foster care, finds a way to help young people making grownup decisions without adult support as they navigate college.
City and partners work on response plans as floods are expected to continue
February's flooding was severe, but it won't be the last time high waters will be seen in coming years.
WMU business students invite public to help clean up the beach
More than 5,000 metric tons of plastic went into Lake Michigan in 2016. WMU business students are doing something about it.
Weekend bike trek can be prelude to a big ride or a simple getaway. Here’s one route.
If you want to see just how far you and your bike can go in one weekend, here's a route you can try--US Bicycle Route 35.
