Informative Fundraiser Planned For WMU’s Kleinstuck Preserve

(Press Release From WMU)

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--The Stewards of Kleinstuck environmental group in Kalamazoo will host the screening of a feature-length documentary film Wednesday, Feb. 17, as both a fundraiser for the group and an informative program for the public.

The film, "Symphony of the Soil," will be shown in the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 180 Portage St. in Kalamazoo. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $5 per person and may be purchased in advance at drafthouse.com/kalamazoo by going to the showtimes for Feb. 17 and clicking "Symphony of the Soil."

The 48-acre Kleinstuck Preserve is owned and managed by WMU. The Stewards of Kleinstuck aims to restore balance to the property by removing invasive species from the preserve so native species can return. These efforts will benefit both land quality and ground water quality in and around Kleinstuck.

"Symphony of the Soil" by director Deborah Koons Garcia examines the elaborate relationships and mutuality between soil, water, the atmosphere, plants and animals. It also examines the human relationship with soil, the use and misuse of soil in agriculture, deforestation and development, and the latest scientific research on soil's key role in ameliorating the most challenging environmental issues of our time.

The 2012 documentary draws from ancient knowledge and cutting-edge science to explore soil's complexity and mystery. Named a New York Times Critic's Pick, it was filmed on four continents over five years and shares the voices of some of the world's most esteemed soil scientists, farmers and activists.

Sponsors for the Feb. 17 screening include WMU's landscape services, the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, Hidden Savanna Nursery, the Kalamazoo County drain commissioner's office, the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council, Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones and Tillers International.

For more information, visit stewardsofkleinstuck.org. Direct questions to Steve Keto, WMU natural areas and preserves manager, at steve.keto@wmich.edu or (269) 760-9023.