The City of Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University’s Office for Sustainability invite the public to celebrate sustainability and plan to make Kalamazoo a more sustainable community at a series of events on Thursday, September 26.

Starting at noon, the WMU Office for Sustainability will host a campus event to discuss sustainability with students, faculty, and any other members of the community. This open house-style meeting will conclude at 3 p.m., followed by a community bike ride from campus to the Farmers’ Market starting at 4:30 p.m. From 5:30 to 7:30, a second event will be held at the Farmers’ Market, offering another chance to discuss sustainability and share input into the sustainability strategy.

At each event, residents can contribute to the sustainability strategy through a public survey and help identify important natural areas in the City. At the second event held at the Farmers’ Market, there will also be information on the City’s recycling program, home energy savings, composting, local food, and educational opportunities to learn about local climate action. Participants will enjoy a free tamale station, yard games, and prize giveaways. All ages are welcome to attend.

Sustainability was highlighted by residents as a priority during Imagine Kalamazoo 2025, with Environmental Responsibility as one of ten goal areas. The sustainability strategy will incorporate aspects of waste management, natural features protection, climate action, resiliency, and other environmentally responsible strategies to protect Kalamazoo now and for future generations.

More information about the event is available at facebook.com/events/2267167070280271/. To stay up to date on sustainability planning for the City visit ImagineKalamazoo.com/projects/sustainability