2010-present

2010-2018 -- Members continue to monitor CFO and meet with WMU, Oshtemo and neighborhood organizations, inquire about plans for property, and request adjustments to the development plans.  ALPA strongly advocates for better management of the Preserve by WMU to the ALPMC. ALPA holds two “gatherings” for the public to learn about and enjoy Asylum Lake Preserve, and celebrate the work of those advocating for the Preserve with music, food, tours and booths from area environmental organizations.

2000-2010

Summer 2009 -- WMU trustees approve a plan to terminate lease held by MSU on the Colony Farm Orchard property and State Rep. Robert Jones introduces HB 5207 to lift all restrictions on development.  ALPA members write numerous letters and editorials to the press and the Michigan Environmental Council; two ALPA members address the Michigan House Commerce Committee in Lansing with statements of concern and opposition, but HB 5207 advances and is passed in January 2010.

February 2000 - April 2004 -- ALPA meets with other members of the  ALFG /ALPMC on a regular basis. ALPA contacts Michigan Legislature for clarification of property rights and ownership, continues to `advocate within the ALFG and formally to the City for passive recreation and limits on buildings and changes to the Preserve, notably a paved bike trail and interpretive center.  ALPA writes letter to the City regarding inaction on accepting of easements (Aug, 02). Final documents are not approved until April 2004.

1990-2000

February 1999 -- WMU agrees to protect the Asylum Lake parcel from development and the City will rezone Lee Baker farm to a new BTR zoning type. ALPA applauds the decision as an acceptable compromise.  ALPA is member of Asylum Lake Focus Group tasked with creating Declaration of Conservation Restrictions document and management plan and Management Council for the Asylum Lake Preserve, along with Kalamazoo Foundation Endowment Fund, all under the administration of WMU.

October 1998 -- Kalamazoo County Commission, Kalamazoo Township Board and Portage City Council encourage WMU and City to develop Lee Baker Farm for both a BTR (Business, Technology and Research Park), and a new campus for WMU Engineering and pilot paper plant.   ALPA members and other environmentalists address City Commission and WMU with concerns.

March 1998 - Kalamazoo Mayor Robert Jones revives the idea of a research park.

1993 - WMU shelves proposal

April 1992 - ALPA and coalition members address CIty Commission along with over 100 city residents.

Winter/Spring 1991 - ALPA along with neighborhood coalition conducts petition drives and ad campaigns, addresses multiple City Commission and WMU Trustee meetings with opposition concerns, but WMU continues with planned proposal. ALPA continues meeting with City and WMU administration.

Summer/Fall/Winter 1991 - ALPA conducts survey, offers alternate proposal for research-only park.

Summer/Fall 1990 - Local associations and citizens mobilize with petition drives and four public forums to inform residents, address concerns and soon gained support to oppose the proposal.  WMU agreed to withdraw the Asylum Lake parcel from the proposal.

November 1990 - ALPA (Asylum Lake Preservation Association) is formed to maintain the integrity of the area and oppose the industrial park.

April 1990 - WMU approves for business, research and light industrial park on Lee Baker Farm and Colony Farm Orchard land.  Asylum Lake parcel is considered for future use as foreign trade zone.