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Kalamazoo
Eden Index
Climate
7.8
•
Recreation
4.1
•
Community
2.3
•
Safeguard
5.1/10
Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a vibrant city located in the southwestern part of the state. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures in the summer range from 78°F to 85°F, while winter temperatures can drop to an average low of 18°F to 23°F. The region receives an average annual precipitation of around 36 inches, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year.
The city is situated along the Kalamazoo River, which offers various hydrology constituents. The river provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. It also runs through several parks and nature preserves, adding to the city's outdoor recreation options. The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, a 22-mile paved pathway, allows residents and visitors to enjoy biking, walking, and running along the river's scenic landscapes.
In addition to the river, Kalamazoo boasts numerous parks, including the Kalamazoo Nature Center, which features hiking trails and educational programs about local flora and fauna. The city also has multiple golf courses, sports fields, and public parks where residents can engage in various outdoor activities, such as picnicking, playing sports, or simply enjoying nature.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.8
Kalamazoo receives approximately
963mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 80%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Kalamazoo has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.1
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Clare Park Camp | 18 | 746 ft | |||
| Hidden Diamonds City Park | None | 901 ft | |||
| Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake | 90 | 807 ft | |||
| Nottawa Park | 20 | 831 ft | |||
| Chain OLakes State Park | 410 | 956 ft | |||
| Cade Lake County Park | 62 | 869 ft | |||
| Lost Bridge State Rec Area - Salamonie Lake | None | 794 ft | |||
| Mt. Etna State Rec Area | None | 819 ft | |||
| Cold Brook County Park | 51 | 941 ft | |||
| Salamonie State Lake - Lost Bridge West SRA | 250 | 794 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.3
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.