The Al Sabo Land Preserve was established in the early 1970s in order to protect the groundwater supply of the Atwater wellfield. The 741 acres were purchased in the late 1960s and a master plan was developed for its use as a passive recreation nature preserve. The City of Kalamazoo passed an ordinance that would ensure its protection as a water resource. The wetlands and sandy soils serve as a recharge area for the area's groundwater.

Presently there are 18 wellheads operating on the property. By preventing the development of the land above the aquifer, the water can be protected from contamination by the products of urban development.

The habitats here are a diverse mix of woods, wetlands, and open meadows. Here you will find both coniferous tracts of woodlands and mature hardwood forests. The wetlands here serve as the headwaters of the West Fork of Portage Creek. Many of the trails are clearly marked and easy to follow, but there are also many unmarked and unmapped trails. If you choose to travel on these trails, a compass and map are advised. Bicycles are allowed only on the trails marked for bicycles. No bicycles are allowed north of the land bridge. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.