Originally called South Woodlot, then Farm Lane Woodlot, it was finally named Baker Woodlot in 1941 in honor of two early foresters at Michigan State, James Fred Baker and Harry Lee Baker. H. L. Baker eventually became the first State Forester of Florida and J. F. Baker was appointed Professor of Forestry and Chairman of the Forestry Department on October 1, 1907.
On June 5, 1999, within the Baker Woodlot was designated the Rachana Rajendra Neo Tropical Migrant Bird Sanctuary, named for Rachana Rajendra, a resident of Okemos who was killed in an car accident. Ms Rajendra was a lover of birds and nature. An endowment was established by her family in her name to provide funding for a scholarship and avian research in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.
References:
Beach, J.H. & W.D. Stevens. 1979. A study of Baker Woodlot
I. Physical and historical description. Michigan Botanist 18:123-136.
Beach, J.H. & W.D. Stevens. 1980. A study of Baker Woodlot II. Description of vegetation. Michigan Botanist 19:3-13.
Beach, J.H. & W.D. Stevens. 1980. A study of Baker Woodlot III. Checklist of vascular plants. Michigan Botanist 19:169-136.
Rudolph, V.J. & R.G. Bresnahan. 1982. Twenty years of management in a small woodlot of Southern Michigan. Journal of Forestry. 80:665-667.