Meridian Township’s Land Preservation Program was established in 2000 to acquire, preserve, and protect natural areas throughout the Township that have unique or special natural features. Now the gift of permanence and the knowledge of those features will always be available for current and future generations to visit, appreciate, and enjoy.

The Land Preservation Program is supported by a township millage, passed by township residents in November, 2000. 956 acres of the township’s most beautiful, scenic and natural lands have been acquired through twenty five (25) total properties comprised of forty four (44) acquisitions. The original goal of the program set in 2000 was to acquire 600 acres, or 10% of available land.

Stewardship and land management programs for each individual parcel are currently being developed. The management plans outline the stewardship activities necessary to protect or restore the site.

Properties come into the program through fee simple purchase, donation, or a combination of the two. The Land Preservation Advisory Board continues to seek ecologically valuable woodlands, wetlands, and other green and open spaces that will provide a lasting benefit to our community. If you own property or would like to recommend property to the Advisory Board, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 517.853.4600.

Land Preserve Map for 2023

Where to Find: North and south of Sower Boulevard west of Okemos Road

Area: 17.97 (5 parcels)

Year Acquired: 2005 through 2008

Purchase Price: $240,242

5.43 acquired $231,000 (2005)

1.36 acquired $4,261 (2002)

5.166 acquired $4,261 (2002)

4.038 acquired $720 (2008)

1.77 acquired $4,261 (2002)

Description: Moist upland hardwood forest and lowland mixed hardwoods

Major Stewardship Activities: Neighborhood volunteers routinely remove small invasive species by hand and plant native species in their place.

The Sowar Woods Preserve is nearly 18 acres of seven natural communities which include mature wetland forest, regrowth wetland forest, upland forest, emergent wetland, scrub-shrub wetland, open water, and meadow. The land was historically part of a 100-year old farm owned by Michigan State University Sociology Professor Dr. Christopher and his wife Virginia Judy Sower. It is home to one of the largest red oaks that dates back before the European settlers arrived. This preserve contains a diversity of native plants, many of which are planted and cared for by dedicated neighbors.

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