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 side of Newman Road approximately 1 mile north of Grand River Avenue and ¼ mile west of Meridian Road

Area: 18.08 acres

Year Acquired: 2002

Purchase Price: Donation

Description: Mixed deciduous upland and lowland forest and emergent wetlands.


The Foster-Crouse Preserve is just over 18 acres of 6 different natural communities which include a second growth dry-mesic forest, wet meadow/emergent wetland, abandoned field, forested wetland, scrub-shrub wetland, and a disturbed second growth forest. The land was used historically for livestock grazing and logging. This preserve was the founding property for the Land Preservation Program and donated by 2 families: Richard and Gretchen Foster and Edward and Patricia Crouse in 2002.

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