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: Southern additions to Ingham County Lake Lansing North Park

Area: 120 acres (3 parcels)

Year Acquired: 2010

Purchase Price: $675,000 (Township contribution toward DNRE Grant Purchase, approx. $1.2 million)

Description: Mixed deciduous upland and lowland forest and forested wetlands

Major Stewardship Activities: Prescribed burn on forest floor to encourage spring ephemerals and oaks and discourage invasive species from growing, installation of 4 deer exclosures to monitor seedling survival, Invasive species removal of autumn olive and other invasive shrubs.

The Lake Lansing North Preserve is 117 acres of wetland, uplands, forests, and meadow that is a partnership between the Ingham County Parks and Meridian Township Land Preservation Program. The Township purchased the land as a Conservation Easement, and works closely with Ingham County to increase stewardship efforts such as invasive removal, and controlled burns to regenerate oaks and rare native woodland flowers. The land has a historical pine stand that was planted by the Citizen Conservation Corp which was an initiative started under Franklin D. Roosevelt. This preserve is one of the most biologically diverse natural areas in the Township.

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