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: Haslett Road, ¼ mile west of Marsh Road

Area: 24.78 acres (2 parcels)

Year Acquired: 2003-2004

Purchase Price: $93,000 [13.36 acquired ($50,000); 11.38 acquired ($43,000)

Description: Scrub-shrub, emergent, and forested wetlands

The Meridian Central Wetland Preserve is just shy of 25 acres and is comprised of five natural communities: upland forest, forested wetland, scrub-shrub wetland, wet meadow, and open water wetland. The land was historically much drier but with urbanization water runoff has been directed to this area creating wetland communities. With close proximity to the Inter-Urban Pathway, this preserve makes it easy to access nature in an urban setting. Sandhill cranes, and red-tailed hawks are frequent visitors.

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