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: Between east end of Sylvan Glen Road and western boundary of Legg Park

Area: 14.91 acres

Year Acquired: 2006

Purchase Price: $425,000

Description: Riparian hardwood forest; bottomland and upland deciduous forest

Major Stewardship Activities: Mechanical removal and herbicide treatment of Autumn Olive.

The Red Cedar Glen Preserve is nearly 15 acres of six natural communities which include upland field/scrubs, floodplain forest, wetland forest/streams, regrowth forest, pine.

forest, and mature upland forest. Historically, small portions of the preserve were used for agriculture, but you can still find trees that date back to the 1800s. This preserve offers an opportunity for viewing diverse types of spring ephemerals, such as spring beauty and blood root. Rare bluestem goldenrod can be found growing here in the late summer and fall.

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