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: Southwest corner of Tihart Road and Cornell Road

Area: 21.26 acres

Year Acquired: 2006

Purchase Price: $206,000

Description: Mixed shrub-scrub and forested wetlands

The Cornell Wetland Preserve is just over 22 acres of five natural communities which include emergent wetland, upland field and scrub, regrowth forest, forested wetland, and upland forest. The land was historically purchased as part of the Greenspace Plan- as a Priority Conservation Corridor. This preserve has some native lowland hardwoods such as elm, ash, and cottonwood trees, some of which turn into snags and provide valuable food and habitat for woodpeckers and hawks. This valuable wetland provides the benefit of storing flood waters, decreasing flood damage and providing water during drought.

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