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 of Bennett Road at the western boundaries of Champion Woods and Heron Creek neighborhoods and eastern boundary of College Fields Country Club

Area: 91 acres (4 parcels)

Year Acquired: 2010

Purchase Price: $1,300,000

A: $157,161

B: $216,369

C: $733,058

D: $193,412

Description: Upland deciduous woodlands, old field, and emergent wetlands

Major Stewardship Activities: Unintentional fire gave an opportunity to install a 7 acre native grassland on the property.

The Heron Creek Preserve is 91 acres of upland forest, emergent wetland, old field/scrub, and prairie grassland. The southwestern edge of the preserve is home to historic

forest with large oak and maple trees and a pair of Barred Owls. Historically used for agriculture and mining of sand, a large portion of the preserve is disturbed with large, man-made hills. A Great Blue Heron rookery (nesting site) can be observed when looking at the wetland located to the NW.

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