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: Okemos Road approximately ½ mile north of Grand River Avenue and north of railroad crossing

Area: 57.66 acres

Year Acquired: 2003

Purchase Price: Donation

Description: Mixed deciduous lowland forest and shrub-scrub upland

The Hubbel Preserve is just 50 acres of 9 different natural communities which include emergent marsh, second-growth upland forest, forested wetland, emergent wetland, open-water wetland, abandoned field, mixed emergent and scrub-shrub wetland, wet meadow, and mature upland forest. The land was historically used for agricultural crops and pasture. This preserve provides habitat for many different types of amphibians, birds, and mammals. It runs alongside Central Meridian Uplands and is only separated by the railroad crossing on Okemos road.

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