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

Off Jolly Road, between Okemos and Van Atta Roads

The Ponderosa Preserve is 97.2 acres of four natural communities which include wetland field/scrub, forested wetland, upland forest, and scrub-shrub uplands. The land was historically part of a significantly larger wetland but with recent developments the wetland areas became fragmented and only a few remain part of the100 year floodplain. This preserve hosts frequent wildlife sightings, with a known pair of Barred Owls that often call along the Northern edge of the preserve. Visit these trails and listen for the owl’s familiar, Who-cooks-for-you?

Return to full list >>