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

HOWE (original preserve area)

Where to Find: Southwest corner of Grand River Avenue – Meridian Road junction

Area: 9.14 acres (2 parcels)

Year Acquired: 2010

Purchase Price: $92,000

Description: Riparian hardwood forest

Wangler addition:

Where to Find: Southwest of Grand River Avenue – Meridian Road junction

Area: 13.30 acres

Year Acquired: 2011

Purchase Price: $13,106.89 (tax- reverted property from Ingham County Land Bank)

Description: Adjacent to Red Cedar River, wooded, wetland, floodplains


The Red Cedar River East Preserve is 25 acres of wooded floodplain forest and riparian wetlands that run along the Red Cedar River. Historically the land was not logged, leaving behind some trees 100+ years old. This preserve has over 16 different tree species including some of the largest oak trees in the county. Explore this preserve and see if you can find one of these giants.

 

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