Brauer Preserve

Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP)

Purchased from the Brauer family in 2003, the 187-acre Brauer Preserve protects a diversity of habitat types. Upland habitat communities include dry-mesic forest and dry Southern forest; wetland community types include Southern swamp, marsh, and open water. In particular the swamp around the lake has many mature trees and an impressive fern community around the lake. The preserve also includes approximately 70 acres that were farmed prior to the county acquiring the property. With assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Washtenaw County Conservation District, WCPARC developed a conservation management plans to include the continuation of farming on the land. Conservation farming practices include crop rotation, establishment of field borders and buffer strips to protect waterways, and minimum use of fertilizer and pesticides.

Directions: From I-94: Exit #167—Baker Road, southbound. Turn right off Baker onto Jackson Road (heading west, Baker ends at a “t” intersection). Turn left onto Parker Road (heading south). The preserve parking area is on the right (west) side of Parker Road, approx. 0.2 miles south of Waters Road (and approx. 0.7 miles north of Ellsworth Road).