Collaboration for Preservation

Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP)

In most cases, lands acquired with Washtenaw County’s Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) funds are owned and maintained by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. WCPARC also partners with land preservation organizations to contribute to the protection and preservation of natural areas that are managed by others.

LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve

LeFurge Woods is one the finest mature woodlands in Washtenaw County. In 2003, Washtenaw County partnered with the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) to add the 64-acre Meyer Property to their LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve. NAPP funds purchased a conservation easement on the 64 acres and SMLC holds title to the land. SMLC owns and maintains all 325 acres of the preserve. In 2007, we partnered with SMLC again to protect more land in the LeFurge Woods corridor. NAPP funds contributed to SMLC’s purchase of a conservation easement on the Schultz Farm, 158 acres on the eastern boundary of the preserve. Specifically, NAPP funds were allocated to secure a conservation easement with public access on the 10-acre woodlot in the northwest corner of the farm.