Riverbend Preserve

Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP)

The Riverbend Perserve originally consisted of a 17 acre parcel, known as the Griewahn Property.  In 2008 an additional 26 acres was purchased from the Grzesiak farmily.  This 43 acre preserve spans both banks of the River Raisin and has added another link in the expanding corridor of protected land along the river. In this wide, flat, slow moving section of the Raisin, where the river winds a convoluted path, the property is approximately three-quarters wetlands and includes over 1,100 feet of river shoreline. Many tamarack trees are found in the riparian zone, which thrive on the poorly drained soils found there. The remaining acreage is comprised of dry, upland soils along Hogan Road.

The property is bisected by the remains of the Clinton Branch of the Michigan Southern Railroad, a prominent railroad grade running north to south. Built in the early 1850s, this branch was an important line from Toledo, Ohio to Jackson, Michigan. The original property nomination included the large, green barn at the corner of Hogan and Allen Roads. As per Natural Areas Ordinance No. 128, NAPP funds will not be used to purchase structures that will require maintenance and upkeep. As a result, this corner of the property was split off. Time will tell the fate of this beautiful historic barn.