Natural Areas Preservation Program
Total Land Protected: 980 acres
Administered by WCPARC since 2001

We closed out 2006 just shy of 1,000 protected acres! Acquisition of the Griewahn Property, 17 acres in Bridgewater Township, has added another link in the expanding corridor of protected land along the River Raisin (see map). In this 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, where they thrive on the poorly drained soils found there. 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 1850’s, this branch was an important line from Toledo to Jackson.

In other NAPP news, WCPARC is pleased to announce two generous donations made back to the Natural Areas Preservation Program. Susan Goodrich, owner of the recently protected Raymond F. Goodrich Preserve (NAPP funds purchased a conservation easement), has donated money for future NAPP acquisitions. Donald Kosch, former owner of what is now the Kosch Headwaters Preserve, donated money for development of a parking area at the preserve.

Lynn Berni, Park Planner