Natural Areas Preservation Program, Total Land Protected: 1,079 acres
Administered by WCPARC since 2001

Purchase of the new Fox Science Preserve was completed in December 2007, concluding a 2-year collaborative process that involved the former owners, Washtenaw County Parks, the Ann Arbor Greenbelt Program and Scio Township. County Parks contributed 50% of acquisition costs, with the Greenbelt and Township sharing the remainder; Parks holds title to the land and will manage the 49-acre preserve. In addition, Ann Arbor Public Schools has pledged to contribute to interpretive signage that explores the natural history of this former gravel pit, including glaciation, plant succession and more. To learn more about this exciting new preserve read the cover story “Our Ice Age Connection” in this newsletter.

Facilitating public access to the NAPP preserves continues with the entrance/parking completed at the Raymond F. Goodrich Preserve (Ann Arbor Township) late last fall, and parking for the new Fox Science Preserve should be completed this year. As we begin 2008, parking is available at 7 of the 11 preserves protected with Natural Areas Preservation Program funds: the Albert J. Miller, Brauer, Burns-Stokes, DeVine, Kosch-Headwaters, Leonard, and Raymond F. Goodrich Preserves.

In December, the Rouge River Remedial Action Plan Advisory Council presented an award to WCPARC for protecting the 160-acre Kosch-Headwaters Preserve in Superior Township. Wetlands, springs, and seasonal streams all contribute to the headwaters of Fowler Creek which ultimately flows into the Rouge.  

Lynn Berni, Park Planner