NAPP News

Natural Areas Preservation Program, Total Land Protected: 1,488 acres
Administered by WCPARC since 2001

A key aspect to the success of the Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) is public access. Once acquired, the properties become nature preserves, accessible to the public for nature study, environmental interpretation/education and simply walking in a natural setting. Based upon the publics response to date, the new preserves have become an important asset to our community.

Making these properties accessible involves developing an entry point, signage, parking lot and, most importantly, trails. In some instances, due to the character of the property, providing access means developing a boardwalk or overlook so visitors can view the plants, animals and terrain. As of fall 2008, eight of the Preserves have access points/parking lots: Brauer, Burns-Stokes, DeVine, Ervin-Stucki, Raymond F. Goodrich, Kosch Headwaters, Leonard and Albert J. Miller/Smith Woods. Currently, work is underway and by the end of 2008, three more Preserves will have access points/parking lots: Fox Science, LeFurge Woods and West Lake. More work remains in 2009 for those properties already acquired and for future acquisitions.

Providing access to these unique properties is an essential key to WCPARCs mission to enhance the quality of life in Washtenaw County. Be sure to take some time and visit one of these outstanding nature preserves!

Tom Freeman, Deputy Director