It’s still early in the year, but not too early to make a difference! Help us work to restore some of the stream banks along one of the Huron’s cleanest tributaries. Volunteers will be installing erosion control blankets and live native shrub stakes. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Register with Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or 734.302.5263.

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In partnership with Legacy Land Conservancy and supported by Ann Arbor Greenbelt, Charles Botero recently preserved 32 acres in the Huron River Watershed. Used for sheep farming in the past, this parcel provides drainage for Horseshoe Creek and the Huron River, and is home to Great Horned Owls, white-tailed deer, and native flora such as mature oak hickory, pines, native grasses and forbs.

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In partnership with the Huron River Watershed Council and Legacy Land Conservancy, an Arms Lake and Arms Creek parcel owned by Sherri Munson is now protected. This parcel is important to the well-being of the surrounding ecosystem, as it houses an unusually broad range of habitats and natural life. The 7.8 acres include wetlands, forb and grass communities, emergent marshes, and remnants of pre-settlement oak forests.

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In partnership with the Huron River Watershed Council and Legacy Land Conservancy, the land owned by Sherri Munson was identified and preserved as a high quality parcel for the protection of Arms Lake and Arms Creek. This area is now one of the 10 protected parcels in the Watershed and adds to the easements held by Legacy and Webster Township in the immediate area.

The protection of this parcel is truly important to the well-being of the surrounding ecosystem, as it houses an unusually broad range of habitats and natural life for a property of its size. The 7.8 acres include wetlands, forb and grass communities, emergent marshes, and remnants of pre-settlement oak forests.

The preservation of this area within the watershed of Arms Creek and the Huron River helps ensure the quality and quantity of water resources for the Ann Arbor area. In fact, Arms Creek is the cleanest creek in the Huron River Watershed and is a designated Scenic River.

Not only does this wedge of land provide high quality of water, but it is also the natural habitat for an immensely diverse range of wildlife and plant species. The natural wetlands of this area are home to many aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, as well as aquatic vegetation. The Munson property is even home to rare plant species such as Arrowhead and Dodder.

Munson’s protection of her land ensures the health and longevity of this community’s ecosystem and wildlife. “This is wonderful as the land remains in its natural habitat for generations to come.” said Sherri Munson.

In partnership with Legacy Land Conservancy and supported by Ann Arbor Greenbelt, Charles Botero recently preserved 32 acres in the Huron River Watershed. Used for sheep farming in the past, this high-priority parcel of land protects the view from US 23 and provides important drainage for Horseshoe Creek and the Huron River, while it also provides the natural habitat for many native species of flora and fauna. “When I stopped farming, I began planting trees. Now I know those trees will be here forever,” said Charles Botero.

Botero’s protected parcel of land is home to various fish, wildlife and plants, including: Great Horned Owls, white-tailed deer, other common birds and mammals, and native flora such as mature oak hickory and pine trees and native grasses and forbs. The protection of this area and the wildlife that inhabit it allows the local ecosystem to thrive in a natural state. Botero’s protected property is also conveniently in close proximity to other protected areas and creates a vital natural corridor of over 2,500 feet for wildlife movement running north parallel to US 23.

Protection of these 32 acres within the watershed of Horseshoe Creek and the Huron River helps to ensure the quality and quantity of water resources for the Whitmore Lake area, which is subject to protracted seasonal flooding. The protected property includes 600 feet of frontage on the Catholic Church-Horseshoe Lake Drain, and another 2,500 feet of frontage on a tributary to that drain. Botero’s preservation of his land adds to the work being done by Legacy Land Conservancy and other conservancies in Southeast Michigan to protect the health of this community’s natural ecosystem.

We reflect now with great appreciation for all our donors and volunteers who supported us and made these past forty years of land and water conservation possible.

That dream continues in a new generation, with the goal of conserving 25,000 acres of land over the next twenty years.  By protecting these lands, we too will inspire generations to nourish and protect their own dreams.

As 2011 comes to an end we celebrate important steps towards realizing those dreams.

• Herons and owls take flight just feet from a busy interstate highway thanks to the conservation of a 32-acre habitat in Northfield Township.
• A designated scenic stream makes the ninth protected property in Arms Creek.
• The first steps towards a new, 2,000-acre state park bridging Jackson and Washtenaw counties are being taken.

Spend your winter dreaming of gentle streams, quiet woods and scenic farms.

If you have not already made a gift to Legacy, please take a moment to donate now.