Legacy Land Conservancy traces its origin—and that of private land conservation in Michigan—to very modest beginnings in 1971. It was then that a small group of dedicated folks incorporated the Washtenaw Land Conservancy, the first organization created to save local land in the state. WLC’s bylaws stated “The purpose of the Washtenaw Land Conservancy is the preservation of land and related natural resources to be devoted for educational, scientific and charitable purposes…for the benefit of both present and future generations.”

Continue reading “From the Beginning to the Present: A Brief History of Legacy Land Conservancy- Barry Lonik” »

Dr. Gerald R. Smith and Dr. Catherine Badgley marked the summer solstice this year by preserving 110 acres in partnership with Legacy Land Conservancy. The land, located in Sylvan Township, includes fen, grassland and a rare tamarack swamp and is a high priority parcel for the protection of the Huron River Watershed.

Continue reading “Protected: Badgley-Smith property in Sylvan Township” »

Preserve Washtenaw coalition announces land trusts and local land preservation programs protected an additional 1,156 acres of farmland, natural areas, and open spaces.

Continue reading “2009 Another Strong Year for Land Preservation” »

The Renner’s Corner farm, located in Bridgewater Township on Austin Road near Manchester, is a beautiful, idyllic place. A historic stone farmhouse overlooks gently rolling hills where hay and soybeans grow. On another 10-acre field bordered by oak forest and seasonal wetlands, sheep contentedly graze.

Continue reading “Protected: Renner’s Corner” »

Mary Hathaway has long celebrated the beauty of her wooded Scio Township property. Nearly every year since 1977, friends and family have convened on the land for “Trillium Parties” to admire the abundance of the spring wildflower. This year, Hathaway worked with the Legacy Land Conservancy to once more honor the land by protecting the 4.7 acres with a permanent conservation agreement.
Since Hathaway and her late husband John first laid eyes on the property, they knew they wanted to protect it. The scenic property, traversed by a stream and thickly populated with hardwoods, is carpeted with wildflowers every spring.

Continue reading “Protected: Hathaway woods adjacent to Botsford Preserve” »

Land Trust Alliance, our national member organization, has just published their new annual report for 2008. The Legacy Land Conservancy was honored to be one of its featured land trusts. You can read the LTA2009AnnualReport_Legacy or print the full report.

On Thursday, March 19th, 2009, the Washtenaw Land Trust officially became the Legacy Land Conservancy, at an event celebrating land conservation and local foods. The “Legacy of Trust” gala raised $19,000 for protecting local nature and farmland.
The full-course dinner and program, held at Cobblestone Farm in Ann Arbor, featured guest speaker Rand Wentworth, the President of the national group Land Trust Alliance.
The Legacy Land Conservancy extends its thanks to the many individuals and organizations who made this event possible. Continue reading ““Legacy of Trust” event a success!” »

The Legacy Land Conservancy and Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered to add 25 acres of land to the Waterloo Recreation Area. The protected parcel is located on the west side of Reithmiller road, just north of Moeckel road, bordering the Waterloo Recreation Area to the north and west. The Legacy Land Conservancy assisted in the transaction by providing the funding necessary to appraise the parcel.

Continue reading “Legacy Land Conservancy and DNR partner to protect Waterloo Township Property” »

Ann Arbor, MI and Jackson, MI – Sandhill Crane Vineyards has launched a brand-new, limited-edition wine to benefit the Legacy Land Conservancy (formerly Washtenaw Land Trust).

Continue reading “Limited-Edition ‘Legacy’ Wine Launched” »

Unveiled at a March 19 ‘Legacy of Trust’ dinner in front of a sell-out crowd, the new name reflects the organization’s growth as a regional land protection organization serving Southern Michigan, particularly Washtenaw and Jackson counties.

Continue reading “Washtenaw Land Trust now Legacy Land Conservancy” »