Jacob Haas (C) with Susan (L) and Diana (R) at the Jacob Haas Family Farm conservation easement closing.

Legacy Land Conservancy has permanently protected 216 acres of land along Scio Church Road where open skies meet rolling fields, fertile farmland, and lush forests in western Washtenaw County.

Thanks to the commitment and generosity of landowner Jacob Haas, the land is conserved through a donated conservation easement, which offers permanent protection of privately-owned land. A conservation easement conserves the land forever while allowing it to remain in private ownership.

In an area just west of Ann Arbor that is dealing with substantial development pressure, preservation of this land with its unique mix of scenic, farmland, natural, and ecological features is significant.

The Jacob Haas Family Farm, located on Scio Church Road, has long been a part of the community’s landscape, offering a stunning vista that can be seen and appreciated by anyone who passes through the area. For many, the open fields and diverse ecosystems are a place of quiet beauty and respite from urban sprawl.

Adding to a patchwork of important land already protected in the corridor where Lima Township, Scio Township, Freedom Township, and Lodi Townships converge, the Haas Family Farm conservation easement adjoins other conserved lands and is part of a larger conservation effort in the area. Together, this green corridor provides wildlife with the space they need to roam and thrive, connecting forest habitats, wetlands, and upland areas that serve as safe places for a diverse array of species—from amphibians to aquatic invertebrates. In a world where habitats are rapidly disappearing, this kind of connection is more important than ever.

Scenic view of the Jacob Haas Family Farm conservation easement. Photo by Kate Young

In addition to offering a hedge against fragmented suburban growth, the property contains prime farmland that has supported a farm-dependent community for generations. With growing development pressures in the region, preserving it ensures the long-term viability of local food production and prevents irreversible damage to the soil that would occur through development.

“I’ve spent many years caring for this land, and I want it to remain as it is for future generations,” Jake Haas said. “Protecting it ensures that the farm’s legacy—and my love of farming—will continue to thrive long after I’m gone.”

Its woodland and wetland natural areas are also a haven for the region’s wildlife and play an essential role in the region’s ecological health. The land lies within the Mill Creek watershed, a critical part of the Huron River system. By maintaining its natural state, the property helps protect the quality and flow of water in the region, supporting everything from local drinking water to the health of nearby ecosystems.

“This conservation easement reflects our commitment to preserving the natural beauty and cherished working lands of Washtenaw County,” Legacy Land Conservancy Executive Director Diana Kern said. “By protecting it, we’re safeguarding valuable ecosystems and supporting local farmers.”

Click here for the press release