Under sunny blue skies on a hot summer Saturday morning in June, more than 80 friends, neighbors, and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of Iron Creek Preserve.

“It is an amazing feeling to be here celebrating the opening of Iron Creek,” Legacy Land Conservancy Executive Director Diana Kern said. “So many people–Sybil and Maan, our staff and board, dedicated volunteers, donors, and a host of partners–have come together to make this day happen. We are so grateful for everyone and all of their hard work.”

After more than a year of intensive stewardship, infrastructure work, and 270-plus volunteer hours, guests were treated to an opening celebration that included cake, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and guided tours.

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) gave opening remarks emphasizing the importance of public lands and the value they provide to communities—especially for children to experience nature.

“What you all are doing is what John Dingell spent his life working for and I feel connected to him as I’m here,” widow of former U.S. Representative John Dingell and current U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell said. “We need our young children to be able to appreciate the outdoors, to be able to just run and roam and see nature and find the butterflies and the snakes.”

Land donor Sybil Kolon expressed her appreciation to Legacy for helping make her long-held dream of creating a public nature preserve a reality. She acknowledged the many steps and partnerships involved, and reflected on her personal connection to the land.

“This is a dream come true that began 49 years ago,” Sybil said. “I have always wanted to connect people to nature, and that has been my focus since retiring nine years ago.”

After Rep. Dingell and Sybil cut the ribbon, guests joined Legacy staff members for guided tours or explored the preserve on their own.

Folks enjoyed the newly widened one-mile trail system winding along wetlands and wildflower fields, under lush, towering oak and hickory trees, and over rolling hills. Those who joined the guided tours were treated to stories about the prairie fen, Jewell’s Folly, and the reconstructed bridge.

It took an extensive amount of work and collaboration to open Iron Creek Preserve. We are so grateful to everyone who had a hand in making it all happen!

Special thanks to:

• Sybil and Maan for donating their land so the community can enjoy it, forever.
• The staff–especially our preserve team–who dedicated thousands of hours creating a safe and welcoming space, and our land acquisitions team who spent years navigating this transaction to ensure Sybil and Maan’s vision could become reality.
• Our volunteers who assisted the preserve team through volunteer workdays.
• Our donors whose generosity is vital to sharing this special place now, and always.

Iron Creek’s story doesn’t end with its opening. Our team continues to work in the field and behind the scenes. More signs will be added. Invasive plants will be removed. Restoration projects continue.

The next chapter is just beginning, and it includes you! Donate to the Iron Creek Stewardship fund here to help ensure Legacy can steward this beautiful property for generations to come. Visit, volunteer, learn, and enjoy! We look forward to seeing you on the trails and connecting with you at future events.