Our Impact

person standing in wide field with blue sky and clouds above

Legacy Land Conservancy has strengthened local land conservation in southern Michigan since 1971. We’ve continued to increase our impact by forming bold partnerships, exploring new approaches, and finding innovative ways to help landowners and communities safeguard the land they love.

Local Action, Regional Impact

While we focus our work across three counties in southern Michigan, the land we conserve plays a critical role in the well-being of our entire Great Lakes region.

With the support of our partners, donors, and volunteers, we’ve protected thousands of acres of land. These efforts help filter millions of gallons of drinking water, support community farms growing our food, and provide access to welcoming spaces for people to connect with nature.

Explore the stories, places, and people behind the numbers—and see how you can be part of our work.

By the Numbers

11,000+

Acres Protected

110

Conservation Easements Completed

8

Preserves Opened to the Public

30

Miles of Waterfront Preserved

46,000+

Volunteer Hours Logged

40

Family Farms Protected

Land We’ve Conserved

Since 1971, Legacy has conserved more than 11,000 acres of forests, farmland, wetlands, and prairies through private landowner conservation easements and public nature preserves. This land directly influences the water that flows into Lake Michigan and Lake Erie—impacting millions of lives across seven key watersheds.

map showing livingston, jackson and washtenaw counties, the watersheds and rivers and all protected land that Legacy Land Conservancy manages—nature preserves and protected land.

“One goal of mine is for this land to be a place where anyone can build a connection with nature, as I did. Giving this gift during our lifetime allows us to participate in the project and see our hopes come to fruition.”

Sybil Kolon
Sybil and Maan donated land to Legacy, which became the Iron Creek Nature Preserve in 2024.

“The conservation easement will allow us to continue farming and keep the farm as one huge parcel far beyond our lifetimes.”

Tom and Jim Irwin
Protected their farmland with a conservation easement in 2021

“We always knew our land was special, and protecting it has always been important to our family. We find great comfort in knowing that our land, especially the rare fen, and the plants and animals that call it home, will be protected forever.”

Mike and Diane Arnold
Protected their land with a conservation easement in 2022
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Stories of Impact

Diana Kern, Ron Jansen, Susan LaCroix (L-R)

200-Acre Farm Along Scenic Heritage Trail Permanently Protected

A 200-acre working family farm straddling Washtenaw and Lenawee counites and boasting scenic views along the US-12 Heritage Trail is now permanently protected by Legacy Land Conservancy. Thanks to the commitment of landowner Ron Jansen, Jansen Farms is conserved…

Legacy accepts land donation creating Iron Creek Preserve

Legacy accepts land donation creating Iron Creek Preserve

Iron Creek Preserve at closing (L-R) Susan LaCroix, Maan Abdulbaki, Sybil Kolon, Diana Kern, Steve Palms Legacy Land Conservancy is pleased to announce the creation of Iron Creek Preserve in Manchester Township. The 79-acre property lies in the southwest corner of…

Become Part of the Legacy

Whether you give time, talent, or treasure, Legacy’s impact is fueled by our supporters. Join our effort and be part of the Legacy.

Donate | Volunteer | Conserve Your Land
Become a Business Sponsor | Leave a Planned Gift