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.

“For 38 years, the Land Trust has protected the most valuable natural areas and farm land in our community. Those important lands don’t start or stop with county lines, and now neither do we,” said Susan Lackey, Legacy Land Conservancy executive director.

In recent years, the organization has helped protect 337 acres in Jackson County. “Jackson County’s open spaces are critically important for our entire region. They provide clean air and water, natural beauty, healthy local food, recreation opportunities, and much more,” said Lackey. “Landowners there recognize this, and have increasingly asked us to help them protect the lands they love. It was time for us to acknowledge our added commitment to them.”

In addition to the increased conservation efforts in Jackson County, the Legacy Land Conservancy will continue its enduring commitment to land protection in Washtenaw County. In 1971, the organization began in Washtenaw County as the first local land trust in the state of Michigan. Since the organization’s inception, the Conservancy has protected 3,756 acres of land throughout Washtenaw and Jackson Counties.

Serving Washtenaw and Jackson counties, the Washtenaw Land Trust protects the natural areas and working farms that make our community a great place to live. Since 1971, the Land Trust has protected 3,756 acres of land through 71 projects. The Land Trust is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit www.legacylandconservancy, or contact the Conservancy at info@legacylandconservancy.org/ or 734-302-LAND (5263).