The Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) has scored a major success with the purchase of 64 acres next to the LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve in Superior Township in Washtenaw County.

This $325,000 acquisition was a tremendous milestone for SMLC as it increased the size of the preserve to 325 acres-over 1/2 square mile. During a time of alarming habitat fragmentation, SMLC was able to consolidate five separate properties, over a ten-year period, into one contiguous block of habitat.

SMLC has been working since 1988, preserving natural habitat, farmland and open space in the seven-county southeast Michigan region. SMLC has protected over 1,600 acres through 28 projects, including the purchase of 604 acres valued at over $3 million.

Although still primarily a volunteer organization, the Conservancy has been able to leverage individual donations with state, federal and foundation grants to accomplish a number of land acquisitions.

The Conservancy has other noteworthy achievements. SMLC's first project was the acquisition of 40 acres in the City of Westland adjacent to the 500-acre William P. Holliday Forest and Wildlife Preserve. Using a state grant, the land was transferred to the County with deed restrictions, and this became Wayne County's first new park land acquisition in 30+ years.

SMLC also secured the first state purchase of development rights (PDR) grant in Washtenaw County to protect a 360-acre farm and helped to secure the only state PDR grant ever awarded to protect a natural forest.

In addition to land acquisitions, SMLC has been heavily involved in habitat restoration. At the LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve, the Conservancy has restored 60 acres of meadow habitat and has also restored a 10-acre wetland as part of a mitigation project for DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The wetland now hosts eight frog species and a variety of bird species, including nesting sora, pied billed grebes and marsh wrens.

The Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy actively works to protect land in southeast Michigan and encourages people to get out and enjoy our natural heritage.

Check out the Conservancy's web site at www.landconservancy.com to find out about a preserve near you. If you would like additional information about SMLC, please call (734) 997-0942 or e-mail questions to smlcaa@ameritech.net.