Transforming Land Along the Saline River: How a Preservation Project Boosts Ecology, Education, and Outdoor Recreation

Overview

Washtenaw County just made a big step in protecting nature. They acquired 45 acres of the Grossman property. This land is important because it borders the Saline River and provides habitat for many plants and animals. It’s a great example of how to keep local ecosystems healthy.

Since 2000, the Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) has helped protect over 12,500 acres around the county. The Grossman property is the first nature preserve in Saline Township funded by NAPP. This purchase shows the program’s commitment to keeping natural spaces safe and promoting smart land use.

The Grossman property is located near the Leslee Niethammer Saline River Preserve and Salt Springs Park. This connection creates a network of protected lands, making it easier for people to access and enjoy nature. Walkways and trails are planned, allowing folks to explore the outdoors while learning about the environment.

Historically, the salt springs have attracted both people and wildlife for thousands of years. By protecting this land, we ensure that its rich history is preserved, giving future generations a chance to learn from it. It creates a living classroom for everyone to enjoy.

Come spring 2025, the Grossman property will have nature trails ready for hikers. These trails will not only let visitors enjoy the beauty of the area but will also teach about local ecosystems and support activities that align with conservation efforts.

About Allison Krueger

Allison Krueger is the Stewardship Planner at Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. With a degree in Botany and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, she has spent over 15 years in ecological restoration. She aims to integrate scientific research with sustainable practices to manage over 9,000 acres of land.

Before her current role, Allison worked on projects at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Her experience also includes working in horticulture in Chicago and with the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority.

Interview Highlights

David Fair: Welcome to this week’s Issues of the Environment. Recently, Washtenaw County’s Parks and Recreation Commission purchased 45 acres of land for preservation. This includes 3,700 feet of frontage along the Saline River. I’ve got Allison Krueger with me to talk about what this means for conservation. Thanks for joining us, Allison!

Allison Krueger: Thank you for having me!

David Fair: How did you choose the Grossman property for this purchase?

Allison Krueger: We want to give credit to the Grossman family. They are dedicated to conserving their land, which allowed us to acquire it. This property provides vital access to the Saline River and has important forest areas that help keep our water clean. Thanks to funding from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund, we closed the deal in December 2024.

David Fair: What was the total cost of this acquisition?

Allison Krueger: It cost $1.3 million in total.

David Fair: What makes the Grossman property special?

Allison Krueger: This land has a bit of everything. You’ll find farm fields, wetlands, and natural grasslands. When you walk further, you enter a beautiful oak and hickory forest. As you descend, it opens up into the floodplain by the river.

David Fair: Why was it essential to prioritize this land for preservation?

Allison Krueger: We looked at the county’s preservation needs. Saline Township had limited protected areas, which made this acquisition a priority. With the help of the Grossman family, we are now setting an example for others in the community who are interested in land preservation.

David Fair: This land also has historical importance, right?

Allison Krueger: Yes! This site has a rich history, including evidence of early human activities. It has attracted animals for millennia, and we hope this will inspire interest in both nature and history.

David Fair: Will there be plans for educational programs or trails on the property?

Allison Krueger: Absolutely! Starting in 2025, we will create trails that will allow people to enjoy the beauty of the land and learn about the local environment. We hope this encourages outdoor exploration and community engagement.

David Fair: Can we expect similar preservation efforts in the future?

Allison Krueger: Yes! We’re hearing from farming families interested in preserving their land, which contributes to maintaining open spaces in our community.

David Fair: Thank you for chatting today, Allison! I’m excited to see how this conservation effort unfolds!

Allison Krueger: Thank you! I’ll let you know when the trails are ready for everyone!