Overview
- The acquisition of the 45-acre Grossman property by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) highlights a significant commitment to ecological preservation. This land, with its 3,700 feet of frontage along the Saline River, offers critical habitat protection and enhances biodiversity in the area, ensuring the preservation of local flora and fauna for future generations.
- Since its inception in 2000, NAPP has been instrumental in protecting over 12,500 acres of land across Washtenaw County. The Grossman property is the first nature preserve in Saline Township purchased with NAPP funds, demonstrating the program's pivotal role in conserving natural spaces and promoting sustainable land use.
- The Grossman property is strategically located adjacent to the Leslee Niethammer Saline River Preserve and near Salt Springs Park. This connectivity fosters a cohesive network of protected lands that not only safeguard the ecological integrity of the area but also enhance public access to nature through planned trails and walkways, encouraging outdoor recreation and environmental education.
- The proximity of the Grossman property to Salt Springs Park underscores the area's rich historical and environmental significance. The salt springs have been a natural draw for wildlife and human activity for thousands of years. Protecting this land ensures that its historical and ecological narratives are preserved and accessible to the community, providing a living classroom for environmental stewardship.
- The development of nature trails on the Grossman property, expected to open in spring 2025, will offer residents and visitors an immersive experience in the natural environment. These trails will serve as a platform for environmental education, promoting awareness and appreciation of local ecosystems, while also supporting sustainable recreational activities that align with conservation goals.
About Allison Krueger
Allison Krueger is the Stewardship Planner for Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. Her work utilizes current scientific research and sustainable practices to develop strategic plans, designs, and land management activities across a landscape portfolio with over 9000 acres.
She has a Bachelors of Science in Botany and a Masters of Landscape Architecture. Allison has been working in the field of ecological restoration for over 15 years, previously on projects with the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Before working in restoration, Allison worked in interior horticultural in Chicago and has been a member of the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority.
Transcription
David Fair: This is 89 one WEMU, and land preservation efforts in Washtenaw County continue to expand. And there's going to be environmental and recreational and educational benefits. I'm David Fair, and welcome to this week's edition of Issues of the Environment. The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission recently purchased 45 acres of land for preservation. Now, that includes about 3700 feet of frontage along the Saline River. The Grossman property is the first nature preserve in Saline Township to be purchased with funds from the county's Natural Areas Preservation program. Now, what is this going to mean for conservation efforts in the area? Well, we thought we'd ask someone who's been directly involved in the process and purchase. Allison Krueger is stewardship planner for the Parks and Recreation Commission. And thanks so much for the time today, Allison!
Allison Krueger: Thank you for having us on!
David Fair: These kinds of things don't just happen overnight. What was the process for identifying and then selecting the Grossman property for purchase?
Allison Krueger: Sure. So, we really appreciate...I have to first start with a shoutout to the family who had the foresight and the dedication to want to conserve their land, the Grossman family, and then also have the patience as we work through our internal process. This parcel was prioritized for acquisition because of the frontage along the Saline River. There are veteran forests, including floodplain forests, that are really important for water quality in the area. So, it was immediately recognized as an important asset. We then went out. And we have to give thanks to the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund for providing grant money to help support the acquisition of the property, which resulted in us being able to close in December of 2024.
David Fair: What was the total cost of buying the 35 acres--or 45 acres?
Allison Krueger: In total, it was $1.3 million.
David Fair: And you mentioned where some of the money came. From what sources, outside of that, was the money drawn?
Allison Krueger: The rest of the funds all came from the Natural Areas Preservation Program.
David Fair: We've talked about 45 acres of property. We've mentioned that it sits alongside the Saline River. Can you kind of paint us a word picture of the location and expanse of what is known as the Grossman property?
Allison Krueger: Oh sure! It's a really exciting property because I think people are going to be surprised by the experience of hiking through it. When you first enter the property, coming through, there's still some active farm fields. There's also some naturalized grasslands and wetlands. But then, as you get to the forest line, you reach kind of what I think is a dramatic and really fantastic natural resource, and that is an oak/hickory forest that starts up at a high slope and then you drop down into the floodplain that falls with the river.
David Fair: WEMU's Issues of the Environment conversation with Allison Krueger continues. Allison is a stewardship planner with the Washtenaw County Department of Parks and Recreation. Now the preservation of the Grossman property ensures this land will not be developed. What environmental and ecological factors were taken into consideration in not only selecting these 45 acres, but prioritizing it?
Allison Krueger: So, beyond just the natural resources present on the site, we also have been looking at the Natural Areas Preservation Program and how funds have been allocated across the county. The Natural Areas Preservation Program has been approved twice over to be in its 24th year of acquisition and natural areas preservation. Because of that, we can now look across the county and see what areas have more preservation and what areas are lacking in land preservation. And Saline Township was a notable lack. So, through community outreach and really the dedication of the Grossman family, this is the first acquisition in the area. And it has already led to other interests in and around the community.
David Fair: With this property located in proximity to Salt Springs Park, I would imagine there is the potential for historical preservation, as well as ecological and natural area preservation. And it could provide a number of educational endeavors in the area, right?
Allison Krueger: Yes! We are very excited about the proximity to the Salt Springs, given that this is truly a unique location in Washtenaw County. And we understand that there has been Paleo-Indian use in the area. There has been prehistoric mammal use of mastodons and such in the area. So, it's literally been a destination for millennia as an important resource. We see this as a great opportunity to give people a chance to see what this landscape looks like and then also connect and build a greenway system up and through the Saline River to connect to the city, Salt Springs, as well as to the Leslie Niethammer Preserve, which is just on the other side of the river.
David Fair: It'd be nice to see all those little archeologists exploring the area in hopes of finding something memorable, right?
Allison Krueger: Yes! And really, I use the term "veteran" for it, because we can't guarantee this has never been logged. But these are old trees, old landscapes, and the river is just now going to be more accessible to everyone.
David Fair: Here and throughout Washtenaw County, "connectivity" is a word we like to use of late. It's become a matter of growing importance. There are a good number of greenways and, of course, the Border-to Border trail to Washtenaw County. How is the Grossman property going to increase that community connectivity?
Allison Krueger: Well, it's really exciting to look along the Saline River right now. We see connectivity from the Niethammer Preserve onto the Grossman property leading into the downtown--really the city center of Saline. This is really the start of what could be a wonderful greenway that extends further south across the county.
David Fair: We're talking with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department stewardship planner Allison Krueger on 89 one WEMU's Issues of the Environment. Throughout our conversation, Allison, I have continually referred to the land purchase as the Grossman property. You've shouted out the family on a couple of different occasions. But obviously, there is a family history involved there. I'm interested in what brought the Grossmans not only to the idea of land preservation, but to ensuring that it was going to be used in a manner befitting how the family intended.
Allison Krueger: Well, I don't want to put words in their mouth, so I'll say, after working in acquisitions, I can truly see a conservation ethos in the Grossman family. And I think they were attracted to the Natural Areas Preservation Program, specifically, because our program conserves land without intense development. So, there aren't going to be soccer fields here. There will be a parking lot and trail system, but the use will be light. And I think that that was very important to the family.
David Fair: I'm curious as to whether there will be some sort of naming tribute or acknowledgment anywhere on the property.
Allison Krueger: Oh no! We have not gotten there yet!
David Fair: I get ahead of myself.
Allison Krueger: Thank you for the question. And we recognize that naming is going to be a pretty important next step for us. I'm actually bundled up right now ready to make a trip down to the property to start kind of brainstorming those ideas. But unfortunately, we're not there yet.
David Fair: Well, when will the various work projects get underway on the Grossman property? Are we going to start to see progress in 2025?
Allison Krueger: Oh yes! Definitely! We're actually looking to create a small drive, which will hold a small kind of a temporary parking lot through 2025. This will allow for an initial trail system and for some light public use. And then, we'll look to creating more of a formal parking lot and entryway probably in the next two years.
David Fair: Your title is "stewardship planner." And I imagine you love getting out and hiking the trails and finding the natural areas throughout Washtenaw County. What are you personally most looking forward to about this addition to land preservation?
Allison Krueger: I think people are going to be really drawn to the experience of the trails. I think they're going to be amazed with the overlook of the Saline River. And I think the story of the Salt Springs and the history--the long history--that existed around this and the other sites that are being preserved in the area just mean that this is the starting point for what could be really an exciting conservation effort by this community.
David Fair: Well, with absolutely no apologies for being nosy, are there similar land preservation purposes under consideration right now?
Allison Krueger: Yes. So, we have had interest from a few farming families that would be interested in maintaining agriculture on their land. That's important for conservation and also just for the community to maintain their kind of open space and rural qualities. So, we are very appreciative that the community seems to be taking an interest in this and reaching out with more nominations.
David Fair: Well, I'd like to thank you for taking time to talk with me today, Allison! I simply can't wait to see the vision become fully realized!
Allison Krueger: Well, I'll let you know when the trail system is set, so you can come out and join us for a walk!
David Fair: I would be glad to do that! That is Allison Krueger. She serves as stewardship planner for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. She's been our guest on Issues of the Environment. For more information on the purchase of and plans for the 45-acre Grossman property, head to our website at wemu.org. And we'll get you everywhere you need to go. Issues of the Environment is produced in partnership with the office of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. You hear it each Wednesday. I'm David Fair, and this is your community NPR station, 89 one WEMU FM, Ypsilanti. Celebrating 60 years of broadcasting from the campus of Eastern Michigan University!
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