Legacy Land Conservancy

Land preservation is important to the agricultural community in Washtenaw County. It’s also a part of the strategy to get Ann Arbor and the county to its carbon neutrality goals. One man has spent about 30 years on local land preservation. Barry Lonik has been a part of 100 projects preserving more than 10,000 acres of land that might otherwise have been developed. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Barry about his three-decade journey and about the impact he still wants to make.

Land preservation efforts in the greater Washtenaw County area are about to expand. In 2024, The Legacy Land Conservancy received its largest-ever grant. It’s a $24.6 million infusion of money from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. WEMU's David Fair was joined by the Conservancy’s Susan LaCroix to discuss the impact that will have in 2025 and beyond in a New Year’s Day edition of "Issues of the Environment."

Did you know there are less than two dozen Black farmers in Washtenaw County? It is another example of inequity, often caused by lack of access. The Legacy Land Conservancy is working to increase access and address issues of agricultural equity, while continuing its work to increase land preservation throughout the region. Conservancy development associate, Krista Jacob, joined WEMU's David Fair to fill in the details.

Another 90 acres of land on the west side of Washtenaw County has been permanently preserved from development. The properties involved will help sustain and improve the environment in the Manchester area of the River Raisin Watershed. More preservation efforts are underway and expected to be completed by the end of the year. WEMU's David Fair discusses the efforts further with Diana Kern, the executive director of the Legacy Land Conservancy.

Washtenaw County is chock-full of non-native, invasive, plant species. In many cases, they pose a threat to native species and the health of the habitat that supports our wildlife and pollinators. There are also human implications. WEMU's David Fair discussed the progress being made toward local habitat restoration and expanding efforts to reintroduce native plant species with Doug Reith from the Washtenaw County Conservation District.

Michigan has a new state park, and it's mostly in Washtenaw County. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks to Douglas Koop,…

Legacy Land Conservancy is ensuring parts of York Township remain green for future generations.The non-profit organization has signed an agreement with…