Our vision for this beautiful property is a permanent natural, green space. We envision the preservation and enhancement of the natural ecology as well as environmentally friendly agricultural areas, education for sustainable living, and passive recreation.
In early September 2006, a small determined group of neighbors along with the Monroe County Land Conservancy began the process to preserve the beautiful open land and forest behind St. Mary’s Academy.
In December 2008, the State of Michigan’s Natural Resources Trust Fund Board awarded the project a grant worth about $2.2 million to cover 75% of the purchase of the property. The Friends of the Academy Preserve are raising the required match which is approximately $700,000. Generous donations have been received including a $200,000 challenge grant from the DTE Energy Foundation. Many other companies, foundations, and citizens have pledged contributions to achieve the vision of preserving this rare and valuable piece of land.
This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve a large tract of land in the center of an urban area. Please consider supporting it in any way you can.
The four main goals for the preservation and management of The Academy Preserve are outlined below:
Conservation
• Preservation of natural areas
• Protection of wildlife habitat
• Control of invasive non-native plant species
Education
• Agricultural education
• Nature appreciation
Recreation
• Trails, bike paths, and nature walks
• River access
• Accessibility to all
• Linkage to regional greenway network
Agriculture
• Community supported agriculture
• Locally produced food
• Urban agricultural demonstration plots
The Vision for The Academy Preserve
a place of peace and tranquility
a jewel to be preserved for generations to come
a refuge to experience nature’s beauty
a model for sustainable open space preservation in an urban setting
Project Partners
