Coalition to save Sibley Prairie gains option to purchase, must raise $6 million

The planned auction of 440 acres at the heart of Sibley Prairie has been halted. Fritz Enterprises, Inc. has granted the Michigan Land Conservancy an option to purchase the property for $6 million. Working with a coalition of local conservation partners, the Conservancy is now racing to secure the funds needed to protect this irreplaceable natural treasure for future generations.

Located in heavily-populated Wayne County, Sibley Prairie is the largest and highest-quality lakeplain prairie remaining in the entire state. Once prairies covered thousands of acres in Michigan, but this rare habitat has been almost entirely lost. Sibley Prairie is the last of its kind and harbors a number of threatened and endangered species. The property also contains significant forest and wetland habitats that reduce flooding, filter water, and provide essential refuge for wildlife. Donations, both large and small, are being accepted now at SaveSibleyPrairie.org.

Explore the Oak Openings Region of NW Ohio and SE Michigan with this Wild Ones presentation

Jon and Susan Cross are passionate, knowledgeable advocates for restoring the rare habitat where they live—the Oak Openings region, located in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. They have successfully restored their own 20 acres of rare woodland, sand barren, and wet prairie to provide a home for rare and state-listed species. Their experience models how private citizens are critical participants in the stewardship of healthy environments.

View a recording on YouTube of the presentation they recently gave to Ann Arbor Area Wild Ones (A3WO), and visit their website at http://www.zenvironment.net.

Ann Arbor Farm & Garden's April 11, 2026 public meeting will focus on oak savannas -- watch for details!