The Academy Preserve

The Academy Preserve is a vision for a public land preserve within the City of Monroe which will contain over 120 acres of diverse habitat, farmland, and river frontage. Currently part of the IHM campus, the land would be managed for its natural values, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and public enjoyment. If it were located anywhere else, the preserve would still be an exceptional property, but located in the heart of an urbanized area, the Academy Preserve will give the opportunity for hundreds of children, seniors, and others to share and take part in the many outdoor activities that this natural area provides.

A partnership made up of the Friends of the Academy Preserve, the County of Monroe, the Community Foundation of Monroe County, and other local groups and citizens has been trying to make this vision a reality. It is estimated that it will take at least $3 million to permanently preserve this land and another $1 million to provide the necessary improvements and management to restore the site and make it fully accessible to the public.

In December 2008, the State of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board has 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 DTE Energy Foundation. Many other companies, foundations, and citizens have pledged contributions to achieve the vision of preserving this rare and valuable piece of property.

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 Vision

Our goal 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. This serene space would be a source of inspiration to the community, a haven to connect with nature. Through its various components, this land will provide an example of how humanity can reduce its footprint on the Earth.

Recreation
- Trails, bike paths and nature walks
- River access
- Accessibility to all
- Linkage to regional greenway network

Education
- Environmental education and interpretation
- Agricultural education
- Nature appreciation

Agriculture
- Community supported agriculture
- Locally produced food
- Urban agricultural demonstration plots

Photo by Robert Peven

The Goals

We will adopt sound educational programs and agricultural practices, provide quiet recreational uses, and seek out and adopt ecological practices which will enable us to provide sustainable operation and also reduce pollution of all kinds. We will share our successes with the public, and we intend to be an example for sustainable practices.

We have four main goals which we envision these being implemented over time. They are ecological, educational, agricultural and recreational in nature and are outlined below.

Photo by Robert Peven