GET INVOLVED
Wayne County Conservation District plays a vital role in preserving the unique wetland areas of Wayne County, which are crucial for flood prevention, water quality enhancement and maintaining biodiversity. By protecting these wetlands, we help ensure a healthier, more resilient environment for future generations. Your involvement can make a difference—whether through volunteer opportunities, donations, or spreading awareness about the importance of these ecosystems. To learn more about our ongoing efforts and the impactful work we've done to safeguard these essential wetlands, visit our "About Us" page. Together, we can protect the natural beauty and vital resources of Wayne County.
TAKE ACTION
Wayne County Conservation District is dedicated to preserving the wetlands of Wayne County, which are essential for flood prevention, water quality, and biodiversity. Your voice can help protect these vital ecosystems. Get involved by signing petitions and writing letters to local and regional leaders in support of our efforts to safeguard these natural areas for future generations.
Save the Sibley Prairie – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Sibley Prairie, located in Brownstown Township, Wayne County, is Michigan’s largest and highest-quality lakeplain prairie remnant—and it is at risk of being lost forever. The 440-acre heart of this rare ecosystem is up for auction, with bidding set to close on August 27. This may be our last chance to save it.
Why It Matters
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Exceptional Size and Quality: At 440 acres, this is one of the largest remaining natural properties in southeast Michigan, with a rich mix of prairie, forest, and wetland.
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Top Conservation Priority: This land lies within the Brownstown Prairie State Wildlife Area—the only State Wildlife Area in Wayne County—and has long been a DNR conservation goal.
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Public Access and Recreation: Protecting this land would expand the Wildlife Area to nearly 500 acres, offering more opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation in metro Detroit.
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Ecological Significance: Recognized by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory as the highest-quality lakeplain prairie remnant in the state, Sibley Prairie supports 15 rare plant species and the state-threatened Duke’s skipper butterfly.
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Climate and Water Protection: This land acts as vital green infrastructure, helping to mitigate climate change, reduce flood risk, and protect water quality.
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Equity and Access: Safeguarding this site aligns with the DNR’s goals to expand public land and outdoor access near population centers—critically important in Wayne County, Michigan’s most populous.
What you can do
Several conservation partners are ready to support stewardship or ownership, but first, we must secure the land. If sold to developers, this unique natural treasure could be lost forever.
1) Send a letter to lawmakers and DNR officials to express your support for the preservation of this land
2) Conservation partners are currently exploring options for the purchase of this land. Check back soon to see how you can be involved in funding this campaign.
Here is a sample letter written by long time
Send a letter to protect our wetlands!
Van Born Investments, LLC is seeking permits to destroy rare wetlands and disrupt the habitat of endangered species to build a concrete crushing plant at 37270 Van Born Rd in Wayne.
Wetland loss increases flooding throughout our region, threatens wildlife and biodiversity and impacts the Lower Rouge River. Residents and advocates are urging EGLE to deny the permit and push for relocation to a brownfield site—not a residential neighborhood.
Send a letter today and help protect our communities and ecosystems:
Check back soon for latest petitions and letters, or contact us to be added to our newsletter list to be the first to learn about WWCD happenings
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DONATE
Help Preserve Our Natural Areas for Future Generations
In a world of rapid urbanization, natural spaces like wetlands and forests are increasingly threatened by development, making our communities more vulnerable to flooding, pollution, and biodiversity loss. At Wayne County Conservation District, we are dedicated to preserving these vital ecosystems, especially in urban areas.
Your donation helps protect wetlands that prevent flooding, improve water quality, and provide wildlife habitats. By supporting our work, you ensure future generations can enjoy these vital resources.
Join us in preserving Wayne County's natural heritage. Every contribution makes a difference in keeping our natural areas thriving for years to come.
Donate today and be a part of preserving the world we’ll leave behind.
ATTEND
Support Our Partners and Attend Their Events!
At Wayne County Conservation District, we collaborate with dedicated partners to protect biodiversity, improve water quality, mitigate flooding, and restore natural areas. These organizations play a key role in preserving vital ecosystems for our community.
Get involved by attending events hosted by our partners! From tree planting and wetland restoration to educational workshops, there’s something for everyone who cares about our environment.
Visit our events page for a list of upcoming activities and join us in supporting these important efforts. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
