Michigan
Grosse Ile resident’s donation protects wildlife along Detroit River
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A wildlife habitat alongside the Detroit River is now completely protected after a donation from a Grosse Ile resident made potential the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy’s largest land buy in its 33-year historical past.
The 18.8-acre property on Meridian Street, between Bridge Street and Owen Road, consists of 7.9 acres of upland forest on Grosse Ile and 10.9 acres offshore, extending to the Detroit Riverfront, in response to a information launch from Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (GINLC). The nonprofit is the one non-public group on Grosse Ile approved to guard land by title or easements and works to preserve the neighborhood’s pure sources.
“Not solely does this parcel add to our present 176 hectares beneath administration, but it surely is among the largest remaining tracts of land out there for conservation on the island,” mentioned GINLC President Paul Gloor within the press launch. “This is a vital acquisition for Grosse Ile and will probably be eternally protected for all generations.”
The property was privately owned earlier than Grosse Ile resident and philanthropist Leo Stevenson made a donation to cowl the complete sale worth, the nonprofit mentioned. Stevenson, co-owner of Latitudes Restaurant in Wyandotte and normal supervisor of Wyandotte Merrill Lynch, approached the GINLC about preserving the property for “its ecological worth, scenic magnificence and important wildlife habitat.” Though the land is now owned by the nonprofit, it’s presently unclear whether or not will probably be open to the general public.
Following a overview by the GINLC Land Acquisition Committee, the property was bought in January 2026 for an undisclosed quantity.
“Conserving these forests for his or her magnificence, carbon seize and wildlife habitat is essential to me and my household,” Stevenson mentioned. “We’re extraordinarily blissful that we can provide again to our neighborhood on this method.”
The protect will probably be named Leo G. Stevenson Household Protect. It options mature upland forests, forested wetlands, wetlands, offshore islands and limestone banks close to the japanese fringe of the Detroit River navigation channel, GINLC mentioned within the launch. These habitats assist waterfowl, wading birds, mink, muskrats, turtles, amphibians and quite a lot of fish species. The limestone shoals additionally assist shield the close by South Hennepin Marsh, probably the most vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Michigan waters of the Detroit River.
The upland forest is residence to native timber corresponding to Crimson Oak, White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, Hackberry and Ironwood – some estimated to be greater than 200 years outdated, the nonprofit says – together with spring ephemeral wildflowers and numerous native plant communities.
Stevenson’s charitable work extends past Grosse Ile: supporting housing for Ukrainian ladies and youngsters displaced by struggle, constructing a faculty for younger ladies in Tanzania and offering scholarships to native college students at Michigan State College.
An indication will probably be positioned alongside Meridian Street this spring to acknowledge the Stevenson household’s contribution to preserving wildlife habitat.