MISSION STATEMENT
Legacy’s mission is to secure for current and future generations a land base for nature, agriculture, fresh water and recreation in Washtenaw, Jackson, and Lenawee Counties and beyond.

LEGACY HISTORY
Founded in 1971 as Michigan’s first local land trust, Legacy is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with individuals, landowners, organizations, and local government to protect forests, prairies, farms, wetlands, and waters. Legacy enjoys a 50-year record of protecting the beautiful places and unique character of southern Michigan.

In 1971, faced with growing concerns about the potential for development of land along the Huron River, a group of Ann Arbor leaders banded together as the Washtenaw Land Conservancy to acquire land along the river and keep it in public trust. In 1989, the Potawatomi Land Trust was formed to focus on the protection of farmland. In 1999, Washtenaw Land Conservancy and Potawatomi Land Trust merged to form Washtenaw Land Trust. In 2008, the Land Trust took steps to formally extend its service area throughout Jackson County. This action was a response to increased landowner interest, and represented a recognition that Jackson County possesses some of the world’s rarest natural areas, worthy of a concentrated land-protection effort. The organization acted to reflect this new reality by changing its name to Legacy Land Conservancy. Shortly thereafter, Legacy became one of the first accredited land trusts in the nation. This accreditation is a testament to nearly 50 years of voluntary conservation, supported by our extended community, and adhering to a set of standards designed to help guarantee that our work will endure forever. In late 2014, Legacy was reaccredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Legacy has led successful initiatives to secure funding to protect over 9,000 acres of conserved lands that provide safe drinking water, places to play, and vibrant local farms in Washtenaw and Jackson Counties. Landowners who want to protect the natural qualities of their land by restricting development, and who want to continue to own their land, can enter into a conservation agreement with Legacy. Legacy becomes a partner to help watch over the land, ensuring conservation, no matter who owns it. Conservation agreements are tailored to each landowner and property, incorporating the landowner’s needs and desires while giving significant protection to important natural features. Restrictions of the easement apply to the current and all future owners of the land. Landowners accept the responsibility to follow the terms of the conservation agreement, while Legacy accepts the responsibility of overseeing the terms of the agreement, now and through all generations of future landowners. Legacy has also conserved natural corridors to support public recreation, protect wildlife habitat, and ensure clean water, creating seven public nature preserves that showcase the region’s common habitats throughout critical Great Lakes watersheds.

Legacy Land Conservancy is a member of the Land Trust Alliance and Heart of the Lakes.