Legacy Land Conservancy is proud to announce the grand opening of Iron Creek Preserve, a 79-acre publicly-accessible greenspace in Manchester Township, on June 28.
The Preserve, made possible through the generosity of landowners Sybil Kolon and Maan Abdulbaki who donated their land to Legacy in 2024, features diverse ecosystems including mature oak-hickory forest and pockets of wetlands, including the more unique remnant prairie fen. It also includes over 1,000 feet of waterfront on Iron Creek—a tributary of the River Raisin.
Thanks to more than a year of intensive stewardship, infrastructure work, and 270-plus volunteer hours, Iron Creek is now ready for visitors. Efforts included invasive species removal across 64 acres, extensive trail expansion and improvement, and the construction of a pedestrian bridge and new parking lot, funded in part by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund.
“I’m proud of our team and everyone who has worked so hard to make sure Iron Creek is a welcoming and safe space for the community,” Legacy Land Conservancy Preserve Stewardship Manager Kyler Moran said. “For over a year, we’ve poured our heart and soul into preparing the site, and we can’t wait to share this unique and beautiful preserve with everyone.”
Visitors can explore the newly widened one-mile trail system winding along wetlands and wildflower fields, under lush, towering oak and hickory trees, and over rolling hills where wildlife hide within the forest. Hike highlights include the fen, a globally rare wetland ecosystem, which is home to wildflowers that color the Preserve throughout the spring and summer, and a variety of pollinators like Long Dash and Eyed Brown butterflies who depend on its sedges and grasses. The forest trail to the north allows visitors to view nearby wetlands from a hill top scenic vista.
Legacy invites the public to celebrate this milestone on Saturday, June 28, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Iron Creek Preserve located at 11703 Noggles Rd, Manchester, MI 48158. The Grand Opening Celebration will include guided hikes, light refreshments, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We’re thrilled the opening of Iron Creek Preserve is finally here,” Legacy Land Conservancy Executive Director Diana Kern said. “It feels wonderful to provide a place for people to connect with nature, explore rare habitats, and experience the lasting impact of land protection.”
Visitors are welcome to explore Iron Creek daily from dawn to dusk beginning June 28. Anyone interested in attending the Celebration should RSVP by Monday, June 23. An RSVP link is available on our website at https://legacylandconservancy.org/event/iron-creek-preserve-grand-opening-celebration/
About Legacy Land Conservancy: Founded in 1971 as Michigan’s first local land trust, Legacy is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects land in southern Michigan. Legacy’s mission is to safeguard Michigan’s land and water to support diverse, resilient, and thriving communities–forever. Legacy has helped to protect more than 11,000 acres of land, including eight nature preserves open for all to enjoy. In a testament to over 50 years of successful voluntary conservation, Legacy is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission for adhering to a set of standards designed to ensure the organization’s work will endure forever. Legacy is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, visit www.legacylandconservancy.org.
