Brandon Twp.-In July 2003, the Brandon Township Board and the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy announced plans to purchase 80 acres adjacent and south of Brandon High School.
The first step to purchase the property will begin this spring.
Lois Robbins, chairperson for the Brandon Preservation Committee along with others are currently seeking a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Fund to purchase the property. The grant application is due by April 1, 2004.
Robbins presented a proposal at the Jan. 12, 2004 Brandon School Board meeting to establish outdoor classrooms and living classrooms on the property.
In addition, due to the location of the property near the school, supporters of the preserve are requesting public access via school property.
‘The access issue will have to be discussed by the board,? said Bart Jenniches, Brandon school district superintendent.
‘We’ll have to take into consideration several issues and will decide by March,? said Jenniches.
The acreage is currently owned by the Casselman Family and includes a section of Kearsley Creek, dense forests and several acres of wetlands will be incorporated into walking trails, bird watching and wildlife viewing.
‘We support the project,? said Ron Lapp, Brandon township supervisor. ‘I’m very hopeful they can get a grant to buy this property. It would be a great asset for the community.?