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 protect it.
Our best hope lies with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) agreeing to accept title or hold a conservation easement. This would make the project eligible for funding through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and other sources.
Why it is Important
Exceptional Size and Quality
At 440 acres, the parcel up for auction is one of the largest remaining natural properties in southeast Michigan, with a rich mosaic of forest, wetland, and prairie.
Top conservation priority
This is currently the most important property in southeast Michigan needing protection. This private land lies within the boundaries of the Brownstown Prairie State Wildlife Area—the only State Wildlife Area in Wayne County—and its protection has been a longstanding DNR goal.
Public Access and Recreation
Acquisition would grow the Wildlife Area to nearly 500 acres, expanding opportunities for hunting, birdwatching, and nature study for metro Detroit residents.
Ecological Significance
Identified by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory as the highest-quality lakeplain prairie remnant in the state (of 53 surveyed), it boasts a Floristic Quality Index of 69.95 and supports 15 threatened or special concern plant species, and the state-threatened Duke’s skipper butterfly.
Climate Resilience and Water Protection
Preserving this natural land will serve as green infrastructure we desperately need. It will help mitigate the effects of climate change, protect water quality, and reduce flood risks, a growing concern in southeast Michigan.
Equity and Access
Protecting this site would advance the DNR’s Public Land Strategy goals of acquiring land near population centers and expanding outdoor recreation where people live and work—and nowhere is that need greater than in Wayne County, Michigan’s most populous county. Goals are important, but action matters more. This is a one-time opportunity to deliver lasting public benefit where it’s needed most.
Several conservation partners are ready to help with stewardship or ownership. But first, we must secure the land. If sold to developers, it will be gone forever.
Help protect this irreplaceable natural treasure—for healthy communities, for wildlife, and for current and future generations.
Take Action
Write a letter using Action Network
We urge you to contact Governor Whitmer, DNR Director Scott Bowen, and other decision-makers to urge their support.