MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Land Preservation program started in 2000 and is continuing to try and improve parts of Meridian Township. One of the latest projects is the Foster-Davis farm land

The Foster-Davis Land Preserve is getting a makeover this fall that will make the area a more natural place for visitors. However, those visitors are not always people.
When the Township acquired the land, they planted prairie grass in the hopes of creating a Savannah habitat.

"We were really happy to learn, two years ago, that as a result of our efforts these special little birds, the Henslow Sparrows showed up and made it their home. That was two years ago an this year even more Henslow Sparrows showed up and nested there," said Jane Greenway, Meridian Township Parks and Land Management Coordinator.

People have come far and wide to see the threatened birds who are struggling from a lack of habitats. Towards the end of August, a majority of the birds have flown south, giving the Township time to enhance the land without disturbing the species.

"When the Township acquired the Davis-Foster Land Preserve they also, came with it, two barns and two houses," said Greenway.

According to the Land Preservation Ordinance in Meridian Township, if a building is not being used for land preservation purposes, it has to be demolished.

The structures are abandoned and slowly deteriorating. It cost too much to maintain by the Township, especially if they are not being utilized. The demolition will take place this fall and the land will be ready to greet the sparrows next year.