Date: 8/30/25 7:43 am From: Jack Smiley <jackrsmiley...> Subject: [birders] (OT) Sibley Prairie
Sibley Prairie, of course, is also a wonderful birding site!
While the 440-acre property is not open to the public, we are seeking
people willing to take photographs of the prairie habitat at the Sibley
Prairie - West Prairie for use on our website.
West Prairie is currently owned by Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy:
We particularly need photos showing the prairie landscape, as well as
photos of flowering plants, insects, etc.
It looks like this weekend will be a great time for outdoor photography, so
any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.
Jack Smiley
*SALE OF SIBLEY PRAIRIE PUT ON HOLD*
In a dramatic turn of events, the planned auction of 440 acres at the heart
of Sibley Prairie has been halted. Fritz Enterprises, Inc. has granted the
Michigan Land Conservancy an option to purchase the property for $6
million. Working with a coalition of conservation partners, the Conservancy
is now racing to secure the funds needed to protect this irreplaceable
natural treasure for future generations.
Located in heavily-populated Wayne County, Sibley Prairie is the largest
and highest-quality lakeplain prairie remaining in the entire state. Once
prairies covered thousands of acres in Michigan, but this rare habitat has
been almost entirely lost. Sibley Prairie is the last of its kind and
harbors a number of threatened and endangered species. The property also
contains significant forest and wetland habitats that reduce flooding,
filter water, and provide essential refuge for wildlife.
Although the purchase option extends through next year, the coalition must
raise $1 million before the end of 2025 to keep the effort on track.
Fundraising is underway and a new website is being finalized. The website
can already accept online donations.
Every gift—large or small—will bring us closer to our goal to *Save Sibley
Prairie*! To learn more or make a donation, please visit:
*SaveSibleyPrairie.org*.
